History of Las Beatas & La CuestaThe Muela Ayala family bought the Las Beatas finca in 1991 and with that purchase came the sporting leases on a rich variety of country from Montiel in the East to Montizon and Villamanrique in the West. The open country of Carrizosa to the north and the deep canyons of La Cuesta to the South, added to this considerable portfolio of sport. As their knowledge and experience of partridge driving grew, combined with feedback from clients and advice from ourselves it became obvious to Jesús Muela and his son Jesús Alberto that clients preferred to shoot the highest birds possible in Spain; sport for which La Cuesta was fast establishing a reputation. In order to have greater control over the shooting at La Cuesta, the property was purchased in 2000 and a new 14 bedroom finca was constructed in 2001. A new beginning for the new millennium. Over the last decade with an increasing demand for higher and higher partridges and convenience of shooting with guests, being accommodated on the same property, the other areas were gradually given up so that all Jesús Alberto’s efforts could be concentrated at La Cuesta. To fit more in line with other regions of Spain, the season in La Mancha and therefore at La Cuesta now runs from 1st October to 28th February The Shooting The partridge shooting at La Cuesta ‘raises the bar’ on other partridge shooting for many reasons. The partridges are released in the summer and present strong fast flying birds, which curl and weave to escape being shot. There is no comparison to other ‘put and take’ Spanish partridge shoots, many of which have been created over the last 10 years on small areas of ground with no attempt to naturalise the birds. In addition to the released birds is a healthy stock of wild birds. Each drive at la Cuesta is different and there is scope on the 25,000 acre estate to present birds in sufficient quantity to keep every calibre of sportsman satisfied. The Cargadores (loaders) and Secretarios (bird boys) are hugely experienced and being in their company is a pleasure. Whilst they enjoy seeing good shots perform well they never make you feel embarrassed if you get into a cycle of missing but try and help you with “behind, behind señor”! Cargadores traditionally sit in front of their guns, which sounds alarming for the uninitiated, however this is a very fast and efficient way of loading and does prevent guns from “wandering” to poach their neighbours birds. Drives start with 2 shots and there is minimum waiting time as birds will have been ‘blanked in’ before the guns line out. Shooting is usually spread quite evenly across the gun line and this means that the number of birds shot can rise quickly. After each drive, or most likely at lunchtime the bag can be displayed for the guests to see and photograph. Record Keeping It is not uncommon for the bag at La Cuesta to exceed the original contracted bag. In order to be as fair as possible the individual totals for each drive are recorded, so if a gun is shooting on a strict budget he can decide when to slow down or stop shooting. If 2 guns shoot the same bird or if a wounded bird is despatched by another gun, a conversation between secretarios ensures that the bird is not counted twice but allocated to the gun who has ‘first blood’. Food and Drink on the shoot Spanish hospitality is legendary and after the second drive guests are served ‘Tacos’, a selection of delicious meats, jamon, chorizo, fish and local Manchego cheeses accompanied with consomme, ice cold sherry, wine, beer or soft drinks. The cool box is always on hand througout the day should guests need to be refreshed between drives. Transport on the shoot Guns are driven in 4W.D. vehicles which can access most gun positions quite easily. Accommodation at la Cuesta The finca at la Cuesta is newly built and is gradually blending into the surrounding landscape with clever landscaping and plenty of native shrubs and plants. Situated in an elevated position the finca has commanding views over the Sierras of Andalucia to the South, and being at the end of a 4 km drive the location is very private and secure. The accommodation comprises of 10 large double rooms and 4 suites, two of which are on the first floor with views to the south. All rooms have ensuite facilities. There is a bar/T.V. area which adjoins a large salon with open fire. The spacious dining room is beyond the salon and can seat 16 guests in comfort. Outside is a terrace dining area where lunch can be enjoyed if it is warm enough. There is a good mobile signal and WiFi Broadband. Communication La Cuesta lies about 240 km due south of Madrid in the Ciudad Real province of la Mancha. The nearest town is Villanueva de los Infantes and the nearest large town is Valdepeñas, famous for its wineries. Valdepeñas is about 45 minutes drive from la Cuesta – Madrid is approximately 2 hrs 45 minutes drive. Nearest airport with international flights is Madrid (2 hrs 45 mins) European guests need a European Firearms Pass to enter Spain with guns (5 per person maximum). Non European guests need an invitation to travel to Spain with guns which is granted by their local Spanish Consulate. Guests may rent guns at La Cuesta if they prefer not to travel with their own, however at peak time their ideal choice may not be available. Costs We try to make the cost of shooting at la Cuesta as all inclusive as possible, to include exceptional shooting days, 'full board' accommodation in a private finca incl all food & drinks, local hunting permit, insurance, loader & secretario, leather gunslips, all cartridges, shoot transport & airport transfers. The only additional costs are: 1. Tips to shoot staff (Cargador, Secretario and Keeper) and house staff. 2. Extra birds 3. Non shoot guest accommodation Please contact the Sporting Agency for a quotation and date availability Tel: +44(0)15242 71151 Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Gun sharing It is possible to share a peg at La Cuesta and this has proved to be an excellent way to get maximum enjoyment from the shoot if budget is a serious consideration. The cost per 'shared gun' would be 1 x gun plus 1 x nsg accommodation. Conclusion The partridge shooting at La Cuesta will not disappoint. Although it is far from being the most expensive shoot in Spain, we try and excel in every area from the pre trip information you receive to the reception at your point of arrival, the welcome at La Cuesta, the outstanding quality of sport, the excellence of the chef at La Cuesta and the attentiveness of staff both at the finca and in the field. Our high rebooking rate speaks for itself! |
