5 Questions For Your Duck Hunt In Argentina/Duck Hunting Lodge In Argentina by Chuck Larsen

www.burntpine-travel.com

Got Ducks? Since you are going all the way to Argentina to hunt ducks, it sure would be nice that the outfitter had ducks as promised when you arrive. The problem can arise that the water levels are sufficiently down in their hunting area, and that the ducks have moved. This problem may not have arisen until after you booked your hunt. Keep checking prior to departure. While we are on operators, ask if he or she has a hunting operator´s license issued by the Argentine Government. They are becoming more vigilant about this down there and you don´t want any problems. Also, make sure you actually see your license before you head to the blinds. Getting stopped by the authorities without the license may mean confiscation of you shotgun and an end to your hunt.

Press 1 for English? I´m reasonably confident that the booking agent and host speak English, but what about the guides you will be hunting with? Unless you speak Spanish, most of problems hunters ever encounter down there are due to miscommunication. Murphy´s Law works in Argentina duck hunting lodges just like at home, equipment problems can and do arise, and it´s very handy to be able to communicate with your guide when that happens. It´s more enjoyable when you can have your questions about the area, the ducks, or the hunt answered in English.

Artificial or "Golden Decoys"? Operators are divided on this subject, not based on ethics nor effectiveness but on cost. Corn is expensive but it flat out works! There are few guarantees in wild bird hunting, but the use of corn stack the odds in your favor dramatically. It´s very hard to have a limit failure when "Golden Decoys" are being deployed. Since it can be harder to use this very effective tool on river hunts, you may want to enquire if you will be shooting rivers or marshes and/or potholes. Many times river shooting is passing shooting. This isn´t nearly as much fun as seeing the ducks coming into a decoy spread regardless of the reason. You may not see as many huge flocks on pothole hunts, but you will see plenty, and they will usually be within range.

Duck Limits? Yes Matilda, Argentina does have duck limit regulations, and they vary by province. Most are in the 15 ducks per-gun per-day category. Be wary of any operator who tells you he has special permission and that he doesn´t have any limits. Some guides will stretch the quantity by allowing you to harvest their limit. The most important reason why an operator would want to impose limits is to protect the resource and make sure the next group who arrives has the same opportunity for a great shoot. How would you feel if you arrived after the area had been shot out?

Travel Time? There are two aspects to travel time to consider. First, where is the Estasncia and hunting area? Some areas require commercial flights, charter, or very long van or commercial bus rides to reach the duck hunting lodge in Argentina. In some cases, it may mean traveling for the entire day after you reach Buenos Aires just to get to the duck camp. Aerolinas is the primary carrier, and they have spotty schedules and even spottier on-time arrivals. Make sure you enquire as to a realistic estimate of travel time and cost to reach your pillow the first night. Secondly, how far from the lodge is the hunting? (See Got Ducks) Long commutes early in the morning to the blinds start to take their toll on you, especially if you are wearing waders. Big vehicles are nonexistent in Argentina so be prepared. It reasonable to assume though that on average a 30 minute drive may be necessary.

Get out your favorite shotgun, gather up your waders and experience great duck hunting in Argentina. If I can answer any questions contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpine-travel.com