As avid wingshooters, we know it is a cardinal sin to actually sit down and count the cost of an out of state or international wingshooting trip. We all know it would be a lot cheaper to get our fowl at the grocery store.
We tell ourselves that there are many “intrinsics” that are hard to put to a dollar value – catching up with an old buddy; the comradery of the long drive to “catch up” (which we all secretly hate); the beautiful scenery and sunrises and hearing the wonderful vocalizations of our quarry that we haven’t hear in a year.
At Closaway Outfitters – San Jose Lodge, Uruguay, your secret is safe with us! However, we routinely hear from prospective clients that an international trip like ours is to expensive. Bear in mind, this blog is aimed at the majority of us who have to schlep it out to Arkansas with an outfitter, not the lucky SOB that lives there and walks out the back door.
The other reality we hear often, is that US duck hunting in the western flyways is just not what it used to be. More hunters chasing fewer ducks means a lot of you come home with empty coolers. Allow us to objectively do what none of us want to do, compare the typical costs of a US Arkansas guided season (four weekends and 8 hunts), compared to joining us at San Jose Lodge for four days, relative to the cost per harvested duck. Yikes!
While Arkansas is a premier domestic hunting destination, an international trip to San Jose Lodge offers world-class duck hunting with high bag limits, excellent accommodations, service and overall cost-effectiveness.
The True Cost of a Guided Arkansas Duck Season (8 hunts)
A fully guided Arkansas duck hunt offers the “idea” of excellent shooting opportunities, but when factoring in all expenses, the total cost can be substantial. Below is a cost breakdown of the costs for four two-day trips:
• Outfitter Fees: $600 per day for 8 hunts (4 weekends) = $4,800
• Travel Costs: 500 miles one way, 100 miles round trip per trip, four trips total at a fuel cost of $1,000
• Tips: $60 per hunt, totaling $480 for 8 hunts
• Ammunition: Hevi-XII shells (might as well have the best), 8 boxes at $90 per box = $720
• Meals and Beer on the Road: 8 trips = $500
Total Cost of Arkansas Guided Season: $7,500
Cost per Harvested Duck in an Arkansas Season: $7,500/48 = $156 per duck!
The Cost of a Four-Day Duck Hunt at Closaway Outfitters – San Jose Lodge, Uruguay
Hunting in Uruguay at Closaway Outfitters – San Jose Lodge offers a different, superior experience with predictable, high-volume shooting, experienced, professional guides, and exceptional hospitality. Here is a breakdown of the costs:
• All-Inclusive Duck Package (4 days hunting, lodging, meals, moderate alcohol, gun rental, 8 boxes of shells per day, and hunting license): $6,200 (2025 rate)
• Tips: $150 per day for guides and lodge staff = $600
• Airfare: Estimated round-trip airfare from the US to Uruguay = $1,500
Total Cost of Closaway Outfitters San Jose Lodge Duck Hunting Trip: $8,300
Uruguay offers liberal bag limits, and hunters can realistically harvest 30 ducks per day, equating to 120 ducks over your four day stay.
Cost per Harvested Duck at Closaway Outfitters’ – San Jose Lodge: $8,300/120 = $69 per duck!
Final Comparison: Arkansas vs. Uruguay
Hunt Location Total Cost Ducks Harvested Cost per Duck
Arkansas (8 hunts) $7,500 48 $156
San Jose (8 hunts) $8,300 120 $69
Which Hunt Offers More Value?
While Arkansas hunt is a fantastic domestic experience, the cost per harvested duck is significantly higher than hunting at San Jose Lodge. Even with airfare included, the Closaway Outfitter hunt delivers nearly twice as many ducks for lower cost per bird, all in a jaw dropping background of beauty. Additionally, the all-inclusive nature of San Jose Lodge removes the hassle of travel logistics, lodging and meal planning.
Another key factor to consider is travel time. The Arkansas hunt requires four separate trips, each involving 14 hours of total travel time (assuming you are at least 500 miles away) for a total of 56 hours of travel over the course of the season. In contrast, the San Jose trip requires only 30 hours of travel (including flights and transfers), all in a condensed, one-time trip. This means clients spend less time on the road and more time in the field!
Success rates also play a crucial role. While Arkansas can provide great shooting, if you hit it just right, success rates often fluctuate significantly due to weather, migration patterns, and local hunting pressure. In contrast, San Jose Lodge has experienced a 100% success rate over the last 15 years, with generous bag limits, ensuring high-volume shooting every day.
Moreover, in Arkansas, once a hunter reaches the morning limit, they are done for the day, with limited activities available afterward. As San Jose Lodge, hunters can enjoy both morning and afternoon duck hunts, maximizing shooting opportunities, Additionally, they can choose to hunt other species as part of our mixed bag, including pigeons, doves, and perdiz, providing an unparalleled hunting experience.
For waterfowlers seeking high-volume shooting, excellent hospitality, and a unique international experience, San Jose Lodge offers unbeatable value. If your goal is to maximize your duck hunting opportunities while keeping relevant costs in check, booking a hunt at Closaway Outfitters – San Jose Lodge is your obvious, best choice. Give us a try and you won’t regret it!
