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Spain
Trek is fortunate to represent one of the most exciting upland shoots in all of Europe, driven Red Legged Partridge at Hacienda Pinos Altos in Spain. Each season from October to December Trek offers at least two lines of 8-10 guns each with the reasonable expectation of shooting 500 birds a day amongst the line for the three day hunt or 1500 total. Upland afic ionados who have shot around the world consider the red legged partridge one of the most challenging and difficult gamebirds in the world. Hacienda Pinos Altos is recognized as one of the top estates in the world for shooting driven red legged partridge... Fernando Saiz, owner, operator and host of all shooting trips was selected by Safari Club International as outstanding professional hunter of the year in 1993... This award is given for outstanding "guiding" not "hunting"... Every season, Pinos Altos hosts a limited number of guests from around the world and the entire trip is "first class" from the time you arrive Madrid, until you depart. Non-hunting companions are not only welcomed but encouraged to visit.
Our adventure usually starts with an arrival into Madrid and most elect to spend this first night in the city. Fernando or one of his partners, Beltran Cotoner or Nacho Arias meets you personally at the airport and stays with the group throughout your hunting visit. There are many different U.S. cities that have flights to Madrid. As part of our package, Trek will transfer each guest two hours south to Pinos Altos. The hacienda is a restored 16th century home set in the famed La Mancha region. It sits in the middle of 10,000 acres where red and fallow deer and mouflon sheep roam. The hacienda is large with 14 bedrooms- all with private bath, two living rooms, private dining room, patio and porch that overlooks the property. All bedrooms are deluxe and tastefully decorated. Our shooting party and their companions will have the entire hacie nda unless arrangements have been made to share with another line.
The first day we'll rest up from the trip and Fernando will give an orientation about the activities for the rest of the trip. The following three days are shooting days. All shooting is done on Pinos Altos. We'll have a full breakfast at the hacienda about 8:30 A.M. then depart for the shoot. It's about a 20 minute drive to the shooting area. You'll have three drives in the morning before lunch. You have a loader and a secretary to carry your shells, shotguns, set up your blind, etc. Your only job is to shoot! A line of beaters- generally 40-50, will push the partridge over the shooters. Shooters are set about 15-30 yards down the crest of a hill. The birds will come flying fast and quick over the hill. Shooting is fast and furious. Literally thousands of partridge will fly over the shooters in the course of the day. A good shot can expect to spend three to four shells per partridge. After the third drive we'll break for a field lunch. This is an elegant affair with linen table clothes, etc. We'll have paella, steaks, and partridge for lunch- of course accompanied by fine Rioja wines and beer. We'll have one last drive after lunch- then return to the hacienda. There's time for a shower, a drink and a rest before dinner. These are special affairs- traditional meals.
During the hunting days the non shooters will be well looked after by Koki Saiz (Fernando's wife) who speaks English and will escort the group for visits to the city of Toledo, nearby typical haciendas, small villages and historical points. There will also most likely be some shopping for leather goods, porcelain, ceramics, pottery and local wines. After the three shooting days we will go back to the Madrid airport to catch your flight home. We stress that this is a high quality trip- we're shooting one of the best estates in  Spain. Many well known shooters make a yearly trip to shoot with Fernando and enjoy the ambiance of Pinos Altos. Fernando and Koki want to make you feel like a friend, not a client. They will be with you every step of the trip. Note the trips are during the dry season and weather is very pleasant.
The trip fee includes most everything once you arrive Madrid (including shells). Your only out of pocket expenses will be tips to the field and house staff (about $250 total). Gun permits, transfers and all meals are included. The trip fee includes 1,500 partridges but the line can elect to shoot more birds at a contracted cost per additional bird. Trek can help you make your airline reservations to get to Spain as well as book hotels if you plan to extend your stay in Spain.
Pinos Altos is also well known for excellent big game for Spanish red deer, fallow deer, mouflon sheep, ibex and chamois. It is possible to add some big game hunting either before or after the partridge shoot. Call for additional information about big game.
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