Dove Hunting
Dove hunting in Argentina will be an experience you will never forget. Whether you are an experienced hunter or new at the sport, we will make sure it is the hunt of a lifetime. When you go dove hunting in Argentina, it is quite different from hunting birds in the US or other parts of the world.
How is it different? Two words sum it up: high volume. You have probably never been on a hunting trip and fired your gun as many times as you will here. This is because of the overabundance of the eared dove, which is a species that is endemic to most of South America. In fact, “overabundance” is probably even an understatement; there are many millions of these birds constantly flying overhead in wave after wave. This is truly dove hunting in high volume.
There are so many doves in this area that they are considered pests, because they feed on the farm crops of corn, wheat, and soybeans. In spite of no bag limit and no closed season, the doves seem to continue to grow in number each year. This is good for us, because we can always provide our clients with the best dove hunting they have ever experienced. And the farmers appreciate the hunting pressure to preserve as much of their crops as possible.
For a day of dove hunting, it is common to bring 2 guns along. Using one gun, the shots are so continuous that the gun barrels get quite hot. It’s very easy to switch guns and let one cool off, while not missing any birds that continue to fly overhead. It is common to take more than 1000 shots in a day; for some hunters, they reach that in a morning.
Other items to bring:
- A video camera, if you want to take a break from the shooting and record some scenes for viewing back home. Probably a good idea, since your friends won’t believe you when you tell them how many birds you saw each day!
- Protective gear for eyes and ears
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Hunting clothes, including a vest with pockets for shells
- Shooting gloves
- Shooting pad
Much of this can be purchased when you arrive, so you don’t need to carry all of it as you travel.
What should you expect on your first morning of dove hunting?
Generally, we will be hunting between the wooded area where the doves roost, and the crop fields. In the morning the birds fly overhead on their way to feed, and later in the day they return. There will rarely be a time when you don’t see a wave of doves coming in.
As you see them coming, try to choose one on which to focus. This will probably be difficult in the beginning. The first few times, you may experience “sensory overload”, as many of our clients do. You are seeing the large number of birds, as well as hearing the sound they make. However, you will quickly become accustomed to this. That’s when you will be able to pick one as it approaches, and follow it with your barrel.
Keep in mind, doves are quick and elusive flyers. They have been called “feathered rockets” because of their speed. That makes the dove hunting challenge all the more exciting, and the thrill of seeing your first one fold and drop is quite addicting! As the day goes by, your shot success will get better and you will accumulate more and more doves.
We are confident that you will be extremely pleased with your dove hunting experience here. Many of our clients return to us each year, and we look forward to seeing you here as well.