PRG Cast and Blast

Wild quail hunting, just like in the old days

Starting on March 15th each year Patagonia River Guides is proud to offer programs that combine hunting and fishing from their same classic lodge in Trevelin, Argentina. This area of Patagonia is simply covered with wild California Quail, and PRG has over 100,000 acres of estancia lands leased for clients to hunt, plus all of the necessary dogs, guns, and guides to make this world-class bird hunting possible, either as a trip unto itself, or even just as an add on for an otherwise fishing focused trip. Trophy Red Stag hunting is also available right outside the lodge backdoor on another 10,000 acre ranch which can be combined with bird hunting all the way through the month of May.

Cast'n Blast

Patagonia River Guides Cast'n Blast packages combine their classic Trevelin fly fishing program with the opportunity to hunt wild California Quail and or Red Stag all within the same trip and immediate local area.

Quail Hunts: Over the last several years PRG has developed relationships with a whole catalog of local area estancias in the building of this program, which has resulted in exclusive access to over one hundred thousand acres of land for our clients to hunt. Adding to this a selection of loaner shotguns, a kennel full of well trained pointers, and a whole team of guides trained behind those dogs under the direction of Rance Rathie himself, the result has proven to be what is probably the very best quail hunting available today anywhere on the planet.

The quality of the bird hunting in Patagonia is what it is for the same reasons that the trout fishing draws so many anglers from all over the world. Low human population density across the region, impeccably clean environmental conditions, and a relative lack of interest in the activity on the part of our local population, all of which is nothing but good news for folks who are interested in experiencing quail hunts like they were in the United States fifty years ago. Our guests generally see an average of six coveys of quail per day that each have twenty to sixty birds. The number of birds shot of course depends on each guest's ability to walk, shooting skills, and weather conditions, but most shoot between six and twelve quail per day while dispensing with a box or so of shells. Birds can then be processed and cooked by our executive chef, served the evening of the hunt!

Red Stag Hunts: Big game is another possibility while visiting PRG anytime during March, April, or May, and Red Stag are in rut throughout the middle of this time of the season. Stag on our local estancia average 198 points CIC (similar to an SCI elk scoring 340), and trophy fees start as low as $3,000 for animals up to 200 points. Both archery and rifle hunts are available, and the private estancia provides a ranch guide for each hunter (extra charge of $150 per client per day) while PRG handles all logistics, food, beverages and lodging. Hunters should bring their own camouflage clothing for stalking, as well as hunting boots and binoculars. Those who want to bring their own guns should email for information on the process, or else the ranch will provide guns at $75 per day per person.

Lodging

The PRG lodge in Trevelin is truly a five star work of art, designed and "re-built" by Rance and Travis after their purchase of it to be one of the few fly fishing destinations on Earth that can offer each and every guest they have a private room with private bath, even for single occupancy, and all included in the standard packages without any extra charge. Twelve of these spacious, beautifully decorated rooms are available for single guests or couples. In addition the lodge features two spacious living rooms and a communal dining room, two full bars, a billiards room with its own scotch bar, adjacent wine cellar, and cigar humidor, and an enormous wraparound deck overlooking five distinct mountain ranges for the enjoyment of cocktails while listening to or telling the best fishing stories of the day. Wifi and mobile connection access are throughout the lodge property, and a wide variety of non fishing activities are available in the surrounding area and can be arranged for enjoyment with a private PRG staff member/guide.

Space for this program is limited; so contact us today for available dates and details.

Cuisine

Patagonia River Guides' chef and kitchen staff at the Trevelin lodge have been a foundational stone in the program's design from day one. Focusing on a delicately balanced blend of regional and worldwide gourmet foods using locally produced meats, fruits, cheeses and vegetables (many of which are grown in gardens on the PRG property) this team creates an amazingly diverse menu of delightful foods. Lunches and dinners are also complimented by a selection of the very best Argentine wines, as well as both imported and local beers.

Travel Details

Flights for Patagonia River Guides Trevelin Lodge Cast'n Blast Programs should arrive in Esquel, Argentina (Airport code ESQ). You will most likely arrive in Argentina by landing at Buenos Aires International Airport (EZE) and we will provide a private ground transfer service across the city to the domestic airport (AEP) for your flight down to Patagonia.

Several reliable ground transport services are available including Manuel Tienda Leon, which runs both buses and private cars between airports with departures approximately every thirty minutes (+/- $15 US dollars for bus, or +/-$35 for private car). You will likely see their ticket counter upon exiting the baggage claim area; if not then just ask any airport employee and they will point you in the right direction. Independent taxis parked at the curb without reception-desk representation are not reliable and should not be used.

Our staff will meet you just outside baggage claim at the airport in Esquel, and all of your transportation will be provided from that point on until you are dropped off at the airport again for your return flights home.

Pkg Rates

Always remember, our services are provided absolutely free; booking a trip through Hemispheres Unlimited WILL NEVER COST YOU A SINGLE PENNY MORE than booking it directly with the lodge or outfitter, but does reap the benefits of our extensive experience with that destination, as well as our ongoing support services available to you at any time prior to, during, or even after your trip.

Patagonia River Guides Trevelin Lodge is open for Cast'n Blast packages from March 15th to June 1st each year.

Package rates are quoted in US dollars.

Cast'n Blast Quail/Fishing Combo Rates:

Double occupancy rate for one week Cast'n Blast Quail/Fishing combo 7 nights/6 days hunting and fishing is $9,400

$250 per day for shotgun rental, shells, and hunting license

Fishing+Hunting same day - $250 per-person additional cost (due to guide/equipment change and double land/water access fees for the separate activities)

Inclusions:

Single accommodation lodging unless otherwise specified; all meals; house wine, beer, liquor & soft drinks; local transportation; professional guides.

Exclusions:

Gratuity, personal shopping, laundry, special liquors, and cigars. Also excluded are all travel related expenses such as: Flights, hotels, food, transfers, and tours in Buenos Aires. This price also does not include ground transfers to or from Bariloche Airport if applicable

*Single occupancy rate for one week is standard rate x1.5 ($14,100)

*Cast'n Blast Big Game/Fishing Combo Rates - contact us for current rates and packages