Estancia El Colibri Returns - Trek International Safaris
Transcription
Estancia El Colibri Returns - Trek International Safaris
International Safaris The Leaders in Sportsman’s Travel since 1973 ~Spring/Summer 2015~ El Colibri Returns Mexico Ducks/Quail Amazon Short Trip -1- Fun Couples Trip The 2015 Argentina Couples Trip was just completed and by all accounts it was a great success. Trek owners at the beautiful Alvear Palace and included visits to Recolota Cemetery, Evita Peron’s Tomb, Metropolitan Cathedral, and a private tour of the Great Opera House. Of course no trip to Beunos Aires is complete without a night of Tango and this year was no exception with Rojo Tango doing the honors. After leaving for four nights and shacked up at the fabulous Guayascate Lodge daily massage/spa therapy. Yes all this from one incredible 5-star lodge. The trip ended with three restaurants, wineries and sights/ sounds of the city. Perhaps the highlight of the entire trip may have been the cooking class at Domino del Plata Winery where everyone came out as experts. More on this trip can be found on Trek’s Homepage with a blog posted by Trek President Milton Hanburry. Look for more couples trips in 2016 with excursions to Panama (Feb), Tucuman (April), and Portugal (Oct) already planned. Look for more details in our Fall Catalog or call now for preliminary information. ABOUT THE COVER: Our cover this issue was taken by photographer Adrian Gray on his recent visit to Zancudo Lodge in Costa Rica. Adrian does excellent work in the Design and Production department of I.F.G.A. as well as taking wonderful shots like this of Zancudo Lodge owner Greg Mufson as he battles a photoshelter.com for a look into his wonderful world. 2 HIGHLIGHTS: El Colibri Returns pg. 6 Mexico Ducks/Quail pg. 8 Amazon Short Trip Pg. 14 T r e k Tr acks Just returned from a great couples trip in Argentina with the boss. It was a small group this year as we had a few late cancellations, but sometimes, big things come in small packages!! I had been telling some of my more sporting neighbors how much fun Cara and I have on these trips and what interesting people we meet. Hadn’t many takers because the wives think they will be roughing it as the itinerary called for some hunting. Well our good friends the Lear’s, or more importantly Miss Paula, decided they wanted to see Argentina and signed up to travel with us. After the first night in Buenos Aires, actually after the first hour, they had already made great friends with the Bernard’s from Texas who were also on the trip. It could have been the martinis that Alvear Palace bartender Enrique was creating or just the festive atmosphere that is B.A., but it was apparent this crowd was going to be fun, fun fun. Leaving B.A. behind we headed to Cordoba for some hunting and relaxing. If the Alvear Palace didn’t dispel the myth about rustic hunting accommodations and not being fit for the Mrs., Guayascate Lodge certainly did. I am always amazed at the impression people get when they see this lodge for the first time, perched up on the hill like a 5-star resort in Scottsdale. You are then paraded to the entry like royalty where a waiting staff presents you with a warm towel, glass of champagne and hors-d’oeuvres!! Geez, it sure doesn’t take long to know you are in a special place. Guayascate has matured wonderfully since opening in November of 2010 and credit goes to its design, maintenance and the owners desire to be the best. And if it weren’t already tops in the industry, they have added a huge new fire pit and outdoor kitchen that will now be the place to embellish the day’s hunt. After three great days of hunting, relaxing and overindulgence at Guayascate, our team made its way to Mendoza and the ideally located Park Hyatt Hotel. We ventured out to wineries and learned about Malbec, Cabernet, Merlot and blends in between, but also enjoying the company of each other while soaking in the beautiful landscapes and backdrop of the Andes. The city itself was fun, entertaining and we could all see why it has become so popular. The highlight of the trip may have been the five-hour cooking class conducted by one José Cacciavillani from the Dominio del Plata Winery, who met his obligation to teach us the fine art of cooking with wood while also being entertaining. He passed on both counts despite the fact he was suffering severe jet lag, having just arrived from a cooking seminar in Taiwan. We learned how to make empanadas, tasted new recipes and basically assisted in cooking the meal José had planned. Special props to Messrs. Lear, Bernard and Senner who are excellent cooks themselves and played their parts to the hilt! We spent ten days together and it went pretty quick, a testament to the fun we had and the engaging personalities of all who attended. A fact hammered home by Miss Paula who says, “sign me up next year”; I cannot say more than that! On another note, we have been inundated with calls to hunt and fish in Cuba and yes we are looking into it and will have something available soon. Just please understand that Trek will not promote a trip unless it is locked down tight with no ambiguities and gray areas. There are presently some U.S. companies promoting fishing trips to Cuba with claims that dates are almost gone for 2016 and come with a 50% increase in prices since the Yanks are now involved. This doesn’t include additional fees to get the right permits. I know you are excited about seeing this country and so are we, but we will align ourselves with like-minded outfitters and companies who have our/your best interest at heart, this vetting process is slow but ongoing. As many of you know, Cuba has been receiving visitors from the rest of the world and there has been much writing about their experiences and we will draw on those when we offer our trips. Flats and deep-sea fishing trips seem to be in place and a clearer path to success but fresh water fishing and hunting trips will be more of a challenge. But make no mistake about it, we are doing our homework and will offer trips with reasonable -3- expectations i n i t i a l l y, keeping in mind that Cuba is still many years b e h i n d the rest of western civilization. Yet like many of you, I am still excited to see this Caribbean nation despite all its shortages and negative press. In some ways even more so than when the floodgates open, and they will open barring some last minute political snafu. I might even grow a beard, add a few pounds and pass myself off as Ernest Hemingway; some say I am already headed that way. We have received some good news that starting on July 4th Aerolineas Argentinas is starting non-stop service from Miami to Cordoba, Argentina. The flight initially departs/returns on Saturdays and Sundays only and using the Airbus A-330 aircraft, a mid-size wide bodied with a 2-4-2 coach seating arrangement and Business Class. The flight down is an overnight while the return is during the day. We have already booked this flight for several customers and some are looking at options that include the non-stop into Cordoba and the return from B.A., which offers daily flights back to Miami. Call Shaun McKanna in our office for more details including attractive Business Class fares. Lastly I want to thank everyone again for taking the time to fill out the surveys we send when you return from one of our trips. They have proven to be immeasurable in helping Trek and our team of outfitters improve their services. Muchas Gracias!! Milton Hanburry, Jr. President. Argentina - Malalcue 29°59’33.17” S 59°31’10.26” W Variety is the Spice of Life… Especially When Bird Hunting. Considering the volume and variety of birds to hunt in Argentina, it only makes sense to experience as much as possible on your trip. Malalcue Lodge has a long-standing tradition of hosting Trek’s mixed bag bird groups, but lately the lodge and program have received a facelift. The Trip: Sportsman traveling to the Corrientes Region of Argentina will take an overnight flight from the US landing in Buenos Aires. A Trek rep will meet you and assist your group when arriving then transfer you to the domestic airport for the flight to Santa Fe. Ariel Semenov or Gustavo Pavon will meet you in Santa Fe and drive you to the Malalcue Lodge, stopping on the way for an afternoon dove hunt. The following four days are full hunting days. On your last day you will shoot in the morning only, and then transfer back to Buenos Aires for your flight home. Guest may also elect to reserve a private charter, which Trek will be happy to assist with all arrangements. areas and quite possibly the most fun of all the species we hunt. You’ll see these fast birds buzzing through trees and only giving you a split-second to squeeze off several shots, but still expect to shoot 500+ rounds in an afternoon. The beauty of Malalcue is you do not loose hunting days by traveling around Argentina searching for each species; just relax and enjoy the hunting. The Shooting: While other mixed bag outfitters use several different lodges all hours apart, Malalcue gives hunters the ability to shoot duck, dove, Perdiz and pigeon all out of the same lodge day after day. In recent years, the pigeon population around the Corrientes Region has thrived due to the increase and expansion of agricultural practices allowing Trek to now offer two full days of pigeon hunting, practically unheard of on a mixed bag program. The decoying pigeon hunts will be built around the ever-popular Perdiz flushed by pointers and spaniels along with morning hunts for ducks. This area of Argentina is a migratory interstate for a variety of South American duck species and from May through August, one of the most populated. Doves are shot mostly in roost The Accommodations: With the growing popularity of super lodges around Argentina these days, Malalcue is standing by its charm and culture as many hunters still enjoy the feeling of being at a hunting lodge and not resort. Outfitter Ariel Semenov has made many changes to provide the comforts of these “resorts” without loosing the character of Malalcue. The lodge has six deluxe rooms with new bedding, five remodeled bathrooms, a brand-new massage room and spa, along with re-designed porch and foyer to enjoy that cocktail and cigar. Excellent cuisine, impeccable service and instant camaraderie are all the more reason to visit Malalcue Lodge. TRIP FEE: $5395.00 per person based on double occupancy. DESCRIPTION: Trip fee covers commercial airfare from Buenos Aires to Santa Fe, four full and two half days of shooting, food and lodging at Malalcue Lodge, all permits and transfers. A $1,500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. GAME: Ducks, Dove, Pigeon and Perdiz. SEASON: May - August Dates: Call for availability. Pricing is subject to change and excludes any fuel surcharges. -4- Cordoba Argentina The closest thing to automatic you can get… What better way to describe Trek’s most successful bird-hunting program ever offered? Cordoba Argentina is THE place to dove hunt with an estimate 32 million dove in the Cordoba province alone and increasing each year. If you have dreamed of shooting a thousand dove or more in a day, Trek can help make that dream come true. Our longtime Cordoba partners, H&H Outfitters, own & operate four deluxe lodges and hunt over 30,000 acres of their privately owned land all while providing the finest service of any outfitter around. In typical Trek fashion, you will enjoy only the finest beef and Malbecs while having an unforgettable time shooting both morning and afternoons. Our normal program is three full and two half days of shooting for $2,400 not including airfare. Ask about our father/son specials and we hope to see you in Cordoba soon! San Luis Argentina Pigeon & Dove Combo What more could the traveling wingshooter ask for than a high volume hunt for both pigeons and dove out of one lodge. San Luis Argentina is exactly this; skies filled with thousands of pigeons and dove! With introduction of Dos Plumas Lodge, a brand new 5 bedroom lodge, outfitter Ramiro de las Carreras has built this program over the last 12 years to be the leading TRUE pigeon and dove combo hunt. You will see a mixture of both pigeons working decoy spreads and the pass shooting guys looking for a challenge enjoy all while having mixed high volume dove hunts. Logistics are easy as most hunters are taking an overnight flight to Santiago Chile and connecting to Mendoza where Ramiro will be on hand to transfer you to Dos Plumas. We suggest at least four full shooting days, but can certainly tailor a program to your exact request. Don’t forget to ask about an extended trip to Mendoza to enjoy one of the world’s most famous wine regions! The season is April – August with pricing starting at $2,995/shooter (double occupancy) not including airfare, shells, gratuities or gun rental. Argentina Duck – Buenos Aires Province For the duck hunter who likes to keep things traditional, Trek’s Buenos Aires Province duck hunt is exactly that, decoying ducks called into a well-placed spread. The difference in shooting ducks in Argentina is that you can easily fill a bag with eleven different species from southern widgeon to the large rosy billed pochard. Brothers Cano and Cane St. Antonin are proven outfitters and will be your host on this wonderful hunt while providing exceptional service. We have two lodge options including Monte Laguna Lodge, outside of the small town of Casares, having six bedrooms and spacious living room giving off a quaint lodge feel. Near Lincoln, we will use the stately Estacia San Juan with seven rooms and built at the turn of the 20th century. Both lodges feature short drives to the hunting grounds along with trained chefs to keep you happy and each is located about three hours outside of Buenos Aires. Trips start at $3,750 /hunter not including airfare and season runs May through July. -5- Estancia El Colibri Returns In 2006 Trek Safaris agreed to offer dove hunts from a new property called Estancia El Colibri on the northern outskirts of the city of Cordoba, Argentina nestled amongst the Ascochinga Mountains. It was an upgrade from our three traditional lodges and quickly became popular as group after group roamed the 420 acres of their manicured grounds located within minutes of millions of eared dove roosting nearby. Our longtime friends H&H Outfitters, whom have established great relations with owners Stephanie and Raoul Fenestraz, operate the dove hunts from Colibri. There is no shortage of fields near Colibri as Alex and Zeke Hayes have accumulated many acres of land in this area, farming and rotating crops to assure there are always dove flying nearby. Truly a high volume dove shooting affair!! The Fenestraz Family name has a reputation of being a world class hotelier with properties worldwide including El Colibri, combining the ambiance and traditions of a working early 20th century estancia with the style and luxury of a five star hotel. The colonial style estancia offers nine distinct, yet exquisitely appointed rooms and operates on a full board basis. Two of these rooms are suites that are a must stay for those who wish to upgrade. With roots deep in French heritage and customs, Raoul and Stephanie offer the finest cuisine possible using firebrick ovens for incredible baked breads, pizzas and fine meals. And of course, we can’t forget those wonderful steaks from grass fed cattle grilled on mesquite wood coals that are famous here along with the best Malbec, White and Blended wines. Aside from the dove and pigeon shooting that is legendary in this region, guests can enjoy a menu of non-hunting activities to include horseback riding, polo lessons, trekking, go-cart racing, fishing and biking. If you prefer a little slower pace, you may opt for some shopping in Cordoba followed by a visit to the old Jesuit Churches in the area, or simply relax with a massage and pedicure in the spa. You may also elect to curl up with a good book at the swimming pool and soak up some of the sun that is so abundant here in Cordoba. Given the level of service and list of amenities and activities, El Colibri is the perfect venue for anyone seeking a high-end facility with a great track record, and unlimited dove shooting from the most reputable sporting company in Cordoba. To reach El Colibri you need only to fly into Cordoba from Buenos Aires, Panama City or Santiago, Chile followed by a 50- minute private transfer to the lodge where the staff and owners wait with great anticipation. Trek can arrange your airfare upon request and can offer discounted Business Class airfare on select airlines. Season is year round and like many trips Trek arranges, we can customize amount of shooting days and itinerary. Call today for a digital brochure and additional details. -6- Nicaragua 12°36’21.47” N 87°07’49.45” W What can be better than a Teal Hunt in Shorts? Barely two hours from Miami and you are smack in the middle of some of the best teal hunting in the world. In our efforts to always improve our programs, we have recently upgraded to the newly opened Hotel Farallones where all shooters will enjoy the luxury of single room accommodations. Very few spots remain for 2015. The Hunting: Imagine sitting comfortably in a lush, tropical lagoon as the Papagayo winds are gently tugging at your back, when a flock of teal come zipping into your decoys against the back drop of a smoking volcano. This scene is played out every day from October-March in Nicaragua, home to one the largest concentrations of wintering blue winged teal in Central America. Literally thousands and thousands of these fast flying ducks call Nicaragua home through mid March or as long as the water holds. Add in some challenging white winged and mourning doves and you have the makings of a nice mixed bagged hunt in warm tropical climes. You will also have the opportunity to take pintails, spoonbills, widgeons and Pichiguilas (Fulvous tree duck). Dear Kevin, Just a note to advise you that we had a fantastic hunt in Nicaragua the few days befire Thanksgiving. There were more ducks this year than on many of my several hunts to Nicaragua. The new hotel was beautiful with good food and a nice bar. Emerson The Accommodations: The Hotel Farallones features single room accommodations with hot water, AC, cable TV, WiFi, and large swimming pool with outdoor BBQ setting. Me a l s a n d d r i n k s will be taken in the restaurant and lounge. The Trip: The trip starts upon arrival in to Managua, Nicaragua. Groups are met at the airport by your hosts, Marvin or Richard Townsend, or staff and taken by air-conditioned vans straight to the newly constructed Hotel Farallones in Chinandega- about a two hour drive on paved highway. The following three days are full hunting days. We will shoot both morning and afternoon returning to the hotel for lunch and a siesta in the middle of the day. Usually we’ll hunt ducks in the mornings and dove in the afternoons depending on game concentration and time of year. We can customize your trip as well to include as many ducks hunts as you wish and price accordingly. -7- TRIP FEE: $3,195.00 per person. DESCRIPTION: Fee includes, three days hunting with 3 duck hunts and 3 dove hunts(six sessions), single room accommodations with meals at Hotel Farallones, hunting licenses, and all transfers. Although air is not included we are happy to quote air from you hometown. A $1,500.00 non refundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. SEASON: November 1 - March 1. DATES: Call Trek for current availability. Pricing Pricing isis subject subject to to change change and and excludes excludes any any fuel fuel surcharges. surcharges. Mexico Duck, Dove & Quail – La Finca Lodge Many of you may remember sights of hundreds of ducks floating into spreads on the famous Laguna Madre or hedgerows littered with 100% wild quail coveys. It was also some of the best white-wing dove hunting you could find. The amount of birds around the Mexican state of Tamaulipas has not changed and if anything, has grown due to the lack of hunting pressure since 2010. We all know the reason outfitters pulled out in 2010, but Trek has been keeping an eye on the situation and recently received some very positive reports. This past year Steve McCain, Jr. called to inform Trek he was reopening the popular La Finca Lodge in the city of San Fernando. In March, I touched down in Harlingen Texas to meet Steve and feel things out so we could make our own assessment. I saw first hand the huge military and federal police presence between Matamoros and San Fernando. It seems the Mexican government has made a stand to regain control of these areas and they have done a great job. The military has leased several old hotels in San Fernando and established satellite bases, which has given residents the security to walk their streets and enjoy their city again. San Fernando’s square was filled with families and children interacting with no fear and businesses were open and thriving. A military base is being built right where Steve will be launching boats at Laguna Madre and he has already established relationships with the military personnel of the base. All very good signs for the future! About two hours after landing in Harlingen, we pulled up at La Finca Lodge. I was pleasantly surprised at the work Steve has put into the lodge and his operation to make it a success. La Finca has twelve bedrooms all with private baths, a large dining room with full bar, two lounge areas and a nice pool with bar. The lodge is very comfortable and clean while being well located to the hunting areas (about 45 minutes to Laguna Madre and from 15-50 minutes to dove & quail hunting). Steve has the experience having grown up in the bayous of Louisiana and hunting in Mexico for some 15 years already. He has employed a knowledgeable staff hiring several staff members from the old Pintail Lodge including head guide, Juan. Steve was able to run over a hundred guys through La Finca last year with everyone having a great experience. The main plan right now is to offer a white-wing dove hunt starting in August and transition into the combo duck/quail/dove season towards the first of November. Steve will be hunting ducks in Laguna Madre and surrounding fresh water lakes/ponds with most species being Redheads, Pintails and Widgeon. White-Wings will be shot on surrounding farms close to San Fernando along with quail in the same areas. Logistics are simple as you can choose to fly into either Brownsville or Harlingen, TX and be met by Steve. Dove hunts will be $2,250/person with duck/dove/quail combo hunts running $3,000/hunter including gun rental. I will be hosting two back-toback dates for duck/quail/dove on November 15-19 & November 19-22, so call today and reserve your spot. Joe -8- Estancia Ninette – Uruguay With the year round dove hunting and major roost literally next door, Estancia Ninette always has great dove shooting within a short drive from the lodge. The best time for the high volume doves is September – March, but should you want to try the excellent combination hunting for dove and perdiz, May – July is the combination season. Uruguay has without a doubt the best perdiz hunting that South America offers. Situated above the Rio Negro River, Ninette also offers golden dorado fishing for those who may want to try the luck at something other than bird hunting. One of the major beauties of Uruguay is the ease of getting your shotguns in and out of the country. It is a very simple process and one that Trek handles before you arrive, so within a few minutes of arriving you have your guns cleared. With direct flights from Miami to the capital city of Montevideo, Uruguay continues to be growing on every wingshooter’s list of countries to experience. Dove only hunts start at $1,995/shooter and combination dove & perdiz hunts start at $3,295/shooter. Call Trek today to experience the delightful country of Uruguay. Paraguay Pigeon – Picazuro Lodge For over thirty-five years, Erik von Sneidern has been a staple in providing successful hunting trips for Trek and is one of the last remaining “old school” outfitters. His Picazuro Lodge in the Chaco Region of Paraguay offers shooters the best decoy pigeon hunting found anywhere in the world. The lodge consist of eight single rooms all with private baths, indoor & outdoor dinning areas, a comfortable indoor lounge, WiFi and is located in close proximity to the hunting fields. The normal program is three full and one half day of shooting, but we can certainly tailor the amount of hunting days you prefer. Erik is as hands on as it comes rising early to have blinds set up in the fields that have been scouted the day before, so all you need to do is settle into your blind, load your gun, and prepare to shoot to your heart’s content. Trips start at $4,395/shooter including round trip private charter from Asuncion, hunting license, gun permit, meals & lodging. International or Domestic airfare is not including in this program. La Leyenda Lodge – Bolivia As we got to print, the 2015 season is now in full swing. Word from long time Trek partner, Carlos Olano is that the dove have already shown up in good numbers and even the pigeons are making an early season appearance. Carlos and his lovely wife Olga have pampered Trek shooters for nearly 20 years, going back to the early days in Colombia. The warm, inviting feeling you get when you walk in the doors of La Leyenda will stay with you then and much later as a beautiful memory. Trek will again be offering a 3 shooting day and a 4 shooting day adventure to this dove hot spot. The season is brief, running from April until November 1, and with prices running from just $ 2,250.00 + airfare for the 3 shooting day program, space fills quickly. For those dad’s looking for the perfect summer time trip with their young son or daughter, the father/ son special running in July is just what you are looking for…dad at the normal rate and the minor son, or daughter with a full lodge comp ! Call Trek for available dates and details. -9- Kwalata Wilderness - South Africa 23°53’33.23”S 28° 9’24.67”E Arrive as Clients but Leave as Family. Why embark on a trip half way around the world and do everything yourself when you can contact Trek to take care of all the details and provide unmatched service Trek has put together a program that will send you on your dream safari and keep fueling the fire to do it again and again. Kwalata Wilderness is our outfitter in the Limpopo Providence of South Africa and provides one of the best plain’s game hunts anywhere in Africa. The Trip: Trek has promoted a trip that starts with your arrival in Johannesburg South Africa where you will be met by a Kwalata Wilderness representative. They will help you clear customs and all formalities then transfer you the three hours to the lodge. Jaco or one of his Professional Hunters will guide you for the next seven days on your African safari. The last day you will have breakfast before transferring back to Johannesburg and your flight home. You may also wish to extend for a game viewing safari or sightseeing to many of the other areas of South Africa, all of which Trek can help you arrange. The Accommodations: Valamanzi is the main camp and lodge located in the African bush on a small river that provides a quiet and peaceful atmosphere. You will stay in one of the three cozy chalets complete with two bedrooms, a bathroom and lounge area. Built on stilts overlooking the river and connected by walkways, Valamanzi offers a very unique setting for an African safari. The central part of the lodge is built with beautiful African wood and thatched roofs and has a large common area that is perfect for unwinding and reflecting on the days hunt. The cuisine is one of the best parts of your stay at Kwalata with many meals consisting of the game you have taken and the famous South African wine. The Hunting: This hunt takes place on 32,000 acres of beautiful and challenging land in the Waterburg Mountains of the Limpopo Pr o v i d e n c e , S o u t h Africa. Unlike the typical African plains, Kwalata is more mountainous providing elevation and a landscape mix that assures unique scenery for a truly wild hunting experience and a welcome challenge to harvest your animals. Since plains game is the primary species, the best time to hunt is from March through October as these are the cooler months in South Africa and much more pleasant. Owner Reinhard Heuser and PH Jaco Strauss have offered Trek an exclusive package to include a seven day safari for a Kudu, Blue Wildebeest, Impala, Blesbuk, and Warthog. However, there are over twenty plains game species you may wish to add to your package and you can even hunt four of the Big 5. Trek chose Kwalata because of the abundance of game available and the excellent PH’s on staff with each going above and beyond making sure you have a chance to harvest your animals. TRIP FEE: $7,700 per person (1x1 basis)… $6,975 per person (2x1 basis) DESCRIPTION: Includes seven days hunting with accommodations, meals, & drinks at Kwalata, trophy fees for Kudu, Impala, Blesbuk, Warthog & Blue Wildebeest, and transfers. Not Included are additional trophies, trophy shipment & preparation, tips, or airfare. A 50% non-refundable deposit required to confirm reservation SEASON: March-October GAME: Kudu, Impala, Blesbuk, Warthog, Blue Wildebeest, other plains game, dangerous game DATES: Call Trek for current availability. Pricing is subject to change and excludes any fuel surcharges. -10- Patagonia Red Stag – Algar Safaris Algar Safaris has been regarded as one of the most reputable Red Stag outfitters since 1991 and hosted hundreds of successful hunts in Patagonia Argentina since then. Combine this with Trek’s professionalism & logistical expertise and you have one of the best stag hunts offered in all of Argentina. Our exclusive program provides clients with a free-range hunt for no size limit Red Stag among the scenic views of the Andes. Algar is home to some of the largest free roaming stag in Argentina with its perfect habitat of rolling hills and thick forest valleys. There is no need to “rough it” at Algar as hunters will enjoy a deluxe six bedroom, all with private bath, lodge complete with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, bar, and daily laundry service. Clients connect in Buenos Aires for a flight to San Carlos de Bariloche where a member of Algar will transfer you about an hour and half to the lodge. Trip fee is $7,295/hunter and includes six nights with five full guided hunting days at Algar for one free range Red Stag (no size limit) during the season of March – June. Airfare is not included in trip fee. Argentina Red Stag – Estancia Poitahue Estancia Poitahue is truly a free-range hunter’s paradise with endless Calden forest, lush green plains, and sloped sand dunes providing the habitat Red Stag need to thrive. Located in the La Pampa Province of Argentina, the 30,000 acres of varied terrain offers unique scenery for a natural hunting experience during the stag season of March through May. Trek is happy to offer an exclusive guided hunt with Poitahue to include one trophy free range, no size limit, Red Stag over 4 full hunting days at Poitahue. You can also choose to hunt other species like Blackbuck, Water Buffalo, Axis and Fallow deer, European Boar, and several varieties of goats and rams. The main lodge houses three wellappointed bedrooms along with a deluxe cabin adjoining for a total capacity of ten. The lodge also features a nice dining area and living room area with a huge fireplace and there is a separate clubroom with fireplace and bar. Hunting packages start at $5,995/hunter not including airfare. Call Trek for availability. New Zealand Red Stag – Manuka Point Lodge Serious hunting demands a serious outfitter and that is exactly what Don Patterson of Manuka Point Lodge brings to the table. This hunt takes place two hours west of Christchurch NZ on 18,000 acres of land owned by Don and his wife Julie and home some of the largest Red Stag in the world. In addition to stag, you can hunt Tahr, Chamois, Elk and Fallow deer all while enjoying the stunning views of the Southern Alps. The luxurious lodge offers three private bedrooms with en suite baths, a large family room with cozy fireplace and separate dining room where you will most likely find Julie preparing the delightful meals. Manuka Point Lodge is the perfect place to relax and plan the finer details of your hunt. We are promoting three different packages… Red Stag up to 375SCI for $9,995/person… Tahr Hunt for $7,995/ person… or Red Stag/Tahr combo for $12,995/person all not including airfare. -11- Timing is right to Travel to Europe If hunting in Europe is on your bucket list, now is a good time as the dollar is trading favorably with the Euro. Trek has programs in Spain, and Slovakia where you can save some serious money from what you would have paid in the last five years. These trips are also perfectly suited for couples. In Spain we have two excellent options for driven Red-Legged Partridge in El Crespo and Pinos Altos located in the fabled Castilla de la Mancha Region of Don Quixote lore. Our good friends Fernando Saiz and Beltran Cotoner run a smooth and exciting operation at Pinos Altos, a 16th century home on 10,000 acres of prime game lands. Cotoner is one of the world’s best game drivers as he orchestrates the beaters to drive the fast and hearty Red-Legs into a patterned concentration straight into the line of eight stands. Gunners are then met with the swift birds that are some of the most challenging flighted game you will ever witness. Each of the four daily drives you experience will all be distinguished from one another. Some drives the birds will come all at once, some they will trickle at first, followed by a crescendo at the end. Some drives the birds will be high, some lower, but always exciting. El Crespo is the latest Red-Leg addition to Trek’s program, owned by the reputable Jose Manuel Landaluce whose passion is partridge hunting. El Crespo is a 36,000-acre working estate under the care of his son-in-law Pedro de Borbón Dos Sicilias. Together they have been organizing tremendous driven hunts for the last 30 plus years and have become one of the best shooting estates in Spain. The main building of El Crespo was constructed in 1985 and has been updated and modernized over the years and is a magnificent setting overlooking their expansive property. Both El Crespo and Pinos Altos are easily reached from Madrid International with private transfers two and half to two hours respectively. Both hunts are 600 bird days, please call for selected dates and pricing. Trek also offers a terrific driven pheasant hunt in Eastern Europe. Our Slovak hunt offers wonderful value and ideally located in the hills of southwestern Slovakia, equal distance from Vienna or Budapest. Trek has reserved three outstanding estates, names like Pata, Bajc, Hrable are all top class operations and establish a style of shooting that may be catered to each group, some with very high birds and some not as. For this hunt we have contracted 150 birds per hunter over the three days, which can be achieved without difficulty. Each day the Estate will arrange five to six drives to pre-assigned stands using beaters, dogs and the traditional horn blows signaling the start and end of each drive. The best time to go is the fall months before winter sets in. Headquarters will be the well-established Chateau Bela in the township of its namesake; it has history and culture yet recently renovated to add some modern day features. Bela has 42 rooms with private baths, and all the conveniences of a deluxe property. We will eat in a different dining room each night offering a unique theme to the evenings and include some of the Riesling wines Bela is famous for producing. Extended tours in Vienna or Budapest are highly suggested. -12- Bolivia - Las Palomas Lodge & Los Guaduales Lodge 17°37’19.87” S . 62°18’04.09” W “The Legend” lives on at La Leyenda While we knew we were going to have a great beginning of the 2015 season at Los Guaduales, we had no idea the response would be so great. We have received statements proclaiming Guaduales and the Molina’s as the best lodge and outfitter ever!! Call for references. The best just keeps getting better ! As outlined in recent issues, Trek partner Jorge Molina has built his version of the Taj Mahal and has named it Los Guaduales. This beautifully appointed 20,000 square foot palace will offer the shooter the ultimate in comfort and amenities. For the 2015 season, Jorge will be offering our lucky shooters both his famous Las Palomas Lodge, or the opulence of the newly constructed Los Guaduales. With daily flights out of Miami on American Airlines, Bolivia has become one of Treks most popular wing shooting destinations. Add to that the tremendous number of dove migrating annually into this massive farming region and the comparatively short flight times into Santa Cruz, and it is no wonder that every year the number of Trek shooters planning a Bolivia trip increases. Like our other Bolivia programs, we will be offering a 3 and a 4 shooting day program. As we go to print, both Las Palomas and the newly opened Los Guaduales are over 50% booked, so please contact Trek today to reserve your spots. The Trip: Although airfare is not included, the best way to get to Bolivia is on American Airlines who offer daily flights to Santa Cruz, out of Miami. Currently the itinerary is for an overnight flight to Santa Cruz, via La Paz, Bolivia. When you arrive into Santa Cruz you will be met by a member of Jorge’s staff who will assist you through customs and then provide the 90-minute ground transfer to your preferred lodge. After lunch and getting settled in, your group will head out to shoot this afternoon. The next two, or three days will be full shooting days. Depending on where you shot, you’ll either return to the lodge for lunch, or enjoy one of the field lunches that Jorge has become famous for. The next day you will shoot the morning, before having lunch and being transferred back to Santa Cruz where you will spend this final night. The last morning, you will be met at the hotel and be transferred to the airport for your morning departure, arriving back into Miami about 5:30pm. TRIP FEE: Las Palomas Lodge- $1,995.00 per shooter for the 3 shooting day trip. $2,595.00 per shooter for the 4 shooting day trip. LOS GUADUALES LODGE $ 2,395.00 per shooter for the 3 shooting day trip. $ 3,295.00 per shooter for the 4 shooting day trip. DESCRIPTION: Price excludes airfare, Bolivian travel Visa, gun entry fees and last night in Santa Cruz, but is to include all shooting, licenses and accommodations, meals and bar at selected lodge. A $ 1,500.00 non-refundable deposit is required to confirm your reservation. SEASON: April-November GAME: Eared Dove. NOTE: Bolivia is now requiring a tourist visa. Trek will assist you in obtaining the visa’s for your group. Once we know the costs and requirements we will need to add these costs into the trip final statement. DATES: Call Trek for current availability. Pricing is subject to change and excludes any fuel surcharges. -13- Brazil - Peacock Bass 0°0’19.81” N . 64°7’27.76” W All New Short Trip in the Amazon. You asked and we have delivered… The way time flies now, winter will be here before we know it, but Trek has a solution to escape the bitter cold without maxing out your vacation time. For several seasons now, Trek clients have requested a shorter trip on the deluxe mother ship Captain Peacock fishing for the ever-popular peacock bass in Brazil’s Amazon. After discussing this with Captain Peacock, we have blocked two prime dates for the 2015 season offering four and half days of fishing with five nights onboard the yacht for the perfect amount of rod bending action. Having over twenty years experience fishing for peacocks in Brazil, we determined the most productive dates for both quantity and quality of fish would center around November 28 – December 4 or December 3-9, 2015 as these are two of the best weeks in the absolute heart of the season. Sure we could offer this same idea during an earlier or later time during the season, but Trek has a reputation to uphold and we feel our duty to give clients the most for their money. to the fishing grounds quickly and in comfort while slamming big fish. All these comforts are nice, but the real reason you are going to Brazil is to catch a huge peacock! This trip offers the perfect amount fishing to keep you fresh each morning and excited for day. Arriving into Manuas from the US, you will be met by Captain Peacock’s representative and transferred to the Cesar hotel for the night. The next morning we will catch a private charter to Barcelos and board the yacht for an afternoon of fishing. The next four days will be full days targeting peacocks and enjoying the full experience of the Amazon. On The 125-foot Captain Peacock will comfortably accommodated up to 24 guests in 12 staterooms. Each stateroom has spacious walk in private bathrooms with hot water, its own independent air-conditioning system, satellite TV, and large windows with outside views. There is an oversized dining room and lounge along with a unique upper deck open bar/lounge with full outside view area. The Captain Peacock is by far the most luxurious fishing yacht floating the Amazon. Couple all this with 12 new Bass Tracker boats captained by expert guides and you create the perfect vehicle to get you -14- the sixth morning, we will take the charter back to Manaus and connect with a flight home or check into a day room at the Cesar depending on your flight schedules. Price for this trip is $5,495/angler and includes all guided fishing, five nights on Captain Peacock with meals, drinks, full bar, charter flight round trip Manaus/Barcelos, meet & greet in Manaus, hotel room at the Cesar when arriving and day room when departing (if needed) in Manaus. Excitement has already spread and space is filling quickly, so call Trek today and book your spot on this all new Amazon short trip. Canada…Summer fishing As weather warms up, our sights turn to our Northern neighbors and the fantastic fisheries to be found there. Whether you are looking for feisty small mouth bass, non stop action on Walleye or monster Northern Pike and lunker Lake Trout, Trek has a program just for you. Our preferred Canadian Lodges are all family owned and operated, ensuring you the very best in hands on, personalized attention. The Gangler family owns and operates the North Seal River Lodge in Northern Manitoba, a haven for Trophy sized Pike and monster Lake Trout. Brian and Barb Burgess are the second generation owners of the famous Pine Island Lodge, just a few hours outside of Winnipeg and home to great small mouth bass action. If a walleye destination is on your radar, check out the Budd family’s lodge on Lake Gunisao, just a 70 minute flight north of Winnipeg. These 3 families have personally served the traveling angler for multiple generations and know what it takes to make yours a trip to remember. With programs starting at less than $ 3,000.00 per person, we can build a trip for any budget. Call Trek for details. Oregon.. Smallmouth bass on the John Day River While most of Trek’s offerings require that you bring your passport, here’s one gem that is close to home and definitely worth your time. The breathtaking beauty of the rugged landscape of northern Oregon is the backdrop for a smallmouth bass float trip and has been a Trek favorite for nearing 20 years. Imagine floating the majestic John Day River, releasing up to 50 smallmouth bass each day and then arriving at the camp, which has already been set up by our top notch crew. The star filled skies will illuminate your evenings while you relax around a campfire and well…relax. Many folks extend this trip to take in the incredible scenery in this part of our country. The only downside to this trip is it’s very short season, basically the end of May until early July, so call Trek today for details and current availability. Alaska’s The Boat Company If it is your desire to tour the Inland Passage without boarding a cruise with hundreds of people then we have the perfect trip for you. Come and see one of the most beautiful places on earth on board the MV Liseron where everything you love about Alaska is available in one cruise of 20 guests and 10 crew! Among the many activities offered are; hiking, whale watching, kayaking, glacier viewing, rainforest tours and fishing. Yes that’s right a cruise company that offers and encourages fishing. Halibut, Cutthroat Trout and several species of salmon are all available during the summer months. The MV Liseron was built in 1952 in Seattle and sold to France as minesweeper, then lovingly acquired and refitted by the Boat Company in 1989. It is 145’ long and has a beam of 28 feet and draws 8.5 feet. It features ten staterooms with private baths, queen size and upper bunk beds, huge salon and a wonderful view from the fantail dining area. Cost is $7395.00 and date is August 29- September 5. -15- Grand Slam Lodge - Cancun 19 48’34.45” N 87 23’38.13” W A Luxury Barefoot Destination. If you find yourself looking for a deluxe property offering great flats fishing this year, we have got just the place and it is aptly called Grand Slam Lodge. Here you have the opportunity to take snook, tarpon, bonefish and giant permit right out the front door along Mexico’s Mayan Riviera. Fantastic trip for a great price. The owners of the Karisma Hotel Group, who include in their portfolio some of the most deluxe resorts in the Yucatan, decided to open a five star fly fishing lodge and have recruited Trek to get the word out. We of course have done our homework and give it our seal of approval and we think you will too. The Trip: The nice thing about Grand Slam is that you can arrive any day of the week and stay as short as three nights or as long as seven. You need only to arrange your flight into Cancun where you will be met to make the two-hour ground, and one-hour boat transfer south along the coast to the lodge. The last hour is a beautiful cruise through Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve that ends at Grand Slam. Each morning your local guide will be equipped and ready to go by 8:00AM and back in time for a shower and a wonderful dinner. The last day of your trip will be transferred back to Cancun to make your flight home. The Fishing: GSL general manager Miguel Encalada has put together a team of guides that fits his criteria for showing guests not only some great fishing but a good time as well. Using 20-23 foot Panga skiffs they set out each day in the fabled Ascension Bay and beyond in search of some of the most heart stopping salt water species on the planet. Small tarpon cruise the small canals, teeming bonefish feed with their tails glistening on the numerous flats, snook lay in the shadows of mangroves and giant permit roam in between. It is not uncommon to land this grand slam of light tackle angling in a single day. The two best assets of GSL is that you can take fish on fly rod or spinning rod and there is always a lee side. dishes. Grand Slam is the perfect venue to take your non-angling spouse or companion offering activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and touring Mayan ruins. The Accommodations: Grand Slam offers six beachfront villas with balconies and incredible views, and rooms with king size beds, 42 inch flat screen TV’s with satellite, I-pod docking station and beautifully designed Caribbean style furnishings. The lodge also features amenities like a large swimming pool, fly tying station and separate lounge with swinging chairs and an on-site restaurant. The cuisine of course will include fresh seafood and traditional local fare as well as a variety of internationally acclaimed TRIP FEE: $2295.00 per person (MarchJune)..$1895.00 per person (July-February) D E S C R I P T I O N : Tr i p f e e s b a s e d o n double occupancy and include four nights accommodations with meals, three days guided fishing, and airport transfers. SEASON: Year round GAME: Snook, tarpon, bonefish and permit. DATES: Call Trek for current availability. -16- Pricing is subject to change and excludes any fuel surcharges. Belize…Turneffe Flats Lodge This premier lodge has been on the traveling anglers “A” list for over 20 years and for a good reason, it is an awesome place to take a fishing vacation. Located just 40 miles off the coast of mainland Belize, this tropical atoll is a bucket list item for anglers looking for the perfect spot to earn the elusive “Grand Slam”. Whether fishing the numerous lagoons and mangroves from custom 16 foot Dolfin Skiffs, to wading the miles of flats on the ocean side of the island, you will have legitimate shots and bonefish, tarpons and the ever elusive permit. Although the standard program is for a Saturday-Saturday, full week, with 6 days of fishing, we are able to offer more of a weekender for those who’d prefer to enjoy just 3 days on the water. With the current specials running from $ 2,450.00 + taxes and airfare for the short week and $ 2,995.00 + taxes and airfare for the full week program. With the prime fishing months of summer and fall right around the corner, space will fill quickly, so call Trek today for dates and details. The Bahamas When looking for a lodge to bone fish in the Bahamas, there are four key factors you must address, accommodations/cuisine, fishing area, guides and equipment. Abaco Lodge on Abaco and Bair’s Lodge on Andros, more than pass the grade for all four. Abaco is located ten minutes from the Marsh Harbour Airport on the shores of the fabled Marls ecosystem, one of the most populated and pristine bone fishing flats in the Bahamas. Ten minutes from Abaco Lodge’s docks will get you into tailing fish. Eight lucky anglers will get private rooms and some of the best local guides in Abacos. Bair’s Lodge on Andros Island has more bonefish habitat than all the other Out-Islands combined, and no island has more double digit bones, a trophy all flats anglers desire. The Southern Flats are a very desirable, intricate fishery with access to wading flats, small bays, lagoons and the west side where few anglers are present. Bair’s has ten rooms located right on the beach with wading flats at your doorstep. Price from $3250.00 including 4 nights/3 days fishing with room and meals. Crocodile/Zancudo Costa Rica The Southern region of Costa Rica has, without a doubt, the greatest diversity of species of fish to be found in the entire country and we at Trek are proud to represent two fantastic lodges in this area. Crocodile Bay’s manager Todd Staley has a fleet of 27 foot center consoles to access the numerous “honey holes”, home to monster grouper, toothy Cuberra snapper and the always feisty roosterfish. In addition to these inshore targets, you can easily scoot out to the blue water for sails, marlin, dorado and even triple digit sized yellow fin tuna. Right across the gulf is the famous Zancudo Lodge, home to more than 70 I.F.G. A. world records where owners Gregg and Goldine will personally welcome you and see to your every need. Zancudo Lodges fleet of 28ft center consoles will comfortably get you into more fish than your mind can even imagine. These are five day, four night trips with three days of fishing, including meals at the lodge, starting at $ 3,295.00 per person, plus airfare, based on double occupancy with upgrades to boats in the 32-33 foot range available at both lodges. -17- Summer Destinations for 2015 Now that summer is almost here, why not plan that next hunting or fishing adventure with Trek. We have both ends of the equator covered with trips to Alaska, Canada and lower Stateside, as well as Costa Rica, Bolivia and Argentina. Check out what we have to offer and feel free to request more information. There are only a handful of spaces left for what many consider one of the best Alaska trips ever on the Boat Company. If catching salmon and trout in pristine waters against the backdrop of glaciers appeals to you, you might consider this trip. Not just any fishing trip mind you, but a guided inland passage on board a remarkable vessel. Join us for some fun on August 29- September 5, 2015. The deluxe North Seal River Lodge in Manitoba, Canada has a few dates remaining where you can take advantage of some terrific Northern Pike, Grayling, Walleye and Lake Trout angling from glacier fed rivers in this wilderness setting. Call for special pricings during the summer months and learn more about the trip and optional remote fly-outs as well. One of our more underrated trips is the John Day River float through the Oregon high desert country where you can catch smallmouth bass in the hundreds. This trip is the perfect combination of rafting, fishing, camping, and critter watching without the work. This is just an ideal trip for anyone who loves the outdoors without roughing it. Due to water levels, timing is critical but June and July are usually best. Extend your trip to visit any number of Oregon’s many state parks like Mount Hood. Heading south the country of Costa Rica is always a great choice no matter when you go. During summer the weather is still nice and the fishing is very good, but without the crowds. -18- Roosterfish and giant Yellowfin Tuna are caught just offshore at both Zancudo Lodge and Crocodile Bay, two excellent options for these battling species. If you prefer billfish, you can fish the Quepos or Los Suenos ports where you can stay at a five star property and land that sailfish or marlin of your dreams. For those who prefer chasing feathers than fins, there are no better destinations than Bolivia and Argentina to bust some caps on doves or marvel at the great variety of species. Two of the finest wing shooting lodges in the world are Los Guaduales in Santa Cruz and Guayascate Lodge in Cordoba, and you will become a believer too once you have seen them firsthand. If mixed bag shooting is your fancy then Argentina’s Estancia Cortaderas or Malalcue Lodge will more than fit the bill with decoying duck and pigeon hunting combined with perdiz over dogs and high volume dove. These programs are simply unparalleled anywhere else in the world from one location. These are just a few places we can offer this summer and encourage you to call for special rates and conditions. See inside for more details. New Pigeon & Perdiz Program in Uruguay known as the MonteCarlo of South American with plenty of shopping and fabulous restaurants. So you are looking to hunt somewhere you can easily bring your shotguns, not have to drive several hours after arriving from a 9-hour flight, and oh yea, shoot pigeons. Well, Trek is offering an all-new program that will promote exactly this in the hunter friendly country of Uruguay. We have teamed with Gonzalo Sarasola who you may recognize from Estancia Ninette. While “G” is still involved at Ninette, we both agreed there is a need for an affordable pigeon hunt complemented by a nice lodge without the long drive from Montevideo and options to shoot Perdiz. Several months ago, G discovered a mass concentration of pigeons in the fields just outside the city of Minas while scouting the country to find the ideal location for pigeon hunting opportunities. Lucky for us, Minas is only a little over an hour NW from the international airport in Montevideo and situated in a beautiful setting of rolling hills and valleys with plenty of agriculture to support such hunting pressure. Thousands of pigeons call this fertile land home from February through September and during May-July, Perdiz season is in full swing giving the traveling wingshooter the perfect combination hunt. From wingshooters’ standards, this is the ultimate package, as you will shoot decoying pigeons with flexible limits and experience the best Perdiz hunting offered in South America. Pigeon hunting will be done out of brushed blinds each having a few dozen decoys and a bird-boy to load and keep the spread clean. The pigeon only program will be both morning and afternoon hunts with a nice field lunch and siesta during mid-day. From May through July, we use the Sarasola’s famous Brittany Spaniels to flush Perdiz either in the mornings or afternoons depending on the scouting report for when the pigeons are most active. One of the advantages of hunting Uruguay is you can easily bring your own guns without crazy permits or licensing. G will be there with each We will be using an exclusive boutique lodge named Itay Eco Lodge complete with 5 deluxe rooms, full spa and pool, beautiful outdoor deck area with views of the mountains and ideally located close to the shooting. Gonzalo is supplying his own chef to provide culinary treats of fine South American fare while also preparing wonderful field Asados that hunters have grown to enjoy. Trek groups will use the lodge exclusively and non-hunters are welcome as Punta del Este is only a short drive away and -19- group ensuring all goes off without a hitch and providing the utmost service expected on Trek trips. Price starts at $3,895/shooter giving groups three full and two half days of hunting with four nights lodging including transfers round trip from Montevideo, meals, drinks, license and permits. While airfare is not included, Trek will be glad to help secure your flights using our favorable rates. Call today and inquire about this all-new experience in wonderful Uruguay. Trek International Safaris, Inc 1503 The Greens Way Jacksonville Beach, Fl 32250 PRSRT STD U.S. Postage Paid Jacksonville, FL Permit 4390 NAMIBIA IS WAITING Namibia is a safari destination with a difference, famed for its remote and intimate lodges, in starkly beautiful places filled with fascinating desertadapted wildlife. It’s a place where Black rhinos are tracked on foot in remote wilderness, a place where you can climb the world’s tallest sand dunes at Sossusvlei. In Namibia you can view wildlife that has uniquely adapted to the harsh desert and interact with the fascinating Himba people. Namibia has 40% of their land under conversation management, more than any South Africa nation and wildlife is flourishing. Come see why Namibia is now on the radar of many safaris travelers. Call Trek today for a suggested camp and time of travel. @