We hunt our ducks from a shore blind and waders are not necessary. Good, comfortable, water proof boots are appropriate. We also provide shell vests for you to have easy access to your shells, particularly on perdiz hunts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Hunting
Do I need to bring my own gun?
You are welcome to bring your own gun(s). The price of your stay includes modern Beretta and Benelli semi-automatics and over/unders. If you prefer to bring your own gun(s), you will need to register it with U.S. Customs and we will need to collect information on your gun(s) in order to obtain a permit from the Uruguayan government. At this time, Uruguay currently levies a fee of $400 USD for each gun you bring in the country, and they will be checked upon arrival and departure. You will also need to observe the requirements of the airline.
Why do you only provide 20-gauge shells?
Uruguay must import shells and pay a 100% import duty. As such, shells are very expensive by U.S. standards. Lead shot is legal in Uruguay, and 20-gauge lead is both ample and deadly for ducks, dove, perdiz, and pigeon. In our considered experience, 12 gauge would be overkill, but we do have 12 gauge available. It is illegal for clients to bring their own ammunition from the U.S.
What types of birds will I hunt in Uruguay?
San Jose features several bird species such as dove, duck, perdiz, and pigeon. Most of our clients have a special interest in the premium duck hunting at San Jose. Indigenous duck species include:
- Brazilian teal
- Ring teal
- Specked teal
- Brown pintail
- White face tree duck
- Silver teal
- Pintail
- Rosy billed pochard
* The Uruguayan government may periodically restrict legal duck species and we will necessarily hunt only the then current legal species.
What if I want to hunt a species exclusively, like ducks?
We often have clients that want to exclusively hunt a given species, most often ducks. While we feel that our clients owe it to themselves to at least try one hunt of the various species, we will certainly honor requests. Afternoon duck hunting at the Lodge is not as high volume, but can be very good by US standards. Due to the legal baiting costs, afternoon duck hunts do require a slightly higher investment. Please inquire about the same at your time of booking.
Can I export my ducks to the U.S. and other Countries?
Historically, Uruguay has been one of the few countries that has allowed skin and taxidermy export of ducks. In recent times, this has become more complicated due to regulations in the receiving countries. Generally, Uruguay allows for export of their then current legal ducks to any country. This requires completion of a specific form (https://www.gub.uy/tramites/certificados-importacion-exportacion-fauna) and corresponding fee. The primary concern is the requirements of the import country. We recommend clients engage a qualified and appropriately licensed taxidermist in their home country to assist with these potentially complicated details. Further, we recommend adequate, advance effort be undertaken to ensure importing your trophy coincides with your trip.
Should you desire to have your trophy mounted in Uruguay, we can arrange the same for you, but you will still need to make prior arrangements in your home country for acceptance of the same.
While Uruguay’s government has a straightforward process, we have found the receiving countries can be quite complicated. Still, with some effort and patience, exporting is possible, unlike other South American countries.
As an alternative, we have US domestic sources for nearly 85% of the Uruguayan species that can be sourced with out the headache of import and mounds of paperwork. We are pleased to assist our clients with this service so that they can memorialize their trophy.
What ammunition is included in my hunting package?
Included in your rate are 120 shells per hunting day, or 60 shells per half day, no carryover and no sharing. Clients can purchase additional shells for perdiz and dove at the rate of $25 per box, subject to price increases from our supplier.
Can I bring my own hunting dog?
You may bring your own dog. We recommend that you limit dogs to retrievers only, as other dogs will have a difficult time learning to hunt perdiz. You will need to make prior arrangements with the governing body of your country of origin and the Uruguayan government.
When is peak hunting season in Uruguay?
Uruguay’s traditional season begins May 1st, all species are plentiful throughout the season. Migratory ducks, such as the rosy bill, are more plentiful later in the season. Pigeon hunting is excellent during the month of May due to local crop harvest. In short, as Uruguay has a nominal hunting culture, the hunting is fantastically good from the first day to the last! You”’ never hear, ” You boys should have been here last week”!
Hunting Season (subject to hunting regulations currently in force):
- May 1 – Sep 15 (Duck Hunting)
- May 1 – Jul 31 (Perdiz Hunting)
- Year round (Dove Hunting & Pigeon)
Do you provide taxidermy services?
While we don’t provide specific taxidermy services, we can assist clients with memorializing their trophy with a Uruguayan taxidermist. Please see the above section on Exporting for further details.
Do I need a hunting license for bird hunting in Uruguay?
Yes. You will need to complete a form for the Uruguay hunting license, which we will process on your behalf. You will pay for your license before you depart and cannot be changed once you arrive. The license fee is per hunter. Country officials require a complete Customer Data Form that will be used to process your Uruguay Hunting License.
Travel
Should I have any concern for my safety and security while in Uruguay?
Uruguay is arguably the safest Latin American country, and the lodge is remote enough that you shouldn’t have a problem with the safety of your personal belongings.
Do I need to bring money or exchange for pesos?
It is not necessary for you to have pesos during your stay. Our discounted fee is all inclusive with the exception of additional shells or tips, for which you may want to bring cash. We will provide shopping excursions on your return to the airport, predicated on your departure time and day of the week.
Do I need a visa to travel to Uruguay?
You do not need a visa. You will just need a current passport (if you are a US Citizen). Your passport must not expire within 6 months of entering or departing Uruguay. If you are not a US citizen, please check with your respective consulate in your country to determine if you will need a visa.
Do we book our own travel to Uruguay?
Yes. Clients are responsible for securing their own flight to Montevideo. At this time, most US carriers fly into Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, with connections in other major South American cities (San Paulo, Lima and Santiago).
We do have a relationship with a major Uruguayan travel agency that works with English speaking clients. While we have found that their cost savings are nominal, we have found that there is great value in having the cell number of an English speaking agent should you encounter airline connection issues in South America. We are pleased to provide this contact information at the time of booking.
Dogs are welcome, but we recommend that you bring only retrievers, as other dogs will have a difficult time learning to hunt perdiz.
Once in Uruguay how do we get to the hunting lodge?
Our staff will take you from the airport in Montevideo to San Jose and return you to Montevideo on the afternoon of your departure. Unlike other indigenous outfitters, airport transportation is included in your booking fee.
What if I require medical attention?
The lodge is located in a very rural area with limited services nearby. We can attend to minor medical issues, but major medical attention would require transport to Montevideo, about two hours away. Montevideo has excellent medical facilities and personnel. Depending on individual health histories and concerns, joining a service such as Global Rescue is a worthwhile idea.
Accommodations
What amenities does the lodge provide?
San Jose is a premier hunting lodge in the Lavalleja Department of Uruguay, two hours outside of Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo. At San Jose, we intentionally levy a fee that is some 40% less than what you will find at similar lodges. The lodges feature:
- Living and dining rooms
- Front porches and fire pits
- Ample bathrooms
- Fireplaces
- Full-size beds with premium foam pillows
- Wi-Fi
- DirecTV
How many people can the lodge accommodate?
San Jose has two lodges that accommodate up to twelve clients.
What food and beverage does the lodge provide?
Food
- Breakfasts are simple with eggs, toast, biscuits, yogurt, nuts, juice, milk, etc.
- Lunch and dinner begin with heavy appetizers of local cheeses, sausages, nuts, dove sandwiches, and delicious hare tenderloin.
- Dinners feature the day’s harvest of perdiz, duck, or dove, prepared in crepes, pies, and more. Dinner will also include local beef, as well as fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.
- Desserts include Uruguay’s renowned dulce de leche, in addition to other delicious treats.
Beverages
We provide red wines from Argentina and Uruguay, most of which are pinot, malbec, cabs, blends, merlot and the Uruguayan tannat. As our rate is substantially discounted, we do not provide liquor. We recommend that clients purchase their favorite liquor at the airport before leaving the U.S or at the Montevideo airport. The beer at San Jose is domestic, as imports are hard to come by. Water and soft drinks are also available.
Will my cellphone work in Uruguay?
You will need to make arrangements for a temporary international plan with your service provider before leaving. Many guests use WhatsAp for phone and messaging service. We provide converters for your U.S. appliances.
Do I need an electrical adapter for Uruguay?
Outlets are European style, but we offer converters for your U.S. appliances.
Are there laundry services available?
We provide daily laundry and maid service.
Do you provide internet service at the Lodge?
Yes, we provide Starlink internet services.
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