Los Crestones Lodge | Mixed Birds | Argentina

There is no set itinerary and the below is only for a guide purpose, you can have as many or as little number of days shooting as you wish. We also have daily flights departing from the UK with British Airways, therefore should you wish to either extend your stay with additional days at the beginning or end in Buenos Aires, or add on some fantastic fishing, the itinerary below can be tailored to suit.

DAY 1:

Depart UK (alternative routes available)

DAY 2:

Arrive Buenos Aires International Airport. (Flights from the UK normally arrive around 9 AM)

After you have picked up your luggage and cleared customs, walk out of the terminal building where a Sportquest Holidays representative will be waiting to transfer you to Los Crestones Lodge. (Transfer time 2.2 hours)

Spend the rest of the time relaxing after the long journey. Note: subject to you arriving to the lodge in time, there is the possibility of a first evening shoot. Afternoon hunts at Los Crestones can include walk-up perdiz shooting with a kennel of German shorthairs, English pointers, vizsla and Brittany spaniels. On other afternoons, guests might opt for more duck hunting or pigeons over decoys or passing doves.

Overnight Accommodation: Los Crestones Lodge (Twin rooms) F/B

DAYS 3 to 6: Shooting Days.

After a hearty breakfast, shoot ducks over decoys in nearby ponds, lakes and slews. While we suggest the use of waders, you will be shooting from dry sunken “bucket” blinds, pit blinds or platform-pallet blinds. Accordingly, each pair of shooters will be accompanied by a guide with an experienced retriever at his side. Following the morning flights, you will generally return to the estancia for an Argentine-style lunch and a well deserved siesta. Afternoon hunts at Los Crestones can include walk-up perdiz shooting with a kennel of German shorthairs, English pointers, vizsla and Brittany spaniels. On other afternoons, guests might opt for more duck hunting or, pigeons over decoys or passing doves.

Overnight Accommodation: Los Crestones Lodge (Twin rooms) F/B

DAY 7:

In the morning our staff will transport you back to Buenos Aires (Transfer time 2.2 hours)

Depart Buenos Aires International Airport (Flights normally depart to the UK around 2 PM)

DAY 8:

Arrive UK

Where is the lodge?

Los Crestones is located in Castelli in the province of Buenos Aires, on the banks of the Salado river just over 2 hours from the Airport.

Where do they shoot?

The hunting fields are in the surrounding hunting areas of Los Crestones where you will be shooting the ponds and lagoons, the open fields and flight lines over the agricultural land.

What quarry will I shoot?

 You will be shooting Non-Migratory Eared Doves, Perdiz and Duck and Pigeon depending on what you are interested in and the seasons.

What will the bag be?

For Duck, you will be allowed to shoot 35 birds per gun per day and is based on the outfitter and local regulations. Please note that through years of experience we find this system to strike the best balance between action and conservation.

Decoyed Pigeon will be limited to 25-45 birds per hunt per person.

Perdiz will be limited to 7 per gun per day.

Dove shooting there is no limit but during low volume expect to shoot 10-15 boxes of shells in the afternoon per person.

How does the day work?

Most mornings you will be hunting Ducks over decoys in nearby ponds. You will gear up and depart the lodge in the dark following a hearty breakfast. You will be guided to your blinds where they will stay with you to retrieve fallen birds. They will also call the Ducks into the decoys for you as well as spot them. This will be followed by lunch before you head out for your afternoon of shooting (shooting agendas vary) as you may shoot Perdiz one afternoon and Dove or Pigeon the next.

For standard programmes based on 4 nights and 8 hunts which means hunters will get 4 mornings and 4 afternoon hunts which will normally include 3 morning Duck hunts, 1 morning Perdiz hunt, 1 afternoon Duck hunt and 2 afternoon Dove hunts.

Do the guides speak English?

All the guides and lodge staff speak very good English

Who is best suited to this destination?

A keen and well-seasoned wing shooter would appreciate this destination due to the opportunity for a selection of challenging birds. However, at the same time it would be an ideal place for the beginner and intermediate gun to try his hand at plentiful well-presented birds whilst being well looked after on their peg.

What skill level is required?

Both experienced and beginner wing shooters can fully appreciate the delights of this trip. With the high and testing birds for the more well-seasoned gun down to the countless opportunities to the improve their skill on the copious amounts of low incoming targets for the less experienced. Due to the mixed species there will be something for everyone.

How physically demanding is this trip?

This is a fairly low key affair with regards to the amount of walking and lugging equipment about. However, be prepared to be shooting an incredibly hefty amount of shells through your gun during the days sport as this can in itself be very punishing on the shoulder by the end of the day. A decent shoulder pad and/or a shooting vest should help with this.

When to go?

Ducks and Perdiz May-July

Pigeon Mid April-October

Dove January-October.

How to get there?

Depart UK on route to Buenos Aires Airport and from there you will be greeted and transferred to the lodge.

What is the accommodation like?

Los Crestones sits on a sophisticated and luxurious compound situated on 60 hectares of preserved natural woodlands. Its architecture and history merge with the beauty of its natural surroundings on the banks of the Salado River. The lodge offers comfort and a unique atmosphere given by the combination of design and functionality. The grand estancia features wide galleries with superlative views, a gourmet restaurant and pool facilities.

What is the food like?

The food at Los Crestones is a la Carte. The kitchens come to life through the use of regionally represented meats and fresh produce in which the experienced chefs work wonders with. There will be beautiful salads, breads and the finest wine to accompany the delicious meats. For breakfast there will be a variety of homemade breads, jam, meadow honey, fresh fruit, natural yoghurts and eggs to have any which way you desire.

Does the lodge provide hunting/shooting equipment?

The lodge provides a choice of guns and waders.

Is Internet and phone signal available?

Los Crestones Lodge provides both Wifi/Internet and telephones at no extra cost.

What method of payment is accepted at the Lodge?

Cash (US Dollars) Credit and Debit Cards

Are there other activities available?

Additional trips can be arranged for historical tours, sight seeing and shopping trips.

How much does it cost?

Sportquest Holidays offers you a complete package including all flights and transfers to view all prices & availability click the “Dates & Prices” Tab above.

Alternatively, if you wish to arrange all our own travel arrangements Sportquest Holidays can book just the lodge and shooting for you.