La Zeniada - Cordoba

From the main lodge.

FOR THOSE WHO ARE LOOKING FOR A CUSTOMIZED FIRST CLASS TRIP AND ENJOY HIGH VOLUME SHOOTING, WE OFFER GOLDEN EARED DOVES SHOOTING IN THE PROVINCE OF CORDOBA, RIGHT IN THE HEART OF ARGENTINA.

From the BBQ terrace.

La Zenaida lodge is located right in front of one of the largest and most compact dove roosts of Argentina. It is located at 2 hours from the International airport, where we own and lease over twenty-five hundred acres of farmland.

Having lunch.

Leo and Antonio looked well after us.

With the master cheff Leo. AT “LA ZENAIDA” A PROFESSIONAL CHEF IS IN CHARGED OF OUR GOURMET MENU. TRADITIONAL AMERICAN-STYLE BREAKFAST, ARGENTINE ASADO AND THE FINEST DISHES AT NIGHT.

Always in Argentina ....Lot´s of azado.

Arni in action.

As doves have been declared a plague by local authorities, there is no bag limit and our guests can easily shoot an incredible amount per day.

Reload .. quick! You will fire easy 2000 shells a day!

Gun rental , you do not need to bring anything with you all is provided at the lodge.

Gusti from Iceland in action , he fired down 1000 doves that day! This is truly the best wing shooting in the world!

Full go!
Our experience allows us to carry out all the activities in an organized and professional way. Our guests only worry about the shooting, relaxing and enjoying their visit.

The main lodge in the vening sun.
At “La Zenaida” going to the fields turns to be the easiest thing ever since shooters have to take a five minute walk to the field to start shooting. This kind of programme is so flexible that allows our guests to socialize and relax before and after the shooting. La Zenaida is equipped with 8 double rooms with private bathrooms and airconditioning. The living room is the right place to enjoy the finest Argentine wines while you share anecdotes with your party.

From the lodge , full comfort.



Gusti tackeling up, there is a little shop in the lodge.

From the comfortable living room.
At day-break, we start with a traditional American-style breakfast - coffee or tea, fresh orange juice, fruit, bacon and eggs, toasts and marmalades, cereals… And you are ready to set off for the first shot Weather permitting, you will enjoy your lunch out in the shooting ground. Our guides are masters at preparing the best Argentine asado (BBQ), served under the welcoming shade of trees with the vast farmlands and the singing of birds as a background. Aselection of the best of beef is accompanied by a variety of salads and side dishes. Delicious desserts follow. If the guides judge it more convenient, you will be invited back to the lodge for lunch.



The sky´s the limits - HIGH VOLUME SHOOTING!

There is no brake ... birds comes in all day long.

Hot barrel! OUR GOAL IS TO PRESENT YOU WITH HIGH VOLUME SHOOTING. ALL OUR TEAM GUARANTEES AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE.

The team Gusti and Arni with our bird boys ... taking a minute break.

The sky is covered with birds, all day long.

For further information contact Arni Baldursson at Lax-a office at tel: Mobile   +354...  or   +3...  e mail arnibald@lax-a.is Fax +354 55

Gusti in action.

PRE TRIP INFORMATION:

“La Zenaida” is the most exclusive dove shooting lodge in Cordoba. It is located in front of one of the largest and most compact dove roosts in Argentina making it perfect for thrilling and high volume shooting experience. Every effort is made to ensure that all of our guests have a comfortable stay in the purpose-built facilities which are within walking distance of where you will enjoy an incredible shoot. This elegant and cozy lodge is decorated in the Patagonian and Northern Argentinean style. It is surrounded by nature and a dove flyway. It offers 8 en suite bedrooms to accommodate a maximum of 16 guests, a comfortable living-room and fully stocked complimentary bar, a large dining room and great recreation and gun cleaning room with all the amenities. With the best Argentine beef and quality ingredients the chef creates an array of delicious traditional specialties and international dishes. Carefully selected Argentine FW wines complement his mouth-watering menus. From the moment you arrive in Argentina, service is personalized and attention is paid to every imaginable detail. This standard is maintained throughout the house staff and guide team making this dove shooting program hard to beat.

Location

• Located in the province of Cordoba, in central

Argentina, 85 miles (140 kms) east of the

Cordoba City international airport. Driving time

1:45 hr.

• To get to La Zenaida Lodge there are daily direct

flights from many U.S cities to Santiago, Chile

with connecting flights to Cordoba city. That will

allow you to make the most of your trip as you

will be dove shooting the day of your arrival.

• Guests may also fly into Buenos Aires (Ezeiza

Intl. Airport), transfer to the domestic airport and

take a 1 hr flight to Cordoba.

The Shooting

• Cordoba is considered the dove shooting capital

of the world. The 100 square mile radius (60 km)

around the lodge is annually inhabited by over 30

million dove. The lodge has 25 shooting fields,

which are within a walk or a drive through the

region’s rich farmland.

• The program generally starts at 8:00 AM with a

hearty breakfast followed by a walk or short drive

to the shoot.

• In the field you will be assigned a bird-boy, who

will provide you with cartridges and refreshments

and direct you to your shooting stand.

• You will be constantly visited by your main guide

who will be available to assist you with any need,

even give you some tips on your shooting if

required.

• Depending on the time of the year you will shoot

till noon when you will be treated to an incredible

barbeque lunch at the lodge, tasting some of

Argentina’s wonderful beef and superb wines.

• Afternoon begins at around 2 or 2:30 hr., and

continues until almost dark. There is no definite

time to close the shoot.

• Return to the lodge for cocktails and early dinner.

 

Facilities and Services

• Capacity: 16 shotguns

• 8 double rooms with private bathroom

• £50 per night surcharge for single room.

• Dining room, sitting room, bar, gun cleaning table and facilities

• Internet access • Gourmet dining with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional asados (BBQ) and delicious desserts.

• Maid and laundry service • Masseuse

• Gift shop offers local leather artwork and crafts, logo wear and accessories

Shotgun rental, semiautomatic, 20 gauge Beretta Urika

• First class professional shooting guides

• Bird-boys

• Comfortable 13 pax capacity Mercedes Benz vans with LCD

• Historical tours and shopping trips

 

Pre Trip Information

1. South America Shooting Questionnaire

Shotgun information and serial numbers MUST BE legible and accurate. This document will be sent to Argentina for shotgun permits and shooting licenses.

2. Photocopy of the I.D. page in your Passport. This must clearly show your name, passport number, date issued and expiration date. Because of the time required for processing firearms permits, please return your questionnaire promptly. Your cooperation is appreciated.

NOTE TO GROUP LEADERS: It is important that as a group leader you share this pre-trip information with all members of your  party so that everyone is adequately prepared, understands the cancellation/refund policy pertaining to their trip, and has the opportunity to purchase travel insurance (especially anyone with a pre-existing health condition). PE cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group.

Arrival

A VALID PASSPORT with at least 6 months remaining. No visa is needed for U.S. citizens or Community subjects; others should check entry requirements with the Argentine consulate.

Customs and Firearms Registration

Europe - You should inform the airline prior to travel date that you will be carrying shotguns and declare them when checking in for your flight. An airline official will escort you to a Customs post for gun registration and then hand-carry your guns to the plane. On return, you must retrieve your guns at the airline service desk in the baggage hall. An airline official will accompany you to the red channel, where your guns are registered with Customs as re-entering the country.

Entry Requirement

ARGENTINA SHOTGUN PERMIT: Shotguns must be declared and gun permits purchased on arrival in Argentina. This is usually done at the international airport and a fee paid directly to the National Police Authority. You are requested to pay in cash USD100 per shotgun. Fees are subject to change without notice. The information on your Shooting Questionnaire will be used for your shotgun entry permit and very carefully checked by the authorities on arrival, so please be sure it is absolutely legible  and accurate. It will also be important to remember that your gun permit departure form must be stamped by police authority at the airport before check in at the ticket counter for your flight home.

Air Travel Arrangements

We work very closely with our representatives in Buenos Aires and Cordoba who do an outstanding job of diligently handling all incoming and outgoing transfers, and our constant communication with them allows us to act quickly when unscheduled circumstances occur.

Baggage/gun Case Restrictions

Airline regulations usually permit two (2) checked bags not to exceed 70 lbs. each and two carry-on pieces per passenger.

Carrions’ must fit under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bin. Please check with your Airline.

NOTE: SOME GUESTS RECENTLY HAVE BEEN CHARGED A USD40 FEE FOR CHECKING A SHOTGUN CASE AS BAGGAGE. THIS POLICY, WHILE VALID WITH SOME U.S. CARRIERS, IS RARELY ENFORCED. WE WANT YOU TO BE AWARE OF IT, DO NOT MENTION IT TO THE TICKETING AGENT; BUT BE PREPARED SHOULD IT BE LEVIED.

From time to time outfitters need things in the shooting fields, and they will ship them to us and ask that they be carried down by clients, as customs and shipping expenses are prohibitive for them. Usually items are things like jackets, hats, camouflage netting, or boots. If you have some extra room in your bags, and would not mind carrying things down, outfitters will reimburse you for any expense you incur, and will often throw in some free shotgun shells for your trouble. Let us know if you have an interest in lending a hand.

Shotgun Cartridges

We strongly recommend that all shot cartridges be purchased in Argentina. Buying them there eliminates baggage hassle and overweight charges, and cartridges available are very good. Argentine cartridges £8.50 per box (for gauges 12, 20, 28 & 410); payment will be handled prior to your departure. You may settle your cartridge account either in cash or personal checks. Prices are subjected to changes.

Shotguns/Chokes

In selecting which shotgun you take, it boils down to personal preference. Since 2001 we have seen almost every shotgun imaginable in Cordoba, from single-shot Iver Johnson's in the hands of youngsters-to the finest European double guns-and everything in between. Gas-operated (inertia system) semiautomatics offer less felt recoil but are more likely to malfunction, as they contain more moving parts. However the Benelli and Beretta gas (inertia system) guns. If you opt for a double, choose a heavier rather than a lighter gun and one with automatic ejectors. Regardless of the gun you choose, we would strongly suggest taking some type of recoil-reduction device such as the Kick Killer shoulder pads available from many shooting supply houses.

The high volume and rapidity of shooting, together with a generally warm climate, will put any gun to a severe test. Ammunition availability dictates that 12-, 20- or 28-gauge guns are the best choice. Each day, you'll encounter every imaginable type of shot, from high passing birds to close-in shooting. Improved cylinder and modified are the best middle-of-the-road choices - however the variable choke tubes guns are ideal. If you are taking a magazine-type shotgun (pump or automatic) make sure it is immaculately clean - and while there is cleaning equipment available at the lodge, you may wish to take some light cleaning equipment and lubricant. Try shooting some high doves if you have not done so before. Use this trip to sharpen your shooting skills. You'll be amazed at what you'll learn - and at the results!

Shotgun Rental

La Zenaida also has shotguns available to rent. Price is £40 per gun per day.

Climate

Dove shooting is available at all times of year in Cordoba, so clothing can vary from light short-sleeved shirts to light fleece jackets in the winter season. The chart below lists averages for the past few years. Cordoba does get some seasonal rain, so please plan to take at least a light rain jacket or windbreaker.

Average Daily Temperature Range

Jan 93°-59°F / 34-15C May 66°-38°F / 19- 4C Sept 68°-40°F / 20- 5C

Feb 90°-58°F / 32-15C June 59°-32°F / 15- 0C Oct 75°-46°F / 24- 8C

Mar 83°-54°F / 28-12C July 59°-37°F / 15- 3C Nov 83°-51°F / 28-11C

Apr 75°-46°F / 24- 8C Aug 64°-34°F / 18- 1C Dec 89°-57°F / 32-14C

Clothing & Equipment

For the Field: Shooting clothes should be light green, green or brown; camouflage is optional. Pack a sweater or jacket in case it's cool in the early morning and also a flannel or chamois shirt. Don't forget to bring a rain coat (See table above for average temperatures.)

Shoes: Lightweight, ankle-height is all you need. Many shooters even wear sneakers. A Gore-Tex breathing shoe, like the Rocky Boot, is excellent. You may also wish to visit www.weatherunderground.com, they will provide a Cordoba forecast.

Important Accessories for the Field

SHOOTING SAFETY GLASSES - also serve as sunglasses and should be the shatterproof variety. The green or yellow protective glasses that can be worn over regular glasses are good. They have a small side panel, which protects against glare.

Available from many shooting sports suppliers.

SHOOTING GLOVES - important item to protect hands from hot shotgun barrels and nicks and blisters from reloading, breaking guns or activating safeties. Golf or batting gloves are a good substitute if you can't find quality, sensitive leather shooting gloves.

EAR PLUGS – Ear protection is essential. Many field the expandable silicone plugs are best. These protect your hearing and help prevent headaches.

RECOIL REDUCTION DEVICE - recoil pad to wear under a shirt or shooting vest, or over either.

SOFT PROTECTIVE GUN CASE FOR DAILY USE

SHELL POUCH - one that will hold a box or two of shells - or belt-type pouch or vest. Especially handy for dove and pigeon shooting.

LIGHTWEIGHT HAT - one with a wide brim is best

SMALL FIELD BAG - to carry camera gear and other personal items into the field

INSECT REPELLENT - Mosquitoes or other bothersome insects are very unusual in the field - you might take a small bottle of

Cutter's Cream.

CAMERA - The area is scenic and photographic possibilities abound.

FLASHLIGHT

EVENING DRESS - Clothing is casual, with slacks and sport shirt all you need.

MEDICATION - Most people have no stomach problems in this part of Argentina. Nevertheless, it's a good idea, as when travelling anywhere, to take along medication for symptomatic relief. Also, take aspirin, in case you get a shooting headache, in addition to other medications you normally use.

BAND-AIDS - for sore fingers from shooting

NOTE: LAUNDRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LODGE IF DESIRED.

AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE AT THE LODGE: SHELL POUCH, SOFT GUN CASE, LIGHTWEIGH HAT AND SMALL FIELD

BAG.

Health

We suggest that you consult with your physician for medical advice on travel to Argentina. If your physician is not familiar with travel-related medicine, the CDC offers excellent, up-to-date information on health precautions for travellers by fax; call toll-free 888-236-1033 and follow the recorded instructions. You may also visit the CDC's Web site at www.cdc.gov.

Gratuities

Gratuities for lodge and field staff are not included in the shoot cost since we feel that tipping, in general, is discretionary.

However, clients have asked that we provide general guidelines; therefore, we suggest:

* £25 per bird boy, per guest/day

* £20 to 25 for the household staff, per guest/day

* A total of £30 to £60 for your shooting guide, per person for the total stay.

As an example for a three day stay you will spend approximately £180 in tips, which is £60 per day. Our policy is that guests should tip pick-up boys directly in the field. Thus we have no arrangements for including tips in the final bill. For transfers in

Buenos Aires, your PE guide will tip the drivers and airport porters but not hotel or restaurant personnel. If you wish to tip your guide, do so at your discretion.

Currency

The official currency is the Argentine peso, which is no longer tied to the U.S. dollar. However, most shops in Buenos Aires accept dollars or pesos, but if you pay with dollars, expect pesos in change. You'll need cash or credit cards to pay for dinner in Buenos Aires or Cordoba, if you're overnighting there, and also to pay an airport departure tax (approx. £7.80) on the domestic airlines and £12 for international flights. The lodge accepts payment in cash and personal checks (American Dollar or GBP).

Electric Current

220 volts; a standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug should work fine.

Customs Allowance

Two bottles of liquor and two cartons of cigarettes can be taken into Argentina duty-free. Our suggestion is that you purchase these at the airport before departure. If there is any special brand of liquor that you like we recommend that you purchase it at the duty free.

Terms & Conditions

Inclusions: All meals in the shooting fields with wines and beer; best available lodging based on double occupancy (£50 surcharge for single room when available); services of a professional shooting-guide; all vehicles and ground transportation as required by the itinerary; bird-boys as required; all payments to landowners for shooting rights; meeting and customs assistance; round ground transfer (Cordoba/La Zenaida) only for parties arriving and departing together; taxes and service charges.

Exclusions: Scheduled air fares required by itinerary from point of origin through return; shot shells; shotgun rental (£40 per person per day); all gratuities; shooting license (£45 per person per day); telephone calls, laundry/dry cleaning, room service, or items of a strictly personal nature; baggage overweight charges; personal/baggage insurance; passport expense; transfer to and from the lodge for clients not arriving or departing with the whole party (please refer to our transfer policy below); cost of

itinerary modification requested by passenger; transfers in Buenos Aires if your airline schedule requires you to change airports.

Transfer Policy

1. Only two transfers are included: one for arrivals and one for departures (they apply to parties arriving together).

2. For transfers on different schedules there will be a £50 surcharge (one way) per single passenger and £25 per person (one way) for groups (3 or more passengers).

Check In / Check Out Policy

All clients may shoot half a day on arrival date provided they arrive at the airport no later than 14.00 hrs; and they may shoot half a day on departure date provided their flight is scheduled for departure after 14.30 hrs.

An Important Last Word - Safety

For some reason, more shooters, dogs and bird-boys take stray pellets when dove shooting than in any other shot gunning activity. There should be no reason for this. There's plenty of room, so shotguns are placed well apart with an eye to safety.

Nevertheless, in fields being harvested, there often are workers or farm animals in proximity - people on horseback or workers will edge into a shooting area, assuming that guns are prudent and will never shoot low. The point is, you have to be aware of

this activity and aware at all times as to the position of fellow shooters and bird-boys. The bottom line is:

There is never any excuse for taking a low-angle shot (below 45 degrees). Get that rule in your head; it requires virtually no concentration and will certainly in no way inhibit your shoot. Don't take chances on shot angles - ever!

Check guns to make sure they're unloaded before leaving the ranch - recheck in the field and again on departure. Don't be offended if our staffs check them again. Everyone wants to be as safe as possible. Magazine shotguns should be carried with the receiver open; uncased doubles always broken when walking in the field, in a vehicle, or any time when not in shooting position. Don't hand loaded shotguns to bird-boys. Also, don't let bird-boys shoot. Some know how and are competent shots,but this simply introduces another element of risk.

If your assigned location is a little off the flight line, or not productive, make sure you let your outfitter know; they will move you to a better place. Someone will always be close by. If you are taking a break from shooting, be aware of others around you. If you are in the open, you may be flaring birds away from others who are shooting.

It is a good idea to always wear safety shooting glasses to protect your eyes. And protect your ears with plugs or a quality headset type of ear protector. Many times during the shoot there will be birds in the air, including songbirds. Some of these are protected and should not be shot under any circumstance. The basic rule is stick with doves. Check with the outfitter for any other game birds.

For further information contact Arni Baldursson at Lax-a office at tel: +354...  or Mobile   +354...  or   +3...  e mail arnibald@lax-a.is Fax +354 55