Uruguay: Hasparren Lodge

Hasparren lodge is one of the finest mixed bag shooting estates in Uruguay.

Set in the hills of central Uruguay, this picturesque estate has remained in the hands of the Barrán family for 140 years. Over the past 17 years Bernardo and Mercedes Barrán, your hosts, have developed the shooting potential of the estate to the form it takes today, offering overseas visitors fantastic shooting for wild partridges, doves, pigeon and ducks.

<<< Click here to find out where Hasparren Lodge is.

The Shooting

Hasparren lodge is a true all-rounders destination. At certain times of the year it is possible to shoot wild pigeon, duck and volume doves all in one day. Days during the partridge (perdiz) season are typically split so that the morning would be spent shooting partridges over pointers with the afternoon taken up with dove and pigeon shooting. The contrast between the walked up shooting with dogs and the almost ‘unlimited’ dove shooting gives fantastic variety to any shooting trip.

The dove shooting can be nothing short of outstanding. Guns are positioned with the assistance of a professional guide in hides under flight paths in fields or amidst more open scrubland. A ‘bird boy’ will be allocated to you and he will look after all your needs throughout the day; from building the hide, looking after the cartridges and of course ensuring your guns are thoroughly cleaned. During certain months guests can also decoy for both duck and pigeons.

Location and Environment

Hasparren Lodge is set in the Rio Negro region of Uruguay. The Rio Negro or ‘Black River’ runs across Uruguay, effectively splitting the country in two. The lodge is situated about 185 miles north of Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. The average temperature during the main shooting season from May to September is around 12°C.

The Lodge and Staff

As your drive from Montevideo comes to an end and you catch your first glimpse of Hasparren lodge you will understand what a truly special place this is. The lodge is located next to a fast running creek and stands out like a stone fortress amidst the surrounding plains. Well maintained gardens provide a homely feel to an area which is otherwise suitably wild and unspoilt. The hosts, Bernardo and Mercedes Barrán, will welcome you into their home and make your stay as exceptional as is possible. The warmth of their hospitality has ensured that many guests make a trip to Hasparren an annual pilgrimage. Hasparren Lodge can accommodate up to eight guests in 5 bedrooms, each with en-suite bathroom. Guests relax at the end of the day in a cosy living room complete with a large open fireplace and comfortable chairs. Throughout your stay you will dine on a selection of fine food ranging from Uruguay’s famous beef to game shot on the estate. All meals are served with a selection of pedigree Argentine wines.

Best Times To Go

• May–July: Walk-up perdiz in the morning followed by dove and decoyed pigeon in the afternoon.
• August–mid-September: Dove, duck and pigeon variety -- a unique mixed bag shoot in one location. Note: Party size is limited to 4 hunters.
• Mid-September–April: Full day shoots for dove and passing pigeon.

Alternative Activities

Non-shooting guests are welcome to accompany the shooting party in the field, enjoy the surrounding scenery on horseback or simply relax by the pool.

Getting there

International travel is relatively easy with regular flights into either Montevideo from European countries or via Buenos Aires. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the lodge, which takes about 3 1/2 hours. For groups we recommend a private charter from Montevideo to the private airstrip at Hasparren.