5 Tips In Planning A Dove Hunting Argentina Hunting Trip To Cordoba Argentina by Chuck Larsen

www.burntpine-travel.com

After years of hunting doves in Argentina, Uruguay, Mexico, and across the U.S. South East the Cordoba Argentina is the hands down overall best dove shooting experience. But, with the discovery of this dove hunting Mecca by hard shooting Americans come a whole slew of operators itching to get their hands on some easy North Americano gringo cash, so be careful. As in any activity not all operators´ offerings are the same. Here is what I have learned over the years that may help you choose the right operator.

Volume or quantity of the doves will not vary much any time you plan to visit the Cordoba area. Recently, I have seen ads claiming some new dove capital or another. But, after checking them out, some have reasonable shooting, but certainly never any place that had more than Cordoba. In addition, they can´t be shot consistently all year, nor would you want to shoot in 105 degree weather in their mid-summer. Every operator in Cordoba will show you at least one high volume shoot during your visit, but the old hands can and will provide hot barrel action on every shoot. Gaining access to the good roost entries and grain fields has become highly competitive and expensive. Well capitalized operators with enough business can secure/lease quality land. In many cases, they even own their own shooting grounds. Smaller operators often have to repeat a shooting venue during your stay, but the pros will show you a different bird presentation each outing. Bottom line is that you will usually give out before the doves quit flying on a trip to Cordoba.

Time of year doesn´t seem to make any difference in Cordoba. Truth is any time you can go you will find plenty of doves to heat up your barrel. I have hunted Cordoba in every month and the only difference is where you will be standing. My favorite shooting is when they are in the hills, usually from July through April. You will be shooting them coming and going from the roosts. Good operator will be able to show you high birds or those coming down the gun barrel based upon your request. The rest of the year you will be shooting in a working grain field, usually corn or sunflowers. Remember that the seasons are reversed so the longest shooting days occur from November through February.

Professionalism is usually the biggest difference between the Cordoba dove operations. More established operators tend to have better equipment with better trained personal. Their service is seamless and unobtrusive with their personnel always looking after your needs. Instead of picking up casual day labor in local villages for bird boys, the good operators have permanent well trained young men to assist you. Most have enough English to converse in hunting speak. The good ones tend to look after the details like having ice and drinks in the coolers on your stand and a cold beverage for the ride home. Some operators don´t mix groups and will keep the Estancia exclusive for your hunt.

Quality of the food and lodging will also very from Estancia to Estancia. While even the newest and smallest operator will keep you fed, I have found a vast difference in the meals and the wines being served. I´m by no means a wine snob nor do I consider myself a highbrow gourmet but there is a difference from lodge to lodge. That´s a shame because in Argentina the difference between first class and a lower substitute is only a few Pesos. But I guess discount operators have to make it up some where. While we are on that subject, I would be wary of an outfitter who is so under capitalized that he asks for advance shell money. Operators can´t control the weather but they should be able to control the quality of you stay.

Safety is usually never mentioned and shouldn´t be a concern, however, there have been a couple of instances where trading on insider information, robberies have occurred. We, after all, are considered rich targets of those on the other side of the law. Some operators travel to and from the airport with at least two vehicles, this is a good idea just from an equipment break down standpoint, irrespective of having safety in numbers. Additionally, some Estancias hire night time security which although costly for them, provides their guests a certain peace of mind. Smaller operators just can´t afford this.

If you have never shot doves in Argentina what are you waiting for? It´s a wonderful experience and shouldn´t be missed. If I can answer any questions contact me at c.larsen@mindspring.com or go to www.burntpine-travel.com