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HUNTING IN ARGENTINA
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Trip Review
Argentina covers 1,083,000 square miles and the eighth largest country in the world with a population of approximately 36 million of which half live in Buenos Aires. The capitol of the Republic of Argentina is Buenos Aires, and the primary language is American Spanish. The population of Argentina is 86% European descent, 15% Mestizo, 1% Indian and other minorities. Argentina is a medium-income nation that continues to emerge from a major financial crisis in 2001-2002.
Religion . Ninety-three percent of the population is Roman Catholic, 2.5% Protestant, 2% Jewish, 1.5% Ukrainian Catholic, and 1% Armenian Orthodox.
Currency and Exchange Rate . The Argentinean Peco (ARS) is divided into 100 centavos. The recent devaluation of the Peso has made Argentina more affordable for travelers. But there is still much economic uncertainty and a traveler should keep an eye on the exchange rate. Currency can be exchanged at banks. ATMs that reflect the current exchange rate are available in most towns. Credit cards and debit cards are generally accepted. US Dollars and Euros are generally taken everywhere. There may be some problems using traveler’s checks in rural areas. Traveler’s checks should be in US Dollars to avoid additional exchange rate charges.
Travel Documents :
Weather . Seasons are different from those in the northern hemisphere. When it is summer in the states, it is winter in Argentina. Due to the size of Argentina, the climate varies from north to south. For the Cordoba province the temperature varies from 32°F. to 68°F in the winter and from 59° to 100°F in the summer. It is important you bring season-specific clothing.
Telephones . The country code for Argentina is 54. The area code for cell phones is 15.
Customs . Smoking in public places is very common.
Safety . Argentina is one of the safest places to travel. Violent crime is rare but you should be aware of your surroundings and avoid unnecessary risks. Don’t carry valuables handing on your neck or shoulder. Always remain alert to pickpockets. The Argentinean police are constantly patrolling tourist areas.
Make sure the car says "radio taxi" or "remis" (private car with driver). This will ensure that the driver works for a licensed company and is required to call in every new fare on the radio. The driver’s photo ID should be displayed inside the car. When you can, call a licensed remis, which is usually safer and cheaper because the price is agreed upon beforehand.
Health Services . The public health system in Argentina provides emergency and non-emergency services free of charge to all, regardless of nationality or immigration status. However, the quality of non-emergency care in public hospitals is generally below U. S. standards. Medical care in private hospitals in Buenos Aires is generally good, but varies in quality outside the capital. Serious medical problems requiring hospitalization in private facilities and/or medical evacuation to the United States can cost thousands of dollars or more. Private physicians, clinics and hospitals often expect immediate case payment for health services.
You should consult with your medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm their policy covers overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses. Medicare does not cover medical expenses abroad. Carry your insurance policy identification card as proof of insurance.
Hunting . Argentina wingshooting can be some of the best in the world; it is an activity that must be experienced rather than explained. The number of doves you shoot in Argentina depends entirely on your ability and desire – the doves will fly all day. The season is open all year without bag limits for dove; it goes from March to October for pigeon, and runs from May to August for partridge, duck and goose.
Guns/Shells . Recommended gauges – 12 GA, 20 GA, and 28GA. Shells will be available at the lodge.
Accommodations. Hunters stay in appealing country homes and lodges with names like San Ambrosio, El Rincon, La Faustina, Salta, Tierra Del Fuego and Pica Zuro, stepped in Old World charm and offering a feeling of genuine hospitality. The service is attentive and the food offers famed Argentina steaks, sausages, ribs, game dishes, soups and local Italian specialties. The hunters will leave as if they have stepped back in time to a wonderful period of gracious living and abundant game birds.
Pricing . Price - $____________. This rate includes lodging, wine and beer, all meals in the hunting area, transportation to and from the lodge, license and gun permit. Not included: Any alcohol other than wine and beer and airfare. A 50% non refundable deposit confirms your reservation.
Tipping. Tipping is a personal issue, but $100 per hunter given to the guide at the end of the trip is suggested. It is also suggested that $100 be given to the lodge manager at the end of the week for the staff. U.S. dollars are accepted. Small bills can be difficult to come by for tipping bird boys. Please make sure you have adequate small currency for tips.
Luggage. Two pieces of checked luggage and one carry-on bag are allowed. A gun case counts as one piece. We would suggest you "tag" your bag inside.
Ø Checked bags are to be no larger than 62 inches (height + length + width) and cannot exceed 50 pounds each.
Ø Carry-on bags are to be no larger than 45 inches (height + length + width) and cannot exceed 40 pounds each.
Ø Excess baggage penalty is $80 per bag.
CLOTHING/EQUIPMENT LIST:
Doves "flare" from light or bright colors; consequently it is important to dress in field colors: light greens, dark khaki or camouflage.
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Clothing |
Equipment |
Other |
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For shooting, 2 pairs of lightweight cotton slacks in field colors. Evening temperatures are warm so light cotton is appropriate for dinner |
Hard case for gun for airline travel |
Valid Passport and/or visa |
| 2 pair shorts |
Soft gun case for air charter and/or field |
Airline tickets and itinerary |
| 2 swimsuit |
Small "field bag" |
Copy of passport and/or visa (packed separately) |
| For shooting, bring 4 short-sleeved, lightweight cotton shirts in field colors |
Recoil pad |
Wallet |
| Long sleeved shirts for sun protection only |
Shooting glasses |
Traveler’s checks, cash and credit cards |
| For shooting, bring lightweight boots with a rigid sole. The boots should lace at least to the ankle. Cordura or cordura/leather combinations are great |
Portable gun cleaning kit/WD 40 |
Travel alarm |
| A hat for sun protection is a must |
Shooting gloves |
Toiletries (toothbrush, razor, medications) |
| For shooting, use a wide-brimmed straw, canvas or poplin hat. An alternative would be a poplin baseball-style cap |
Light-weight shooting vest or shell belt |
Small First Aid Kit |
| Lightweight rain suit or poncho |
Insect repellent |
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| Sunglasses, eyewear and hearing protection |
Pocket knife |
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| Sock/underwear |
Sunscreen (30 SPF) |
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| Camp shoes |
Aloe Vera gel for sunburn |
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Camera gear and film |
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Lip balm and hand lotion |
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Small flashlight |
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Ice chest for game |
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Binoculars |
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Contact Information SMG Outdoors 214-632-4416 esmith@smgoutdoors.com
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