Client Testimonials & Comments
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"The turkey hunting is the best I’ve seen for any sub-species anywhere in North America. The guides are professional and flexible and the birds respond to calling very, very well. The birds also measure up and there are lots of them. I saw over 150 birds in 3 days. The ranch owners are committed to long term habitat improvement and the maintenance of quality Gould’s turkey habitat." Wally Murphy, Professional “Certified" Wildlife Biologist in the USA for 27 years (New Mexico). |
"Wow, words cannot describe the hunting experience and the excellent service I received at your ranch during our recent stay. Very seldom do you get the best of both worlds. The finest turkey hunting I have ever experienced and the finest food & service that I have ever had during my travels. The turkey hunting is absolutely the best I have ever experienced anywhere in the USA. I would rate your food and service right up there with any 5 star hotel in the USA. I have hunted turkeys in 30 states and I have never seen as many as I did there at Rancho El Durangueño. You truly have an outstanding ranch that is absolutely beautiful beyond words. But most of all, I appreciate your personal hospitality and the kindness that you extended to myself and the others in my group. You already have my dates for next year and I look forward to many years of return visits to Ranch El Durangueño. Next year we are all planning on bringing our wives so they can enjoy the beautiful surroundings."
-Mike Falconite. Kentucky. |
"Everything was first class, from the time your guides met us at the airport until the time the dropped us off after our hunt was complete. I cannot say enough about your facilities and staff; I haven been on many big game hunts across North America and I would put your operation at the top of my list. The amount of turkeys on your ranch is almost unimagineable, and there is a real chance to take a new world record Gould's everytime someone hunts there. I took what will be the new #6 overall Gould's Turkey and had a chance at an even bigger bird the next day. I saw my friend Dalton Dowdy have 9 mature longbeards in front of him at one time, all within 30 yards, probably one of the most exciting hunts I have ever witnessed!! All of thet being said, the best thing I feel you have to offer is your kindness and attention to detail, you always seemed to want to make sure everything was just right for our group and I appreciated that immensely ."
-Rusty Hayes. Albany, Georgia |
"One of the greatest Turkey Hunts we have had. Some of us have been on many adventures and yours was as good as it gets, or even better. This includes the food, accomodations, service, transportation, (including your airplane) and of course the amount of turkeys... Your ranch is truly one of the best kept secrets."
-Dick Thomason, Dan and Cory Corullo, Tom Schneller, Bernie Smith, Bill Maccani. Wisconsin. ( To see full letter, click here) |
"From the professional airport pickup, to the expert guides you provided us, to the world class Gould's turkey hunting to the five-star accommodation, all aspects of the hunt were absolutely outstanding. I apreciate your taking a personal interest in the hunt and in making sure our trip was an absolute success.
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I have hunted extensively throughout North America in the pursuit of the wild turkey and have taken two Royal Slams of wild turkeys and I can honestly and truly state with authority that Rancho el Durangueño is premier Gould's wild turkey destination. You have set the standard against which all other turkey hunting locations should be judged "
- Dalton D. Dowdy,Georgia.
"After thirty years of hunting throughout Canada, Mexico, South America and twenty states, I feel well qualified to say that Rancho EL Durangueño is definitely a top tier establishment. From the personal attention of the owner, Alonso Ayala, to the attention to detail from the entire ranch staff, there is nothing left to chance. Both the quantity and quality of the Gould's turkey hunting are phenomenal. It will definitely be an annual trek for me."
- Clyde F. Neely. Kingwood, Texas |
"Thanks for your gracious hospitality at el Durangueño. Our trip was fabulous and far exceeded our expectations; just when we thought it couldn't get any better, it would. The accommodation were truly topnotch in every respect and we were particulary impressed with the staff's desire to make sure that we were pleased. In the survey we filled out, you score all 5's (the highest)".
- Bob and James Averwater, Tennessee. |
"The best hunting experience I have ever had. Hunting, guides, transportation, lodging, food, employees - it is all top of the line. It has truly been a great experience. To top off everything else, I got a 13 1/2, 4-bearded turkey. Above my wildest expectations!"
- William Hill, Ohio |
"El Durangueño was an experience of a lifetime, even though I have filmed in many states. This ranch is at the top of the list, from the hunting, to the service of guides and the food. It was all first class. Turkeys were everywhere!"
- Mike Skinner (from "The Management Advantage" T.V. show), Alabama |
"I have been hunting in Mexico and Argentina for 23 years and have not found a better operation than the Durangueño Ranch. The number and quality of birds, the guides, the accommodations, the food and the hospitality were superior. As far as security goes, the staff pick you up at the airport and drive you to the interior of the 55,000 acre ranch, where you will not see another human being other than ranch staff. My wife and I felt safer than we do in Dallas."
-Tom James, MD. Dallas, Texas. |
"The owner and staff created an above 5-star rating. El Durangueño is a hidden gem. The hunting, food and service are second to none. The experience will never be forgotten."
-Mike Duncan. Kentucky. |
"Our party of six veteran turkey hunters visited El Durangueño ranch in April 2004. After our hunt, we all agreed that was by far the most enjoyable hunting experience we have ever had. The accommodations were five star, the food and service were superior, and the hunting was outstanding. I have never hunted an area with such a large population of turkeys (we all harvested a fine gobbler). I would highly recommend El Durangueño if you are planning a Gould's turkey hunt. I am confident that El Durangueño offers the very best Gould's hunting experience in Mexico."
- Don Hayes, Col. USAF [RET.] and Captain Southwest Airlines [RET.]. Nashville, Tennessee |
"If you are looking for a Gould's Turkey Hunt, Rancho El Durangueño is the the place to go. I've hunted three places in Mexico and Rancho El Durangueño is definitely the elite. Turkeys are unbelievably abundant and their quality is beyond comparison.
From the owner, down through the entire staff, everyone is on my top ten list. Rancho El Durangueño is truly the hunt of a lifetime for a big Gould's".
- Jerry Malloy. Littleton, Colorado |
"I truly enjoyed every aspect of my trip. The service and accommodations were tremendous and the hunting was even better. "
- John Curry. Georgia |
"The wild turkey hunting at Rancho El Durangueño is simply fantastic -just maybe the finest turkey hunting anywhere in all the world's wild turkey kingdom!" ". . . never have I seen so many turkeys, nor such enormous ones as I observed at Rancho El Durangueño -and it would not surprise me if the next World's Record will be harvested there!" "It was unforgettable!, terrific!, unbelievable!, fantastic!".
- Mr. Howard W. Pollock, Member of Congress for Alaska (retired) and former President of Safari Club International |
"I, my son Keenan and my brother, Z A Adams were at El Durangueño in April 2004. It was a totally enjoyable experience.
The accommodations were "5-Star". The ranch provides you with excellent food, service, hunting equipment, transportation to hunting areas, guide service and refreshments on the actual hunts.
The hunting was the best that we have ever experienced in our travels. The land is beautiful and bountiful. There is a large population of wild turkeys. It was amazing!
We all plan to go again next year. We would highly recommend El Durangueño for the hunting experience of a lifetime!".
-Mr. Roy Adams from Bainbridge, Georgia, harvested a 6-bearded turkey that made #1 on the A-Typical Bird with the NWTF and a 4-bearded turkey that made #2.
His son Keenan has 5 World Slams with a gun and 1 World Slam with a bow. |
"I can't say enough how much your staff took care of us...The cooking staff did an excellent job in preparation of all meals... We found the accomodations to be the best we've ever experienced from anyone during our travels in quest of our Royal Slam. My hats off to you and your staff."
-Tim Sweeney - Tennessee.
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"Best turkey hunt ever!"
-David Baucum. Kentucky |
"As a former outfitter who has hunted and guided extensively in the U.S., Mexico, and South America, I can sincerely testify that Alonso is running a first-class operation at El Durangueño. Most importantly, the hunting is superb. He has the country, he has the animals, and he's sophisticated enough to understand the value of protecting his resource. Thanks to the sheer numbers, I was able to be selective - "trophy hunt" - a rare luxury in turkey hunting.
The service is second-to-none as well. The guides, cooks, etc. were extraordinarily friendly, hardworking, and enthusiastic. Alonso is a very gracious and charming host, and it is evident that he takes great pride in the ranch and strives (with much success) to provide a world-class experience. Consider all this with 5-star accommodations and phenomenal regional cuisine, and you've got a place that makes resorts like Broadmoor, Greenbriar, etc. seem average."
-Jeff Hubbard. Mirr Ranch Group, Denver, CO. |
"I'd like to thank you for a very memorable hunt. My trip to El Durangueno was the best all around trip I've been on. Not only did I complete my Royal Slam… but every detail of my trip in March was fantastic.
The hospitality… is incredible. I always felt at home and comfortable. The food and fellowship at mealtimes was very enjoyable. The hunting was indescribable. I've never hunted anywhere that has more gobblers… Not only do you have the quantity of gobblers, but you have the quality as well. I'm still amazed that, out of 5 hunters in our group, we killed 2 gobblers with over 13" beards, 2 gobblers with over 12" beards, 2 with over 11" beards, and 2 with over 9" beards. That is incredible! You definitely have no shortage of birds...big birds!
Your interest and love of the ranch is evident with your creating the ideal habitat for turkeys and other wildlife. With your management of the game and improvements to the ranch, it is obvious that the turkey hunting at El Durangueno will be just as good (dare I say, better) in 2017 as it was in 2007. The scenery, landscape, and terrain on the ranch are absolutely beautiful!
I've traveled to many places in the world and from coast to coast in the US, and El Durangueno will always be one of my favorites. I am looking forward to reuniting with my new "extended family" on my return trip in 2009. Thank you! I wish you the best of luck and look forward to seeing you in 2009."
- Andy Gagliano, Birmingham, Alabama |
"if your dream is to experience the "hunt of a lifetime" for the Goulds wild turkey, I have the solution, Rancho El Durangueno… I had the awesome privilege of achieving my Royal Slam while hunting with this outfitter in April 2008 and the entire experience was beyond what words could fully describe or what I had ever expected. It was not just the best hunting experience I have ever had but it was a time of relaxation, fellowship, and friendship. (The owner) and his wonderful staff at the ranch cater to your every need but what sets them apart is that they do so with a genuine care for you the hunter, each one there will touch your life and your heart in a special way and strive to make your stay at the ranch one to remember.
The price for a hunt comes complete with your meals, lodging, airport transportation, your firearm and ammo, licenses, tags, preparation and care for your bird, and the very best hunting I have ever had for any species of wild turkey. The total package you will receive, coupled with the care and service, are worth every penny of the hunt as you will truly get so much more than one could imagine. However, although you will enjoy a three day hunt and service second to none for one very reasonable price, the experiences, the friendships and the memories you will carry for a lifetime are priceless.
Rancho El Durangueno is the only place I would ever recommend to anyone who dreams of harvesting a Goulds wild turkey and truly experiencing a "hunt of a lifetime"!
- Gary Arrington, West Virginia
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Pat I was just getting back with you on the New Zealand trip that my father,
brother and I took this past April. I would like to say it was one of the
best hunting trips that I have ever been on in my life. Jim Tom took a Stag
Red Deer that was one of the biggest if not the largest ever taken off that
ranch and my brother and I took a couple of great Stag Red Deer as well. We
topped off the trip with all three of us harvesting Fallow deer making this
one of the best memories that I have ever experience. Adrian and Wendy were
the very best host and I hope to return someday to enjoy another hunt with
them.
Whitt (Rhett) Butler
Harrisburg, AR
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Shane, I cannot wait to hunt the Oscellated Turkey in the Yucatan!
I have read a lot about this bird in the past year, The
fact that they are still working on the vocabulary leads me
to believe that I will be one of the first turkey hunters in
the world to get the opportunity to take one of these
magnificent birds. The only thing that has stopped me from
pursuing this bird in the past is that I felt that it would
be a major expense and undertaking. You guys have taken all
of the work and planning on yourselves and for that I am
truly grateful. Thanks again for the opportunity, cannot
wait! Now, If I could only get the BONGOS out of my head.
Until then,
Al Clemmons |
In almost 50 years of waterfowl hunting, I have never met anyone who possesses the knowledge of waterfowl equal to that of Patrick Pitt and Shane Smith. After several days of excellent duck hunting with Shane And Patrick in Mexico a couple of years ago, it was very impressive to see these exceptional taxidermists list the scientific names of the 12 or 13 different species of birds for their U.S.D.A. declaration forms. Each man has studied waterfowl extensively and possesses an uncanny knowledge of the habits and behavioral patterns of the birds they love to hunt. I have hunted for over 20 years with Patrick Pitt all the way from Alaska, throughout the States, to Mexico and Argentina. Patrick knows where the birds are and how to hunt them. I'm booked for New Zealand next year and know it will be another well planned and eventful hunt.
J.Terry Pitts
Memphis, TN
901-757-5567
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"We clobbered them!" I could not of fallen asleep and dreamed of a better trip even with naked,dancing maidens in it.This was extended mag,hot barrelled action at it's finest.Every serious waterfowler needs to be getting on the train to this experience.This was the trip of a lifetime for me but l'm going to work at lightning striking twice.
Yours in Good Faith,
Dan Bascello,Waterfowl Bander,Guide,Hunter 40 years
Ontario,Canada
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Shane, The trip to New Zealand was the trip of a lifetime for my wife
and me. The different types of hunting and fishing made the trip a new
adventure every day. The turkeys are so dumb, even I could call one up!
The wives of the outfitters took our wives to a new and exciting place
each day. The country is so beautiful, that we took some days off from
hunting to sight see ourselves. This is one trip you do not want to
miss." -Larry Reddmann Harrisburg, AR - Larry@reddmann.com
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"Thanks for setting me up with such a great hunt in Argentina. From answering pre-hunt questions to arranging to have birds brought back for taxidermy, you handled every detail in a truly professional manner. After enduring many disappointing hunting trips with incompetent outfitters, your Wingshooter’s Safaris is a perfect fit for hunters looking for great hunts without worrying about the time consuming processes of booking flights, doing reference checks, etc. I will be booking all of my future hunting adventures with your company."
Thanks again,
SRM Performance Products
Jeffrey Hajjar - President and CEO
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Traveling with my husband to far off lands has always been an enjoyment for me, but our trip to New Zealand took on a whole new meaning as "us girls" had the times of our life. While the boys were off after everything from red stag to waterfowl and turkey, we languished in the luxury of mineral baths, wine tasting tours and shopping in the most beautiful and friendly country I have ever traveled. I dare say we came out on top on this trip and can't wait to return."
-Gail Pitt
Hunter's widow and world traveler
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| "Thank you very much for a dream come true for ocellated turkeys. You and your staff deserve the gold metal award from a-z. The past 7 days have been so much more then we expected or dreamed of. Each day was a wonderful and unique experience. My dream of hunting ocellated turkeys was a wish come true. The staff and food was wonderful. I do hope we can come back soon."
-"Outdoor" Joe Walker, Illinois, 2004
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"I truly enjoyed the variety of bird hunting in Argentina. It was so much better shooting the different Geese, Ducks, Doves, and Perdiz. I took over 13 different species to add to my trophy room. It makes a difference by mixing things up. Everything was just perfect!"
-Lebron Click, Bridgeport, Al - 256.495.3017
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I succesfully double Grand slammed (All 4 North American Turkeys) last year and took the Ocellated this spring. It was the 5th bird of the 6 total birds I need to complete the WORLD SLAM. Wingshooter Safaris definately knows what it takes to help you complete your World Slam. I plan to conclude mine next May with the Gould's turkey with them. Feel free to call me for reference.
-Martin Counts, Chattanooga, TN, - 423.622.0375
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"Shane, I just want to let you know how great the trip to Campeche, MX.
to hunt Ocellated Turkeys was. The food, guides and accommodations were
unparalleled. I killed my turkey on the morning of the second day, and
as I needed to get home as soon as I could for business, Manuel's
people were more that happy to make a special trip out for me. Thanks
again." -Larry Reddmann, Harrisburg, AR.
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