Spain With Driven Shooting
.
.
Introduction
Without a doubt Driven Shooting represents more top operators in Spain than any other company. Many of the owners of these shoots have been our friends for decades. We work this way so that our clients can have the type of shooting experience that best suits their desires. Some shoots are quite close to Madrid and one can stay at the Ritz or at the Parador in Chinchon. We offer both tall and classic partridge shoots. The Fincas (ranch lodges) and Estates are primarily in La Mancha south of Toledo or west in Salamanca and Extremadura. Prices range from moderate to expensive.
Toledo / Chinchon / Madrid
La Flamenca and Casa Sola are but two of the five shoots run by the Corsini family who are among the most respected shoot owners in Spain. A dramatic variety of terrain enables teams to request classic partridge skimming over undulating land in a grouse-like fashion or choose tall perdiz, flying high over cliffs, ravines and gorges, providing challenging shooting in the extreme.
Roughly 30 miles south of Madrid, these shoots are now long established and run by a highly experienced and charming family. Professionalism, organization and expertise guarantee outstanding days with expected bags of between 500 & 1000 birds as the team prefers.
Teams have the choice of staying at the elegant Ritz in Madrid, or lovely converted monasteries known as Paradors in the charming town of Chinchon or in the ancient and historic Toledo.
There is much to do for non-shooting partners who prefer sightseeing or shopping in Madrid or the nearby countryside.
Ventosilla
Ventosilla is one of the most traditional and aunthentic hunting estate properties in Spain. It is also one of the most famous. It has been in hands of the same family for more than a century. The great grandfather of the current owners, the Duke of Santona, was the first to organize driven partridge shooting in Spain at Ventosilla in 1864. His son and their grandfather, the Count of Teba, was considered the greatest bird shot of his day, and he continued the driven shoots as the Duke and in the same fashion improving as time and conditions permitted. Today the family continues that practice.
Inspired by the heritage of their ancestors and their commitment to the sport and the state, the family has decided to maintain the historic past of this extraordinary property by keeping all these traditions intact. They have preserved the property and the palace as it was and continue to hunt in the “old manner”. Ventosilla is the same today as it was in Count Teba’s day, with all its grateness and elegance.
The estate is located on the banks of the River Tajo and Lake Castrejon in the geographical center of Spain, close to the Imperial city of Toledo.
Las Beatas / La Cuesta
Received an incredible review in the SHOOTING GAZETTE magazine. They shoot on over 120,000 acres and can provide both classic and tall birds as the line prefers. The house is very comfortable. Please see the review in the Article section of our website.
Las Golondrinas
There are three classic partridge shoots that I recommend highly. One is Las Golondrinas. It is located 2½ hours west of Madrid. The shoot, the house, the food are all outstanding and the chef is Cordon bleu trained. A 400 partridge day is the minimum bag and a 2,000 partridge day is available or any number in between. Tall bird days are also available and please see the article on this shoot and Pinos Altos in the appropriate section.
La Nava
Another is La Nava which is located about three hours south of Madrid. The shooting is excellent with an expected bag of one thousand birds per day. The house is very nice with beautiful rooms for entertaining and the bedroom suites are very good as well. The chef is outstanding. This is an expensive shoot, probably the most expensive that we represent. They do have their own private air strip for jets if that is a plus.
Pinos Altos
The last of the classic shoots that we represent is Pinos Altos located two hours south of Madrid. The accommodations are outstanding, the shoot is excellent, and the food is very, very good.
