U.S. hunters are strictly prohibited from bringing their own bulk shotgun ammunition into Argentina on commercial flights. You must purchase all shells directly from your outfitter upon arrival, which typically cost between $15 and $20 per box for lead dove loads, and up to $35 for non-toxic duck loads. Attempting to bypass these federal aviation and customs regulations will result in immediate confiscation and potential arrest at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE).
The Logistics of Lodge Ammunition
Because high-volume dove hunters regularly fire between 1,000 and 2,000 rounds per day, the sheer weight of the required ammunition makes personal importation physically impossible. To supply their clients, premium estancias purchase massive bulk orders of locally manufactured shells (such as Fiocchi, RD, or Activ) prior to the season. The cost per box passed onto the hunter fluctuates based on Argentina's current inflation rate and government taxes on imported gunpowder and raw lead.
| Ammunition Type | Target Species | Estimated Cost (Box of 25) | Legal Importation Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-Gauge Lead (Target) | Dove / Pigeon | $15 - $20 | Strictly Prohibited |
| 12-Gauge Lead (High Brass) | Perdiz / Pigeon | $18 - $22 | Strictly Prohibited |
| 12-Gauge Non-Toxic (Steel) | Ducks / Waterfowl | $25 - $35 | Strictly Prohibited |
Budgeting for the Shell Invoice
Ammunition will unequivocally be the largest variable expense on your final lodge checkout invoice. If you are shooting a modest 40 boxes (1,000 rounds) a day at $18 a box, you are spending $720 daily solely on gunpowder. You must factor this unavoidable operational cost into your initial expedition budget, and always carry enough crisp U.S. dollar bills to settle this invoice in cash to avoid a 3% to 5% credit card surcharge.
Tactical Field Note: Always email your outfitter 30 days prior to your arrival to request the current, locked-in price per box of shells. Do not rely on pricing listed on a brochure from two years ago, as Argentina's volatile economy means ammo prices can spike dramatically between seasons.
Internal Connections
- See how shell counts add up in How Many Shells Do Hunters Shoot in Argentina?.
- Understand non-toxic rules in Steel, Lead, and Shell Selection for Argentina Duck Hunting.
- Calculate your total trip cost in Dove Hunting Argentina Cost: What U.S. Hunters Should Expect.