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Post by exoticimports on Apr 17, 2014 5:39:42 GMT -8
It's been 10 years since I collected in Pena Blanca. I'd like to take the family (including young kids) there this summer to camp and use lights for the big moth rush.
However, I've heard stories about armed Mexican bad guys and other such dangers.
Is Pena Blanca now too dangerous for families? How about any other local areas? Thanks!
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Post by Chris Grinter on Apr 17, 2014 18:09:33 GMT -8
I don't think it's too dangerous. The main campground is safe but popular (unless its the peak of the heat than its usually pretty empty). I have seen groups of 20-30 illegals walk through Pena Blanca canyon which is further west on Ruby Road (and the main collecting area). But they were also families. I've heard stories of the smugglers but they stay far away from high-traffic areas like Pena Blanca. Sycamore canyon would be ok probably but I've heard a lot of stories about cal gulch.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 17, 2014 19:10:25 GMT -8
I have been there the last two years without any problems. I was moth'n with my buddy Eric and we were both 'packn'. While I don't consider it real dangerous, I would not personally take my own kids there to camp. Maybe a night outing until early morning and then back to a hotel might be more comfortable nervous-wise with a bunch of little kids. I don't want to put a damper on what should be (under normal circumstances) a great outing, I just have toss my fatherly thoughts about your question. Also, the Boarder Patrol Station that used to be so close on Ruby Rd. a few miles down has been dismantled as of last year. Had they still been there, I might be inclined to rethink my take on this.
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evra
Full Member
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Post by evra on Apr 19, 2014 22:29:05 GMT -8
I think most of the drug smuggling goes on west of the Tucson area on the Tohono O'odham reservation. Even if it were legal to collect on the res, which it isn't, I wouldn't overnight there under any circumstances. Elsewhere I don't think it is nearly as big of a problem. I'm actually more worried about my car breaking down or getting stuck in a flash flood. There's high border patrol presence in that area especially.
By the way, the whole Pena Blanca area is a lot different than it used to be. They drained the lake due to mercury contamination back around 2010 and refilled it. Then a fire went through the area in the spring of 2011 and pretty badly scorched the oaks near the lake, but mostly spared the canyon. Then after the fire they've bulldozed a road up the canyon a lot farther than it used to be. It's much more open. I actually haven't collected there since the fire, not because I think it would be bad, but I just found spots that I think are better collecting.
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w1
Full Member
Have had a great start to my season
Posts: 123
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Post by w1 on Apr 20, 2014 15:53:52 GMT -8
Fairly safe. Plenty of border patrol. There is a nice cliff jumping spot if you hike out Sycamore Canyon plus the chance of seeing the elusive Vine Snake. Went with the family last year there were no issues.
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