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.?
Uruguay and the U.S. allow for export and import of ducks. Based on U.S. requirements, only the duck skin with at least one wing attached may be imported. You will need to make prior arrangements with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service at the airport where you will arrive upon your return, or your country of origin.
You will have to leave your ducks with the customs agent and make arrangements for them to be shipped to your taxidermy specialist. You will need to complete paperwork with the Fish and Wildlife Service in advance of your trip. Uruguay also requires paperwork, and we ask that you give us at least 30 days’ notice of your intention to export. Any fees levied will be the responsibility of the client. These same provisions will need to be considered for other countries of origin.
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?
We do not provide taxidermy services. You will have to leave your ducks with the customs agent and make arrangements for them to be shipped to your taxidermy specialist. You will need to complete paperwork with the Fish and Wildlife Service in advance of your trip.
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).
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.
Ready to plan your hunt?
Learn more about our exclusive Uruguay hunts and book your trip today!
Get Started