TRIP PLANNING
Everything you need to plan the trip
DESTINATION OVERVIEW
Doves, Pigeons and Wine Tours
At South Pioneers, you can hunt eared doves and spot-winged pigeons across more than 200,000 acres of pivot-irrigated fields, where frequent harvesting keeps birds well fed and constantly moving. With both species numbering in the millions, our area offers a truly unique hunting environment. Add a comfortable lodge, warm and attentive service, and easy access to Mendoza’s renowned wine country, and you have a true hunters’ haven.
GETTING HERE
Airports, Transfers schedules
There are trhee simple ways to arrive to South Pioneers lodge. Transfers to the lodge are by comfortable air-conditioned van or pickup, depending on the size of the group.
Via Mendoza
Fly into Santiago (SCL), Chile and connect to Mendoza (MDZ - 1 hour flight) without changing airports.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you have the option to enjoy an afternoon hunt over fields located on the way to the lodge (2.5 - hour drive) or transferring directly to the lodge (3.5 - hour drive).
A morning hunt is also possible on your departure day, depending on your flight schedule.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you have the option to enjoy an afternoon hunt over fields located on the way to the lodge (2.5 - hour drive) or transferring directly to the lodge (3.5 - hour drive).
A morning hunt is also possible on your departure day, depending on your flight schedule.
VIA BUENOS AIRES
Fly into Buenos Aires (EZE) - Ezeiza International Airport and connect directly to Mendoza (MDZ) without changing airports.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you have the option to enjoy an afternoon hunt over fields located on the way to the lodge (2.5 - hour drive) or transferring directly to the lodge (3.5 - hour drive).
A morning hunt is also possible on your departure day, depending on your flight schedule.
Upon arrival in Mendoza, you have the option to enjoy an afternoon hunt over fields located on the way to the lodge (2.5 - hour drive) or transferring directly to the lodge (3.5 - hour drive).
A morning hunt is also possible on your departure day, depending on your flight schedule.
Via Córdoba
Fly into Córdoba (COR) , which offers numerous daily flights from the United States and Europe, as well as convenient connections from Panama City (PTY) and Lima (LIM), both arriving early in to morning.
From Córdoba, board a private 1 hour charter flight to a landing strip near South Pioneers lodge.
From Córdoba, board a private 1 hour charter flight to a landing strip near South Pioneers lodge.
DAILY SCHEDULE
A typical day, start to finish.
7:00 am
TO START THE HUNT
A strong breakfast to start the day.
8.30 AM – 9:00 AM
Drive to the spots
A 20 to 50 minutes drive to the fields mostly by paved roads.
9:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Morning shoot
Dove shooting, pigeon hunting or both species.
12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
ARGENTINE STYLE BARBECUE
Lunch at a comfortable field camp and siesta over cots.
2:30 PM – 5.30 PM
Afternoon shoot
and back to the lodge.
6:00 PM
Open bar & dinner
Hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, fire pit and stargazing.
Have Some Questions?
SEASON & CLIMATE
April to August
SEASON
The season runs from April through August. There is plenty of both doves and pigeons all along the season.
CLIMATE
April and May: Dry. Temperatures range from 60F to 80F (15 to 26 Celsius)
June to August: Dry. Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F (5 to 20 Celcius)
June to August: Dry. Temperatures range from 40 F to 70 F (5 to 20 Celcius)
GUNS & AMMUNITION
Bring your own or rent at the lodge
We rent Benelli Montefeltro, Cordoba and Beretta Urika 391 all semi-auto 20 gauge shotguns. A 20 gauge works great with both doves and pigeons.
Check availability
BRING YOUR OWN GUNS
How do I bring guns into Argentina?
Bringing personal firearms into Argentina requires taking detailed steps prior to your trip, and you may also be subject to considerable expenses. Please carefully read the information below prior to making a decision to travel with your guns, or consider renting those available at the lodge.
The Argentine government places visitors into two categories when it comes to gun importation:
Those who have not visited Argentina before (with or without firearms).
Those that have visited Argentina in the past.
The Argentine government places visitors into two categories when it comes to gun importation:
Those who have not visited Argentina before (with or without firearms).
Those that have visited Argentina in the past.
Requirements for those who have never visited Argentina before
A copy of your passport.
ANMAC FORM – Prepared and presented by either clients themselves or our organization. Please consult us to help you over this item information.
Requirements for those who have never visited Argentina before
A Consular Permit
A Copy of your passport
ANMAC FORM – Prepared and presented by either clients themselves or our organization. Please consult us to help you over this item information.
Important Note:
All over/under or side-by-side shotguns with longer barrels than 24 inches are exempt of the Consulate Permit at all levels. The only guns requiring a consular permit are pump or auto-loading shotguns, to be carried by a hunter who is entering Argentina for his second visit, or any subsequent visit.
Requirements for the Consulate
Hunting permit form issued by the consulate
Signed in original
Please do not leave any fields unanswered and write clearly.
Link below
Copy of the first page of your valid passport.
Three passport size photos, light background. No Computer generated photos are accepted.
Do not glue/staple them to the form
Copy of valid gun permit by the authorities in the state of your residence in the event your state requires one
Not mandatory for all travelers
Copy of your airline itinerary.
A money order or cashier’s check in the amount of US$40 payable to the Argentine Consulate of your jurisdiction.
Proof of gun ownership either by receipt, insurance record, or commercial bill showing the purchase of the weapon and its owner
With serial number of the gun
Copy of form 4457
Certificate of Registration for Personal Effects taken abroad
FIND YOUR CONSULATE BY JURISDICTION
CONSULATE
STATES COVERED
Email
New York
CT, MA, ME, NH, NJ, NY, RI, VT
cnyor@mrecic.gov.ar
Washington DC
DC, DE, MD, NC, PA, VA, WV
eeuu@mrecic.gov.ar
Chicago
IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, ND, NE, OH, SD, WI
visaschicago@mrecic.gov.ar
Atlanta
AL, GA, KY, MS, SC, TN
catla@mrecic.gov.ar
Los Angeles
AK, AR, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, OR, WA, WY
clang@mrecic.gov.ar
Houston
AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX
info@consuladoargentino.net
Miami
FL, PR, VI, Caribbean
ttv@mrecic.gov.ar
Packing list
What to bring for your hunt
HUNTING CLOTHING & GEAR
Dark or camo clothes and hats
Upland hunting boots
Wool and cotton socks
Side-carry pouch or shell vest
Leather shooting gloves (a must)
Hearing protection
Recoil pad or Kevlar-lined vest
Shooting glasses, sunglasses, 30+ SPF
Lightweight rain gear
CASUAL
Jeans and tennis shoes
Baseball caps
Comfortable clothes to relax
Sweaters, long-sleeve shirts, fleece layers
medical / ELECTRONICS
Shaving kit
Painkiller anti-acid tablets
Band-aids, antibiotic cream
Vitamins & prescriptions
220V European-style adapter
Camera, batteries, cards
Laptop if needed
DOCUMENTS & FEES
Passport, visa and reciprocity
Passport & visa
A valid passport expiring 6+ months after arrival. No visa is required for US citizens. Non-U.S. citizens should check visa requirements with the appropriate consulate.
BOOKING
How to reserve your dates.
Email us your preferred dates and approximate group size.
We confirm availability and pencil the dates for you.
A 50% deposit confirm the dates.
Deposits are transferable to other hunters, or to a future season.
FAQS
Trip planning questions
Do I need a Visa to travel to Argentina?
Argentina – Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia, The United Kingdom, South Africa, New Zealand and other Western European nations, do not require a visa for tourist trips of up to 90 days to Argentina, however they must travel with a valid passport from their country of residence. Those carrying passports from other nations should check with their local consulates for specific regulations.
How do I book my flights? Can you help me with that?
Yes, you can book your flights by your own or we can assist you through our booking agency partner with flights, hotels, etc.
Which airport should I use?
Please let us know your departure airport and we'll assist you with the best options for travel logistics.
What is the best time to hunt?
There no specific peak season to hunt. Is plenty of both doves and pigeons from April to the end of August.
What is the weather like?
In northern San Luis the weather is mostly sunny, dry and very pleasant with little to no rain along the season.
How many shells can I expect to shoot per day?
It depends on the hunt of your choice. For dove shooting easily more than 1000 shells. For pigeon hunting in between 350 to 500 it depending on the skill level and preference.
What kind of communication at the lodge?
At the lodge there is cell phone and WI FI connection.
How many shotguns can I bring?
It's allowed to bring up to 3 guns per person or 1 gun with 3 extra barrels.
Do you have left handed guns?
We don't carry dedicated left-handed guns, but we can adapt a left-handed stock if necessary. Please let us know in advance so we can prepare accordingly.
What happens with international flights that connect to other countries prior to arriving in Argentina?
Travelling with guns, what happens you need to make sure to tell your airline your final destination is Argentina. It is important to reconfirm with the airline that your guns are in transit through those countries.
How many hunters can you accommodate?
The lodge can accommodate up to 10 hunters in five spacious rooms.
PLAN YOUR STAY
Need further information?
If you need any additional information that is not covered here, please feel free to contact us. With more than 20 years of experience hosting hunters, our team will be happy to assist you with any questions you may have.