Why is duck hunting more expensive than dove hunting in Argentina?

Duck hunting requires extensive infrastructure—mud boats, deep-water marsh leases, specialized guides, and massive decoy spreads. Additionally, the mandatory non-toxic steel ammunition costs twice as much as lead dove loads.

Are shotgun shells included in the duck hunting package?

Rarely. Ammunition is almost always billed separately at the end of the trip based on what you actually shoot. You should expect to pay $25 to $35 per box for non-toxic waterfowl loads.

Do I have to pay extra for hunting licenses?

Yes. Provincial hunting licenses are mandatory and usually billed as an out-of-pocket extra, costing roughly $75 to $100 per day depending on the specific province you are hunting.

Duck Hunting Argentina Cost: What Hunters Should Know

Senior Field Editor

Roxy Gonzalez

Published: June 8, 2026

A dedicated duck hunting trip in Argentina typically costs between $3,500 and $5,500 for a standard 4-to-5 day package, excluding international airfare. The base daily lodge rate ranges from $850 to $1,200, but hunters must budget an additional $25 to $35 per box for mandatory non-toxic steel ammunition, which significantly increases the final checkout invoice.

Understanding the Premium Logistics

Duck hunting is inherently more expensive to operate than dove hunting. While a dove outfitter only needs a dry field and a truck, a waterfowl operation requires massive leases on prime marshland, fleets of mud boats, massive decoy spreads, and highly specialized guides. When you pay a premium lodge rate, you are funding this intense logistical infrastructure that guarantees you are placed on unpressured, decoying birds every morning.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (4-Day Trip)	Notes & Variables
Base Lodge Package	$3,400 - $4,800	Includes lodging, meals, drinks, and guides.
Non-Toxic Ammunition	$400 - $600	Calculated at $25 - $35 per box (steel/bismuth).
Gun Rental (12-Gauge)	$280 - $480	Calculated at $70 - $120 per day.
Provincial Licenses	$300 - $400	Mandatory wildlife permits.
Staff Gratuities	$350 - $500	Standard 10% - 15% of the total package.

The Ammunition Differential

The biggest financial shock for first-time waterfowlers in Argentina is the cost of shells. You cannot use the cheap $15 lead shells utilized in the dove roosts. Provincial laws mandate non-toxic steel or bismuth in the wetlands. Because Argentina must import these specialized loads, they are heavily taxed. A single morning duck flight might require 3 to 4 boxes, meaning your daily ammo bill for ducks alone can hit $140 before you even transition to the afternoon dove field.

Tactical Field Note: When requesting a quote, ask your outfitter to separate the base package rate from the daily hunting license fees. Many budget outfitters hide the cost of mandatory provincial licenses, leaving you with an unexpected $400 cash bill the moment you arrive at the estancia.

Internal Connections

Review what is covered in the base rate in What Is Included in an Argentina Hunting Package?.
Understand ammo rules in Steel, Lead, and Shell Selection for Argentina Duck Hunting.
Compare this to dove costs in Dove Hunting Argentina Cost: What U.S. Hunters Should Expect.

Legal & Regulatory Note Hunting regulations in Argentina are established and enforced at the provincial level and may change by season, species, area, quota, weather conditions, land access, and administrative resolution. Any reference to hunting availability, seasons, bag limits, pest-control species, firearms, ammunition, transportation, or export of birds should be understood as general destination information only. Hunters must always confirm current provincial regulations, licenses, permits, firearm requirements, landowner authorization, outfitter compliance, and transport/export restrictions before booking or participating in any hunt.