Dear Sir,
I just returned from my sixth bird hunting trip to Argentina and it was such a success that I want to share my experience with your readers.
Our party of five departed Dallas on July 20, on American Airlines and arrive in Buenos Aires via Miami the next morning. Carli Pradal of River Plate Wingshooting was on hand in the customs area to assist us with our gun permits that are now issued at the BA Airport.
Our gear was loaded into their large Fiat van and we were off to the Entre Rios Region, about 180 miles (three hours) north of Buenos Aires. The main town in this region is Gualeguay where we were met by Luis Brown, our host. I have to say Luis Brown and his staff made this trip. Luis is a American-educated gentlemen, a scholar (MBA Wharton School) and a professional commensurate host. His staff, who are mostly Brazilian, have been with him for years. They all willingly cater to your every need.
After a typical steak lunch at the local parilla, we were off to shoot the renowned Argentina eared dove. The dove shoot was a “melt down.” Between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m., everyone shot at least 20 boxes and some shot more. WE were lined up along a fence line hidden from view by brush. The birds just never stopped flying. We were supplied with ample shells, a seat, and drinks. The bird boys picked up the birds after the shoot so as not to disturb the onslaught. My Benelli Super 90 finally started jamming and one of Brown’s staff had it broken down and cleaned in 10 minutes. Nice service!
Our accommodations were at Estancia El Rincon. This was a beautiful Argentine mansion, with seven bedrooms, lovely living areas and with blazing fireplaces. The home was full of fine antiques and the dinner table was set as fine as any top restaurant. The food was excellent and professionally served. There was an open bar and plenty of fine Argentine wine. I was impressed.
The next morning, we were up at 4:00 a.m. for breakfast. Continental or full breakfast was your choice. Then off for a 45 minute drive to shoot a variety of Argentine ducks. Brown has a policy of giving six boxes of shells for ducks which allows for some serious action. After a ten minute boat ride, we were dropped in prepared blinds made of reeds. We were provided with stools and rested in 2 feet of water. Decoys were out. At first light the ducks started in and didn’t stop. Each of us shot from 30 to 50 30 ducks, mostly rosy billed pochard and varieties of teal. Fabulous hunt!
We were back at the vehicles about 10:30 a.m. Lunch was a classic Argentina mixed grill, with the addition of veal scaloppini sandwiches, fruit and chocolate pound cake. Beer, wine and soft drinks were available. Brown had air mattresses for us to snooze on. Van rides were never much more than an hour.
After lunch, we switched gears for a perdiz hunt. Brown provided three handlers with one Brittany, one German Shorthair and one Pointer. These Argentine-bred dogs were world class, hunted close in and hardly missed a point. We hunted in pairs and one single. All of us limited out (15 plus birds) in an hour and a half. Brown had warned us that this was not one of his better fields!
By 3:00 p.m. we’re back for our dove shoot.
The following three days produced the same pleasing results. Our last duck hunt was actually the best of the four, some of the hunters more than doubled their previous count. Lunches were classic Argentina asados of grilled duck breast, steaks, ribs, fettuccini, salads and pastries and more.
If you are looking for a three-bag (ducks, perdiz and dove) Argentina hunt, you need not look any further than Luis Brown and River Plate Wingshooting. I cannot recommend this group any higher. They are top drawer!
As always, we had fine service from River Plate’s booking agents, Rod & Gun Resources of Kerrville, Texas 800-211-4753. I have to thank David Gregory of Rod & Gun for turning us on to this best hunt to date!
- Lewis N. Gibbons (Dallas, TX)
