A standard Argentina mixed-bag hunting package includes five-star lodging, gourmet meals, an open bar, ground transportation to the fields, and fully guided hunts for ducks, doves, and perdiz; however, it explicitly excludes the variable costs of shotgun shells, daily gun rentals, provincial hunting licenses, and staff gratuities.
Deconstructing the Base Rate
Mixed-bag itineraries are logistically complex and carry a higher base rate than dove-only trips—typically ranging from $850 to $1,200 per day. This premium covers the massive infrastructure required to hunt multiple species in a single 12-hour window. Your daily rate funds the fleets of mud boats for the morning duck marsh, the upkeep of elite pointing dog kennels for the midday perdiz walk, and the scout networks that locate the afternoon dove roosts, alongside the chefs and house staff waiting at the estancia.
| Item / Service | Included in Base Package? | Estimated Additional Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 5-Star Lodging & Meals | Yes (Fully Included) | $0 |
| Guides & Bird Dogs | Yes (Fully Included) | $0 |
| Shotgun Ammunition | No (Billed separately) | $15 - $35 per box (Depending on Lead vs Steel) |
| Gun Rentals | No (Billed separately) | $70 - $120 per day |
| Hunting Licenses | No (Billed separately) | $70 - $100 per day |
| Staff Gratuities | No (Billed separately) | $100 - $150 per day (Cash) |
Budgeting the Variable Costs
To avoid checkout shock, you must calculate the 'Cost-Per-Trigger-Pull' reality of the mixed bag. Because you will hunt waterfowl in the morning, you must purchase expensive, imported non-toxic steel shot (often $25+ per box). In the afternoon, you will switch to cheaper lead shells ($15 - $20 per box) for high-volume doves. Combining these two wildly different ammunition requirements means your daily shell bill will fluctuate significantly based on your accuracy and restraint in the dove field.
Tactical Field Note: Always carry crisp, unblemished U.S. $100 and $50 bills to pay for your 'extras.' While estancias will allow you to pay your shell invoice and gun rentals via credit card, they will often pass on a 3% to 5% international merchant processing fee. Staff tips must always be paid in physical USD cash.
Internal Connections
- Review the daily schedule in Duck and Dove Hunting Trips in Argentina.
- Understand ammo restrictions in Steel, Lead, and Shell Selection for Argentina Duck Hunting.
- Select the right outfitter from the Argentina Wingshooting Lodge Directory.