Estancia Picazuro Lodge

Trek set out to have the best pigeon shooting destination in Parguay and this mission has been accomplished and more. Erik Von Sneidern’s Picazuro Lodge has delivered the most consistent high volume pigeon hunt in the world and the results are reflected in repeated bookings. Call now for available dates as the season is already over 60% booked with returning clients. Paraguay is a small South American country, about the size of Pennsylvania and although completely landlocked, it is rich in agriculture, especially sunflower, sorghum, peanuts and corn. The Pigeons are found in an area known as the Chaco Paraguayo, a huge green desert of palm and scrub forests. While it makes up more than two thirds of Paraguay’s geography, only two percent of the Chaco is inhabited.

The Trip:  The trip has been redesigned for 2009, for five days and four nights, with three full and a two  half days of shooting. The trip starts with arrival into Asuncion, Paraguay. Our agent will meet and assist our clients through customs before boarding a private charter directly to the Picazuro Lodge.

Once you arrive at the lodge, if time and weather permits, you will hunt that afternoon. The next three days will be full hunting days with shooting over decoys in blinds. On day six, we shoot pigeons until lunch and then we pack for the charter back to Asuncion where you will catch your International flight back home.

The Accommodations:  The Picazuro Lodge consists of eight single guest rooms, two separate dining facilities, a swimming pool and plenty of open areas for socializing. By far, Picazuro’s greatest asset is its close proximity to the hunting fields. Located south of the town of Filadelfia where Trek once kept its hunters, the lodge affords driving time in minutes instead of hours.

The hunting:  The shooting usually starts about 45 minutes after first light and lasts until late morning which is when the birds start to slowdown and rest in the trees to digest their morning feed.

At midday, we will break for one of Eric’s famous field lunches in a shady area, which may have comfy hammocks for those needing a little siesta. Then you will head back out for the afternoon feed which should last until almost dark. Then back to the lodge for a hot shower and dinner. Each day you will be presented with a variety of wingshooting opportunities involving two different species, the picazuro and blue/gray spotted pigeon. The use of decoys to attract the pigeons has become a work of art for many of the bird boys in Paraguay.