An upland hunters mecca, in the gorgeous Uruguayan countryside

San Juan Lodge is perched atop a knoll, with breathtaking views of the Uruguayan countryside. In addition to the fine view, the lodge also finds itself in the perfect mixed-bag location, where you can access water impoundments teeming with ducks, where partridge cover is abundant, plus incredible dove roosts are just a short drive away.

With seemingly unending pastures and grasslands, this area of Uruguay is considered the perdiz capital of South America, and San Juan’s kennel of purpose-bred bird dogs have been trained from birth to pursue these birds. Add to this upland resource, fantastic flights of migratory ducks as well as roosts full of doves and pigeons, and it is easy to see why the lodge offers an unparalleled Uruguayan mixed-bag hunting experience.

THE HUNTING

The program at San Juan Lodge offers a diverse mixed bag hunt, with a focus on the hard flying, upland Perdiz. Typically, you will be hunting multiple species almost every day of your stay. Most days feature hunts for two species, with mornings dedicated to perdiz over well-trained pointing dogs, or decoying ducks from dry-land blinds on ponds and lagoons.

The characteristics of the land allow us to have a permanent roost right on the lodge property, though there are many different roosts located a short distance from the lodge that offer wonderful shooting as well. The proximity of important rivers and streams also provides the ideal habitat for hunting ducks, both resident, and migratory species.

Perdiz hunts in Uruguay are usually a two to three hour hunt, through short cover and on flat or gently rolling ground. Hunters will go to the field teams of two, joined by their guide/dog handler. Birds are walked up, following the dogs until they make game, and then walk to the point for the flush of the partridge. After one field has been covered, you typically make a very short drive to another, and will repeat the process with a fresh dog until the perdiz limit has been bagged.

Morning duck hunts will find you hunting from dry-land blinds, strategically located on ponds, before dawn. Your guide will get you set in the blind, lay out the decoy spread and identify birds as they approach. You will see a variety of species, including Yellow-billed Pintail, Speckled Teal, and the sought after Rosy-billed Pochard, to name a few.

Afternoon dove shoots will take place in some of the largest roosts in all of Uruguay, there will be ample opportunities for hot-barrel shooting. Your field assistant will be at your side throughout the shoot, providing you with cartridges, refreshment as needed, and keeping an eye out for birds.

For those who have not been Pigeon hunting, it is more akin to a dry land duck hunt than it is to a dove hunt. Hunters will find themselves in a blind with a decoy spread within range, typically in an agricultural field. Pigeon are very decoy friendly birds, but they are sharp-eyed and it is vital to stay well-hidden to enjoy success. Birds will come to the decoys in singles and small groups, and many times you will see the birds well in the distance as they cross an open expanse until they are in range.