When considering the value proposition of San Jose versus Argentina, I was reminded of a pertinent, personal analogy. Recently, my wonderful bride determined that we needed to order some outdoor furniture for our little farm house. With my boys now grown, we had done a small renovation and the furniture was the last remaining piece.
Lessons Learned and Relearned
At our primary home, we ordered what was then, expensive outdoor furniture from a well-known, name brand online retailer. We have marveled that the same looks as good 20 years later, than the day we bought it. As a result, we logged back in and went shopping with this reputable retailer.
Yikes! To stay we had sticker shock was an understatement! How in the world could outdoor furniture be this expensive? After deliberation, we logged into another, mainline online retailer, whom you know well, and we ordered a good-looking set for about 90% less.
When received, I spent about 4 hours putting the furniture together, and was honestly concerned that anyone more than 100 pounds might break it! My wife came out and gave me that look. My guess is I might get a couple of years out of this set of furniture before I have to step up and buy the good stuff. In short, the mega online retailer stuff I ordered is junk; I got what I paid for and I will end up spending more money than if I had just opted for the “more expensive” high quality furniture that experience dictates has been a worthwhile investment.
The lesson I “relearned”… you get what you pay for…
The Client is Always Right
Any way you look at it, a wing shooting trip to South America is not inexpensive. We’ve already related that it is definitely more cost effective than US duck hunting in our blog https://closaway.com/uruguay-hunting/the-true-cost-of-duck-hunting-in-arkansas-vs-uruguay-san-jose-lodge/. Still, given your hard-earned dollars, you need to do your due diligence to ensure that you are getting the best value for your South American hunt.
For many years, Argentina has been the “go to” for wing shooting, primarily dove, and Uruguay was not really on the radar. Since we set up shop in 2010, we have done our level best to expose the wing shooting world to the untapped, world class opportunities Uruguay offers, and we have a growing list of clients who heartily agree!
What has been surprising is the reaction we get from clients who have been Argentina “regulars”. They are absolutely blown away by the stark difference in the hunting quality, service, and value that we provide at San Jose. If you don’t believe me, do yourself a favor and check out our independent Google client reviews by Googling “Closaway Outfitters” – https://share.google/8dFqwXWDy9ohwDmcV.
Don’t get me wrong, we work harder than any other outfitter to ensure our clients have a memorable, bespoke hunt; however, we get many clients that, in hindsight, feel really let down when compared to their Argentina experience. I found this perplexing, until I finally understood the issue.
Simply put, all Argentinian clients have a “first time” and they have no reference point in order to make a true assessment of their experience. You shoot a lot of birds, eat good food and plenty of libations somewhere you never been. What’s not to like? This becomes your expectation every time you come back. Then it’s rinse and repeat.
Making the Difference
As out Lord said, “I would not have you ignorant Brethren”. Once former Argentinian clients come to us, their eyes are opened to what a South American bespoke wing shooting trip can and should be. We don’t claim to have more volume of game species, although we are told that our duck and perdiz numbers are unrivaled. A lot of dove is a lot of dove. Clients love the diversity of the mixed bag, rather than traveling hours through the night for a boring all-day dove hunt. They also love the close proximity of our hunting venues. A big issue is that our clients say they don’t get fed their harvested birds a part of meals. It’s a beef fest (but South American beef is pretty awesome). Clients are overcome with the unbelievable dishes featuring their harvested duck, dove and perdiz! Remember, since we are American owned, we provide the best features of the Uruguayan culture, while also providing the expected American creature comforts so that you feel like you are home!
Argentinian outfitters (and Uruguayan for that matter) are notorious for quoting a nominal booking rate and then raping you upon arrival – airport transfer fees; gun rental fees; high rates for every shell you shoot; no daily laundry service, etc. At checkout, you receive this giant bill and have no choice but to bend over and take it. At Closaway Outfitters, we are the ONLY all-inclusive outfitters and we include all of this traditional “add ons”, together with 125 shells per day (no carryover), in one daily rate. We are also very affordable, with an all-in rate that is some 30% lower than comparable outfitters.
In a previous blog, we related the many challenges and differences with other Uruguayan outfitters, that sets us above and apart from the rest – https://closaway.com/general/how-closaway-differs-from-other-uruguayan-outfitters-why-we-are-your-best-option/. If you haven’t it is worth a read as you do your due diligence for an upcoming trip.
No question, Argentinian hunting is a unique experience and has a strong emotional component for the uninitiated. I never done it, but I would imagine driving a Sherman tank would be a similar experience, but I wouldn’t want it as my daily commuter! As the saying goes, we don’t know what we don’t know!
Your Best Choice
At Closaway Outfitters – San Jose Lodge, we offer an experience, value and service that is simply superior to our fellow outfitters in Argentina, and for that matter, Uruguay. Time after time, we hear this from our Ex-Argentinian clients, many of which are world travelers.
If you have the means and opportunity to experience a South American wingshooting trip, by all means, do so and enjoy this wonderful continent. If you are discerning individual, who wants to make the most of their time and money, then look no further than San Jose Lodge. We look forward to the honor of hosting you!
