Things To Do, Places To Go, New Developments

Long-time subscribers will remember the continuous flow of reports we received for several years from shooters visiting Estancia Los Chañares in Argentina’s Cordoba Province. Subscribers who hunted there raved about the accommodations, service and of course the large flocks of doves found right on the property. Then suddenly, the reports stopped coming, and Los Chañares fell off the dove hunting radar. Now we have learned that the place is under new ownership and back in business. Outfitter George Criddle of Los Gauchos Outfitters tells us he is working with the new owner of Los Chañares, David Perez, an American businessman from the banking industry, and Los Chañares is once again taking clients. Here’s what Criddle had to tell us in a note he sent us about the new management of this treasured operation:

“Estancia Los Chañares, known for years as one of the finest dove hunting destinations in Cordoba, Argentina, is now under new ownership and is 100 percent American owned and operated. Los Chañares has long had, and still maintains, the distinction of being the only operator in the region that does not drive from rented field to rented field to find the birds, therefore one never has to endure long drives down dusty pothole-laden roads to get to the action at Los Chañares. All of the super high-volume dove shooting is within 10 minutes of the lodge on our 4,000 acres of private property. Motivated shooters can easily shoot three, and up to four cases of shot shells daily. To take a break, the hunters can be driven on demand in a golf cart back to the lodge for a siesta, a dip in the swimming pool or a revitalizing massage for mid-afternoon breaks.

“This ‘Eighth Wonder of The Dove Hunting World’ was created by Monsignor Serge Dompierre, a retired French Canadian businessman. Mr. Dompierre decided to leave the hunting business and now lives in Buenos Aires; however, he is still on board as a consultant for managing agricultural issues, ensuring prime dove habitat on the farm – for which he was known best.

“As managing partner of Los Chañares, I am working with new owner David Perez to push what many felt was already the best-of-the-best even further to the top by upgrading every aspect of the lodge’s many amenities from five-star to diamond status.

“Chief Operating Officer Alex Mitri, protégé of famous dove and pigeon hunting outfitter, the late Kjell Erland Von Sniedern, lives at the lodge and is in charge of the quality management of all aspects of the operation. Like a utility infielder, Mitri has worn all of the hats in this industry from guide to sales manager. His beautiful and charming Argentine wife, Jessica, is our hospitality manager.

“Los Chañares has just produced a brand new DVD video showcasing our upgraded five-star resort-style facility, and our new and talented staff. It is a must-see. Los Chañares has all the doves one could ever want and more within minutes of the lodge-that is how the place built its fine reputation-but now every aspect of the experience exudes the ultimate in comfort and luxury for hunters and non-hunters alike.

“Los Chañares has been represented for years by many of the top booking agencies in the USA. You may call the following agents to book your dove hunt of a lifetime: Classic Sports International (Tel. 800-375-5692, 803-865-7907), The Detail Company (Tel. 800-292-2213, 713-524-7235), Global Sporting Safaris (Tel. 866-750-3097, 307-235-4650) and many smaller independent agents as well.

Those of you who have been to Los Chañares before are advised to contact your agent and book again.

“And for those of you who have never experienced Los Chañares, you may contact any one of the above agents, or book directly with us at 888-545-7575. For questions about the Los Chañares experience, visit our web site at: www.cordobadovehunting.com or call me, George Criddle, directly at our U.S. sales office in Dallas, Texas at 888-545-7575.”