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The Portela Series - Rio Negro, Uruguay |
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Wing-shooting's New Frontier in Rocha, Uruguay |
Pre Trip
SAN CIRILO LODGE - PATO DIABLO LODGE - TIERRA SANTA LODGE - LA PAZ LODGE
PRE TRIP DESCRIPTION
South America Hunting Questionnaire
Gun information and serial numbers MUST BE legible and accurate. This document will be sent to Uruguay for gun permits and hunting licenses. Notice that any mistake from the shooter gun serial number will have a surchprice of $100 US dollars in order to recuperate the gun from the SMA (Military Office) at the airport.
Photocopy of the I.D. page in your Passport
This must clearly show your name, passport number, date issued and expiration date. Because of the time required for processing firearms permits please return your questionnaire promptly. Your cooperation is appreciated.
NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS: It is important that as a group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your party so that everyone is adequately prepared, understands the cancellation/refund policy pertaining to their trip, and has the opportunity to purchase travel insurance (especially anyone with a pre-existing health condition). Blackriver Outfitters cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group.
Arrival
A VALID PASSPORT with at least 6 months remaining. No visa is needed for U.S. citizens or Community subjects; others should check entry requirements with the Uruguayan consulate.
Customs and Firearms Registration
Europe - You should inform the airline prior to travel date that you will be carrying shotguns and declare them when checking in for your flight. An airline official will escort you to a Customs post for gun registration and then hand-carry your guns to the plane. On return, you must retrieve your guns at the airline service desk in the baggage hall. An airline official will accompany you to the red channel, where your guns are registered with Customs as re-entering the country.
Entry Requirement
URUGUAY GUN PERMIT: Guns must be declared and gun permits purchased on arrival in Uruguay. Please note your outfitter will present your Uruguayan Gun Permits to the officials in your behalf upon arrival in Uruguay (which you must pre-pay before your trip and costs U$D 200 per person).
Baggage/gun Case Restrictions
Airline regulations permit two (2) checked bags not to exceed 70 lbs. each and two carry-on pieces per passenger. Carryons must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin.
From time to time outfitters need things in the hunting areas, and they will ship them to us and ask that they be carried down by clients, as customs and shipping expenses are prohibitive for them. Usually items are things like jackets, hats, camouflage netting, or boots. If you have some extra room in your bags, and would not mind carrying things down, outfitters will reimburse you for any expense you incur, and will often throw in some free shotgun shells for your trouble. Let us know if you have an interest in lending a hand.
Shells
Cost of shells will be $14 per box of 25 12 GA & $12.50 per box of 25 20 GA; and payment will be handled prior to your departure. Price is subject to change. You may settle your cartridge account either in cash or personal checks (lasts will be charge 3% on the total bill which is the amount Banks charge in Uruguay for exchange the checks).
Customs Allowance
Two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes can be taken into Uruguay duty-free. Even though all local spirits are included in the shooting area, should you have a favorite or special brand, we suggest you purchase it at the airport before departure.
Security
While there are no known threats directed specifically against travelers, you are advised to take common sense precautions and exercise care while in Montevideo, especially in the downtown area near hotels, commercial zones, and when walking on the street or in markets. Persons openly displaying valuables or leaving them in plain site are more at risk of being robbed. In transit, travelers should lock all airline-checked baggage and transport any valuables in carry-on luggage.
NOTICE that Uruguay is the safest country in South America with only 3 million of population and all European immigrants.
Seasons
- ---- Perdiz hunting runs May 1st to July 31st
- ---- Ducks & Pigeon generally run from May 1st to September 15th
- ---- Dove shooting is all year round
Shotguns/Chokes
In selecting which gun you take, it boils down to personal preference. We have seen almost every shotgun imaginable in Uruguay, either 12 or 20 gauge is suitable; 12 gauge, with more shot, is more effective on high doves. We recommend you bring two guns: doubles, semi-autos or pumps are fine but the emphasis, especially for perdiz hunting, is on double guns.
Ranges vary, but they are generally closer than they might seem. Some experienced shooters prefer improved cylinder and/or modified for all comers; screw-in chokes can provide flexibility. More and more with modern shells, shooters are leaning toward more open chokes. In any case, take the gun that fits you well and that you shoot best with. Make sure your guns are in good working order before you leave; this can be high-volume shooting in a country away from gunsmiths. You gun(s) will be cleaned for you after each day's shoot.
Gun Rental
The Lodges also have a variety of guns available to rent; please inquiry for current inventory if interested. Price is U$D 60 per gun per day.
Climate
The Weather Channel, www.weatherchannel.com (South America/Uruguay/Montevideo) is a good source of information on current weather, a 10-day forecast, and temperatures. Summer is December-March; winter, June-August Montevideo - Avg.
High/Low Temp. (F); Avg. number of days with rain in [ ]
Jan. 83/62 [6] May 64/48 [6] Sept. 63/46 [6]
Feb. 82/61 [5] June 59/43 [5] Oct. 68/49 [6]
Mar. 78/59 [5] July 58/43 [6] Nov. 74/54 [6]
Apr. 71/53 [6] Aug. 59/43 [7] Dec. 79/59 [7]
Clothing and Equipment
For the Field: Shooting clothes should be light green, green or brown; camouflage is optional. Pack a sweater or jacket in case it's cool in the early morning and also a flannel or chamois shirt. (See table above for average temperatures). We recommend you dress by the layer system and be prepared for possible rain (rain gear is always a must). For wet days and morning dew, rubber-bottomed leather boots or other waterproof boots are excellent. Others prefer Wellington boots; either is worn with field clothing consistent with monthly temperatures and probable windy days. For the upland hunt (May 1st-
July 31st) be sure to include a down or fleece jacket, adequate head protection, gloves, etc. Evenings at Lodges are casual, and dress is a matter of choice and comfort. You stay with your hosts where dress is informal but neat.
Important Accessories for the Field
- SOFT PROTECTIVE GUN CASE FOR DAILY USE
- TRAP OR SHEET SHOOTER'S SHELL BAG - attaches to your belt - especially handy for dove and pigeon shooting
- SHOOTING SAFETY GLASSES - also serve as sunglasses and should be the shatterproof variety. The green or yellow protective glasses that can be worn over regular glasses are good. They have a small side panel, which protects against glare.
- SHOOTING GLOVES - important item to protect hands from hot shotgun barrels and nicks and blisters from reloading, breaking guns or activating safeties. Golf or batting gloves are a good substitute if you can't find quality, sensitive leather shooting gloves.
- EAR PLUGS - Ear protection is essential. Many feel the expandable silicone plugs are best. These protect your hearing and help prevent headaches.
- RECOIL REDUCTION DEVICE - recoil pad to wear under a shirt or shooting vest, or over either
- SMALL FIELD BAG - to carry camera gear and other personal items into the field
- CAMERA - The area is scenic and photographic possibilities abound.
- FLASHLIGHT
- MEDICATION - Most people have no stomach problems in this part of Uruguay. Nevertheless, it's a good idea, as when travelling anywhere, to take along medication for symptomatic relief. Also, take aspirin, in case you get a shooting headache, in addition to other medications you normally use.
- BAND-AIDS - for sore fingers from shooting
Communication
Lodge have a Cell Phone line or Land Phone line available, and if you wish to place outgoing calls you may do so with a calling card available to purchase at the Lodge.
Health
We suggest that you consult with your physician for medical advice on travel to Uruguay.
Gratuities
Gratuities for lodge and field staff are not included in the shoot cost since we feel that tipping, in general, is discretionary.
However, clients have asked that we provide general guidelines; therefore, we suggest U$D 25 per day per shooter for each field staff and U$D 30 for each hotel staff per shooter per day; to be handed to your hosts at the last bill. They will take care of distributing this amongst the guides, house staff, field assistants, etc.
Currency
The official currency is the Uruguayan peso. U.S. Dollars and credit cards are widely accepted, so you need to change little or no money into pesos, using dollars for tips. The lodge accepts payment in cash and personal checks.
Electric Current
220 volts; a standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug should work fine.
Alcoholic Beverage/Tobacco Importation
Two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes can be taken into Uruguay duty-free. Our suggestion is that you purchase these at the airport before departure. If there is any special brand of liquor that you like we recommend that you purchase it at the duty free.
Terms & Conditions
Inclusions: All meals in the hunt area with wines and beer; best available lodging (double occupancy); services of a professional hunter-guide; all vehicles and ground transportation as required by the itinerary; pick-up boys as required; hunting license/permits; temporary gun import permit; all payments to landowners for hunting rights; meeting and customs assistance; Round-trip group transfer Montevideo/Lodges; taxes and service charges.
Exclusions: Scheduled air fares required by itinerary from point of origin through return; shot shells; gun rental (USD60 per person per day); all gratuities; telephone calls, laundry/dry cleaning, room service, or items of a strictly personal nature; baggage overweight charges; personal/ baggage insurance; passport expense; $300 surcharge (one way) for single passenger travelling Montevideo/Lodgesbefore or after the shooting party; cost of itinerary modification requested by passenger; transfers in Buenos Aires if your airline schedule requires you to change airports.
An Important Last Word - Safety
For some reason, more shooters, dogs and pick-up boys take stray pellets when dove shooting than in any other shot gunning activity. There should be no reason for this. There's plenty of room, so guns are placed well apart with an eye to safety. Nevertheless, in fields being harvested, there often are workers or farm animals in proximity - people on horseback or workers will edge into a shooting area, assuming that guns are prudent and will never shoot low. The point is, you have to be aware of this activity and aware at all times as to the position of fellow shooters and pick-up boys. The bottom line is:
There is never any excuse for taking a low-angle shot (below 45 degrees). Get that rule in your head; it requires virtually no concentration and will certainly in no way inhibit your shoot. Don't take chances on shot angles - ever! Check guns to make sure they're unloaded before leaving the ranch - recheck in the field and again on departure. Don't be offended if outfitters check them again. Everyone wants to be as safe as possible. Magazine shotguns should be carried with the receiver open; uncased doubles always broken when walking in the field, in a vehicle, or any time when not in shooting position. Don't hand loaded shotguns to pick-up boys. Also, don't let pick-up boys shoot. Some know how and are competent shots, but this simply introduces another element of risk. If your assigned location is a little off the flight line, or not productive, make sure you let your outfitter know; they will move you to a better place. Someone will always be close by. If you are taking a break from shooting, be aware of others around you. If you are in the open, you may be flaring birds away from others who are shooting. It is a good idea to always wear safety shooting glasses to protect your eyes. And protect your ears with plugs or a quality headset type of ear protector. Many times during the shoot there will be birds in the air, including songbirds. Some of these are protected and should not be shot under any circumstance.
Blackriver Outfitters
