Dove, Pigeon, Perdiz, Duck
The Shooting
Uruguay offers one of the best destinations for the traveling wing shooter for high volume decoying Pigeon and pass shooting for Dove as well as Perdiz hunting over pointing dogs anywhere in the world today. The cultivation of soybean, corn, sorghum and other grain crops over the last 100 years in the Sierra de las Minas hill country of Southern Uruguay have led to explosive growth in the populations of the big spot-winged & picazuro pigeons and dove populations that are indigenous to Uruguay. These grain crops have increased the populations of the common Perdiz (spotted Timamou) of southern Uruguay as well. Combine this unusual combination of large populations of these game birds and the recent building of one of the most luxurious lodges in South American a short 45 minute drive from Montevideo and you have possibly the greatest combination of luxury accommodations and awesome upland bird hunting destinations in the world today.
The Shooting - May to August
The Punta Del Este area of southern Uruguay is home to over a million of the large picazuro pigeons as well as large numbers of eared dove and common Perdiz, providing the ultimate high volume pigeon & dove hunting over grain fields and Perdiz hunting behind pointing dogs. All hunts are conducted within a 15 – 40 minute drive of the lodge.
Pigeons are hunted from blinds overlooking carasaule type rotating decoy spread used in Europe, is an experience you will not forget. These wary birds are big, quick fliers that will dart into the decoy spread creating some very challenging shooting showing up in large flocks when the grain begins to ripen in April when shooting is conducted in and around the numerous grain fields close to the lodge. Hunters are allocated 250 rounds per person for an exciting half day hunt.
Eared dove are hunted from blinds overlooking grain fields or on flyways between grain fields and roosts. The South American eared dove is about the size of our white winged dove and flies with great speed and agility. This is the epitome of “high volume” bird shooting as these prolific dove fly all day long enabling the shooters to abuse their shoulders as much as they wish! There are no limits to the number of birds you can shoot in a ½ days hunt as the dove are considered pests and crop depredators, the more you shoot the happier the farmers are!
Perdiz hunting behind well trained pointing dogs in ankle deep cover in big fields is an exciting game for the upland bird hunter. The quail sized common Perdiz exist in good numbers in Southern Uruguay hold well and are usually flushed as singles, unlike our quail here in the US. Hunters are treated to generous limits of 10 birds per half day hunt.
Duck hunting is available to our guests if desired during their stay at the lodge. Duck numbers are not as numerous as in they are at our lodges north and west of Buenos Aires, but shooting from blinds on pot holes in our area can provide a morning of good shooting for Rosey Billed Pouchards and a number of other species of ducks.
Pigeons are hunted from blinds overlooking carasaule type rotating decoy spread used in Europe, is an experience you will not forget. These wary birds are big, quick fliers that will dart into the decoy spread creating some very challenging shooting showing up in large flocks when the grain begins to ripen in April when shooting is conducted in and around the numerous grain fields close to the lodge. Hunters are allocated 250 rounds per person for an exciting half day hunt.
Eared dove are hunted from blinds overlooking grain fields or on flyways between grain fields and roosts. The South American eared dove is about the size of our white winged dove and flies with great speed and agility. This is the epitome of “high volume” bird shooting as these prolific dove fly all day long enabling the shooters to abuse their shoulders as much as they wish! There are no limits to the number of birds you can shoot in a ½ days hunt as the dove are considered pests and crop depredators, the more you shoot the happier the farmers are!
Perdiz hunting behind well trained pointing dogs in ankle deep cover in big fields is an exciting game for the upland bird hunter. The quail sized common Perdiz exist in good numbers in Southern Uruguay hold well and are usually flushed as singles, unlike our quail here in the US. Hunters are treated to generous limits of 10 birds per half day hunt.
Duck hunting is available to our guests if desired during their stay at the lodge. Duck numbers are not as numerous as in they are at our lodges north and west of Buenos Aires, but shooting from blinds on pot holes in our area can provide a morning of good shooting for Rosey Billed Pouchards and a number of other species of ducks.
The Shooting - November to April
With the large populations of pigeons and dove in the rolling pasture and farm land around the lodge hunters can enjoy good pass shooting from November thru April for these birds. You can also enjoy several vineyards, an olive oil producing estancia, historic Montevideo and Punta del Este (referred to as the “Riviera of the South"), and a trip to the awesome lodge La Bellaca. This can be a great way to enjoy Southern Uruguay during South America's spring and summer.
Accommodations
Located on a 2,000 acre private country estate only an hour’s drive from the Montevideo International Airport, and only 45 minutes from exotic Punta del Este, La Bellaca, built in 2012, is one of the best if not the most luxurious Estancias in South America. Luis and Carrol Brown bought old stone farm houses and barns for nearly 20 years to accumulate the native stone to build this incredible 8 bedroom country mansion. The level of personal service here is “white glove.” Decorated and landscaped by renown designer Carlo Raquet, this is an estancia you must experience to appreciate. La Bellaca is complete with a pool, large outdoor patio overlooking the huge manicured flower garden with a gentle stream running thru it. Our on-site chef will impress you with inventive Uruguayan dishes, exotic pastas, South American Beef Asados and wild game.
Non Shooting Activities
This area of southern Uruguay offers many interesting diversions for the shooter & the nonshooter. There are 3 wineries offering tours and wine tasting within an hour’s drive of Estancia La Bellaca, as well as a designer olive oil pressing destination. World renown Punta del Este, termed the “Riviera of the South” with its great beaches, sophisticated restaurants, spas, upscale shops, casinos and colorful nightlife is 45 minutes south of the Estancia. There are cathedrals, the Buddhist temple Richard Gehr visits, golf courses, horseback riding & visiting sea lion colonies available as well. Montevideo itself is a historic city offering historical tours, museums, and a number of good restaurants offering unique gastronomic delights. Contact us for more info on these opportunities.
The Trip
Our English speaking staff will met you upon your arrival in Montevideo, Uruguay the first morning of your trip and you will be transported to Estancia La Bellaca by van, a 45 minute trip. American Airlines offers daily non-stop flights between Miami and Montevideo’s Carrasco International airport, the most convenient way to get there from the US. Mixed bag hunt itinerary for our standard 4 day hunt available between early May & the middle of August is:
Day 1 |
Upon arrival at the Montevideo airport, you will be greeted by one of our English speaking staff and transported to Estancia La Bellaca, approximately a 45 minute drive. You will get settled in, have lunch and enjoy an afternoon of high volume dove hunting, followed by cocktails and a gourmet dinner at the Estancia. |
Day 2 - 4 |
Enjoy morning and afternoon shooting alternating between high volume shooting over decoys, Perdiz behind pointing dogs, and high volume dove. You may shoot only one game species per session. Hunting grounds are a 10 to 40 minute drive from the Estancia. You will return to the Estancia for lunch and then for cocktails & dinner in the evenings. |
Day 5 |
You will enjoy a morning shoot for one species of birds, returning to the Estancia for lunch. You will then be transported to the Montevideo International for the trip home in the evening. |
TRIP AVAILABILITY & COSTS
Trips Originating in Montevideo, Uruguay
5 day 4 night mixed bag hunt (Available May – August) |
$5,160.00/person |
5 day 4 night pigeon & dove hunt (Available November – April) |
$3,200.00/person |
Trip Price Includes:
Not Included In The Trip Price:
A deposit of $1,500/person confirms your trip reservation. Deposits & balances are non-refundable unless client can find a replacement.
Game Bird Limits
Perdiz - 10 birds/half day
Dove - no limit
Pigeon - no limit
- 4 full days of hunting
- All meals at Estancia including wine, beer & liquor
- Guides and dogs if necessary for the hunts
- All ground transportation required by itinerary
- Single occupancy for up to 8 guest or double occupancy for up to 12 guests.
Not Included In The Trip Price:
- Hunting licenses & permits for Uruguay ($250)
- Gun entrance into Uruguay should you bring your own gun (~$110/gun)
- Shotgun shells @ $16/box for 12 & 20 gauges; $20/box for other gauges
- Gun rentals @ $60/day if you wish to rent the use of shot guns.
- Gratuities, $60/day suggested.
- phone calls, laundry, meals traveling to and from airport, and items of a personal nature.
- early/late arrival/departure will pay $600 for an additional car & driver; cost will increase $50 for each additional hunter.
A deposit of $1,500/person confirms your trip reservation. Deposits & balances are non-refundable unless client can find a replacement.
Game Bird Limits
Perdiz - 10 birds/half day
Dove - no limit
Pigeon - no limit