:: Water games ::

Area 1 : La Huerta

Ducks and herons are hunted after the morning and the afternoon but, contrary to the activities in Europe, these animals move during the day, which permits to hunt them generally from dawn until around 10:30 a.m. and in the afternoon from 4:30 p.m. until the evening. Each hunter has one escorting guide.

The main heron and duck species are :

> Netta Peposaca or crested duck
> Three Dendrocygna species:
fulvous whistling-duck, black-bellied, white-face whistling-duck
> Brazilian heron or Eurasian wigeon
> Silver teal
> Ringed teal
> Black-headed duck
> Bahamas and Chile “Pilets” (white-cheeked pintail and yellow-billed pintail)
> Souchet or red shoveler
> Erismature or masked duck
>Other species: speckled teal, cinnamon teal, sirinda, chiloe wigeon

Seasons

Although hunting may start in February, we inaugurate the season only in March until mid-August because past experience shows that there are better results during such period.
May through August are the best months for partridges and turtledoves while more snipes can be found from March through June.

Model program

Area 2 : Formosa

Teals, ducks and Muscovy duck, the world’s largest duck

This year the amateurs looking for authenticity and unusual hunting will have their opportunity to discover Fortín Soledad, a small town located in the north of the province of Formosa, on the banks of the world’s largest marsh (350 km long and 10 km wide).
This marsh, which gathers palm groves and dry trees, is frequently flooded from February through June and slowly begins to drain during winter. That is when millions of wading birds and anatine species arrive to find shelter and food. Duck species abound in that place depending on the water level remaining. We may found among the largest animals, for instance, the species less known among hunters, the Muscovy duck, locally called “pato picasso”, the world’s largest duck (3 to 7 kg). This duck lives mainly in the jungle, hung from dry trees that become safe sleeping spaces, or at the top of palm trees when they nestle; this is a surprising habit, much different from the behavior of our European ducks. The Muscovy duck also has web feet with three big talons in its legs that literally allow them to hang from trees and land without any difficulty. It is fantastic show for hunters to watch this large duck come flying through palm trees in groups of three to ten. Don’t look for it over the trees; they fly underneath and zigzag among trees.
We offer the possibility of discovering this environment and extraordinary hunting while staying in our chalet, which is built over piles in the marsh. Transfers are made through pirogue, on horseback or on foot, depending on the areas to be visited. Our wholly comfortable chalet is designed for hunters, with two double bedrooms, a dining room and a shower. The excursion that we are proposing takes from three to five days, depending on your choice, and it may include at least two people and not more than four people. The ideal period for large ducks (Muscovy duck) depends on the water level but it basically comprises from July 1 through September 30. They may be found before such period but in small numbers. On the contrary, we may find teals, dendrocygna or netta peposaca since early April. This three-day hunting in the marshes may continue with a three-day dove (ringdove) hunting. These species may be found in large amounts in the region at a distance of less than 250 km. In addition, a competition with partridge chicks (elegant-crested tinamou) may be scheduled.

Model program