PRE-TRIP INFORMATION

Transcription

1 PRE-TRIP INFORMATION TABLE OF CONTENTS SOUTH AMERICA HUNTING QUESTIONNAIRE Photocopy of Passport I.D. Travel Documents for Arrival Reciprocity Fee Customs and Firearms Registration Entry Requirement AIR TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS Baggage/ Gun Case Restrictions SHELLS Shotguns/Chokes Bag Limits Climate CLOTHING & EQUIPMENT NEEDS Health MEDICAL INSURANCE AND EVACUATION Gratuities Currency Electric Current Alcoholic Beverage/Tobacco Importation TERMS & CONDITIONS Transfer Policy Check In / Check Out Policy Field Safety Lodge contact information Emergency contact

2 SOUTH AMERICAN HUNTING QUESTIONNAIRE South America Hunting Questionnaire Please visit our section Pre-Trip Questionnaire within our web-site. ( Gun information and serial numbers MUST BE accurate. This document will be used to fill in the Argentine Renar Form. We will print and send it to Argentina Customs for gun permits and hunting licenses. *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). El Monte Outfitters cannot assume any financial responsibility for consequences incurred if this information is not provided by you to all members of your group. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS FOR ARRIVAL A VALID PASSPORT is necessary with at least 6 months remaining until expiration. No visa is needed for U.S. citizens or Community subjects; citizens from other countries should check entry requirements with the Argentine consulate. RECIPROCITY FEE FOR AMERICANS, CANADIANS AND/OR AUSTRALIANS American, Canadian and Australian passport holders visiting Argentina will be required to pay a reciprocity fee with the following respective values: - US $ for Americans good for 10 years - US $75 for Canadians as a single entry fee having to be paid each time - US $100 for Australians good for one year *Rates subject to modifications based upon reciprocity The payment of this reciprocity fee is not a Visa since Argentina does not require Visa to the nationals of the mentioned countries when traveling for tourism or business purposes. The Argentine Government set this entry fee on equal amounts to those Argentine citizens must pay when requesting a Visa to travel to those countries. To access the online payment forum, please click the following link: You must register and pay with a credit card. Once the payment is received, an electronic receipt will be given and passenger would need to show it upon their arrival in Argentina. Print it out, put it in your passport, and bring it to present to immigration when you arrive to Argentina.

3 CUSTOMS AND FIREARMS REGISTRATION U.S.Customs has adopted more stringent regulations for checking firearms registration forms upon reentry. We recommend that you pre-register each gun taken out of the country. You should request U. S. Customs Form 4457-Certificate Of Registration For Personal Effects Taken Abroad. This form can be attained at any U.S. Customs office before your trip by presenting your firearms for this procedure. This form, listing all guns, cameras, binoculars, etc., should be stapled in the back of your passport for ready reference. A copy should be carried in your gun case and a copy left at home. By following this procedure, you should experience no delay at U.S. Customs on return from an international shooting trip. This regulation applies only for re-entry into the U.S. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS ARGENTINA GUN PERMIT: Guns 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 U$S 140 per gun. Please be aware that for guns with interchangeable barrels, each barrel will be charged separately. Fees are subject to change without notice. The information on your Shooting Questionnaire will be used for your gun entry permit and very carefully checked by the authorities on arrival, so please be sure it is absolutely 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 recommend flying into Cordoba, Argentina through Santiago, Chile. There are direct flights to Santiago available from most major cities in the US; and baggage can be checked through to Cordoba. You may also arrive through Buenos Aires, but will be required to change airports to the

4 National Airport to fly on to either Cordoba or San Luis Capital City (Which is preferable if you choose to come through BsAs). If you choose this route, please leave yourself at least 4 hours for connecting flights, due to Customs check-in, and airport transfers. There are Charter flights available directly from Cordoba to Conlara airport, which is very close to the lodge; or from Buenos Aires to Conlara. We would be happy to assist with more information as needed. BAGGAGE / GUN CASE RESTRICTIONS Airline regulations permit two (2) checked bags which do not exceed 50 lbs. each and one carry-on piece per passenger. Please check with your airline to confirm baggage regulations as they may vary. SHELLS We require that all shot shells be purchased directly from El Monte. Shells 12, 20 and 28 ga are U$S 15per box; payment will be handled prior to your departure. Also El Monte accepts pre-payments for shells avoiding the use of checks or cash onsite. Prices are subject to change. Please ask for availability and current prices for 28ga. and 410ga. shells when booking. SHOTGUNS / CHOKES Rental Shotguns El Monte can provide a variety of Beretta shotguns for a rental fee of $75 USD per day. There s no half-day rental fee. Most of our guests find the Beretta 391 in 20 gauge to be an outstanding overall choice for both high volume Dove shooting, and Decoyed Pigeon Shooting. The reduction in felt recoil will enhance your experience over several days of shooting. Please contact us ahead of time regarding your preferences. You are also welcome to bring your own shotgun if you would prefer; by following the specific guidelines for Firearms Importation. If you prefer to use a Double, a heavier gun with automatic ejectors will provide greater shooting comfort, and less fatigue associated with reloading. We also recommend some variety of recoil reduction accessories, such as shoulder pads; available in most fine gun stores. Improved or Modified chokes will accommodate almost every type of shot encountered; from high passing Doves, to Decoyed Pigeons. Most shots fall within 40 yards distance or less. The flight patterns of Dove and Pigeon in the San Luis Province are very precise; and your guides may occasionally shift your shooting position to place you in an optimal location related to the flyways. BAG LIMITS In our part of Argentina, there is no limit imposed on Dove, and for Decoyed Pigeon we voluntarily impose a limit of 14 boxes of shells per day. We believe this provides the best possible balance between shooting action and conservation.

5 CLIMATE The chart below lists averages for the past few years. San Luis does get some seasonal rain, so please plan to take at least a light rain jacket or windbreaker. AVERAGE DAILY TEMPERATURE RANGE Jan F May F Sept F Feb F June F Oct F Mar F July F Nov F Apr F Aug F Dec F CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT NEEDS FOR THE FIELD Camouflage is optional, as it is usually not required for dove and pigeon shooting. You should dress comfortably in jeans or brush pants, and shirts of a neutral color, or green or brown; (avoid bright colors or white). Pack a sweater or jacket in case it's cool in the early morning and also a flannel or chamois shirt; 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 is excellent. SHOOTING SAFETY GLASSES Combination Sun/shooting glasses that are impact approved should be worn on sunny days. Green or yellow protective shooting glasses work well on cloudy days or in muted light.

6 LIGHTWEIGHT HAT With a brim for sun protection. SHOOTING GLOVES The volume of shooting you will be doing generates extremely hot barrels in shotguns, as well as requires a significant amount of reloading and general gun handling. A good quality pair of sensitive shooting gloves will enhance your comfort over several days of shooting. EL MONTE PROVIDES 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. 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, but if you have any sensitivity to inspects its better to be prepared. SUN SCREEN We are blessed with 300 sunny days a year but please bring some sunblock or use the one provided by El Monte CAMERA The area is scenic and photographic possibilities abound. EVENING DRESS Clothing is casual, with slacks and sport shirt all you need. MEDICATION Any individual medications needed for health and comfort. BAND-AIDS / MEDICAL TAPE For sore fingers from shooting and reloading. 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 travelers by fax; call toll-free and follow the recorded instructions. You may also visit the CDC's Web site at or contact your travel agent for more information. MEDICAL INSURANCE AND EVACUATION We strongly recommend you purchase both health and trip cancellation insurance. Once we have received the trip payment we are unable to make a refund in the instance of a cancellation.

7 We will do everything possible to ensure our guests have a safe experience; however, unavoidable accidents can happen. An illness or injury in the remote areas we frequent could require a very costly medical evacuation that is not covered by medical or trip insurance. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you purchase a Global Rescue membership. Global Rescue is a worldwide crisis response company that provides advisory services from in-house medical experts, field rescue from the point of illness or injury and evacuation to your home hospital of choice. For standard travel insurance: call your travel agent or contact Elaine Wissolik (Frontiers Travel) or visit : 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 approximately U$S80 per day per shooting guest and U$S 50 per day per non-shooting guest to be divided among your field assistants, guides, drivers and house staff. All tips should be settled with the house Manager (Maria or Juan) when paying your final bill. CURRENCY The dollar is widely accepted and you can change dollars for pesos at most hotels, shops or any bank. When you pay in dollars, most merchants give change in pesos. It is difficult to exchange traveler's checks of any kind outside Buenos Aires. American Express, Visa, and Master- Card are widely accepted EXCEPT WHEN VISITING SMALL SHOPS IN REMOTE AREAS OF ARGENTINA. El Monte Lodge accepts payment in cash, personal checks or bank wires. Please note than when settling your shell bill with a personal check or a bank wire a 3% surcharge will be applied to cover part of all international bank transactions. Lodge will appreciate the payment of all tips in cash. ELECTRIC APPLIANCES 220 volts; a standard converter and European adapter for two-pronged plug should work fine. Most phones, notebooks, and accessories work from 110 to 240 volts automatically. However you will find a converter and a variety of adapters at El Monte. There is Wi-Fi access at lodge. A land line telephone at the lodge is available and most phone devices work well at certain areas of lodge and in almost all hunting fields.

8 ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO IMPORTATION 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. We also do our best in maintaining a good supply of top brand liquor and fine Argentine wines. We depend on local restrictions to get imported liquors. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Included: All meals at the Lodge and in the field; services of a professional guide; all vehicles and ground transportation as required by the itinerary; field assistants as required; all payments to landowners for hunting rights; meeting and customs assistance; whole-group ground transfers between Cordoba Capital City or San Luis and El Monte Lodge. Single clients not arriving together with the whole party will add ground transfer costs to their final bill before departure. This will vary according to available car/vehicle at the time of hiring this service. $200 one way aprox. Not Included: Scheduled air fares required by itinerary from point of origin through return; shot shells; gun rental; all gratuities; shooting license, laundry, massage or items of a strictly personal nature; baggage overweight charges; personal/baggage insurance; travel / medical evacuation 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. CHECK IN / CHECK OUT All clients may shoot half a day on arrival date provided they arrive at lodge or local airport no later than hrs; and they may shoot half a day on departure date provided their flight is scheduled for departure after 17:00 hrs or when the whole group is hiring services from a private charter company. FIELD SAFETY Safe gun handling practices are required at all times. Gun must be unloaded and chambers locked open, or barrels broken open at all times, except during the hunting process. We hunt in agricultural regions that frequently have field workers, horses and livestock, etc, in the vicinity. Your guide and field assistants will help you identify potential dangers, and you must avoid shooting in any direction or at any angle that could cause harm. Keep aware of your fellow hunters and companions, and avoid moving the muzzle of your shotgun anywhere near others. Protect your eyes at all times with shooting approved safety glasses, and use hearing protection for your ears.

9 EL MONTE LODGE CONTACT INFORMATION (From USA) Main Lodge Number Maria M. de Alberdi