Hunting in Argentina

ARGENTINA

MORE THAN JUST A DOVE HUNT

By Geoff Emery Photography by Julio Aguilo

Ihad one request for my bird boy as he led me to the field edge that first afternoon in Córdoba, Argentina, “Barto, let me know when I hit 15 doves”. After all, this is the legal limit back home in Virginia, and it can take all afternoon to reach it there. I wanted to time how long it would take me here, in the dove hunting capital of the world. Barto handed me a loaded Benelli and told me it was time to rock-n-roll. Dove were everywhere, and almost immediately, my shots were off and I was having difficulty connecting. I wondered if I would even shoot 15 by the end of the day. After what seemed like forever, Barto FINALLY told me that I had reached 15. I was shocked to learn it had taken only 6 minutes and 45 seconds! All I could think was, “wait until the guys back home hear about this!”

My father and grandfather introduced me to the joys of wing shooting as a child. I was hooked and could not get enough. Even if I was not hunting, my mind was always in the field (still is). There was a collection of books and magazines on the bookshelves in our living room. I would sit there for hours reading every word and waiting for Opening Day. It was here that I first read an article about dove shooting in Argentina. I was in disbelief of the stories of doves filling the sky, and I resolved to see it for myself one day.

While this trip had always been at the back of my mind, it took over 40 years to get there. Clay Williamson, an old Army buddy, and I contacted Pablo Aguilo with Pointer Outfitters. We booked our trip and were bound for Argentina.

We took a two-day Buenos Aires layover en route, then arrived in Cordoba Province for the longawaited hunt. I had dreamt about this hunt for 40

years. I had been to all the websites and watched all the YouTube videos, but I was sure it would never live up to my expectations. Not only did it live up to my expectations, it far exceeded them. The doves filled the sky. The stories were true. I was in a field and everywhere I looked were doves.

We took the time to learn these birds that first afternoon and we felt confident. On the second day of the hunt, Clay and I decided to go for the 1,000 birds in a day challenge. The bird boys took us to our spots.

My first spot was mediocre for Argentine standards. After 90 minutes, I only had 90 doves—time to move locations. The crew on the ground had a more productive alternate spot already prepared for me. Two hours later, when it was time for lunch, I had reached 875 birds, and Clay had his 1,000. It wasn’t long after lunch that I had my 1,000. Exhausted, we headed back to the lodge.

With the goal of 1,000 birds in a day met, the only thing left to do was shoot a Cinco, five birds in five shots. I had already shot dozens of doubles and triples the previous day. Since plugs are not utilized while hunting dove in Argentina, this goal was possible. At the end of our third and final day, I accomplished the Cinco. And not only that, Clay and I combined to shoot over 6000 doves in three days.

It is hard to imagine, but there is more to this experience than just hunting. I have been on hunts throughout North America, where the meals and lodging make or break the trip. In Argentina the food is just as unbelievably good as the hunting. On hunt days, our lunch was served in traditional Asado style in the field. Pork, chicken, dove, and steak are all cooked on an open flame in front of you as you breathe in the delicious aroma. After lunch, hammocks are hung for a siesta should you desire, and then it is back to the hunt.

When you have finished for the day, you head back to the incredible lodge, where you are met with a cold drink and hors d’ oeuvres. There is time to clean up, and then you are seated for a chef-prepared dinner that rivals 5-star restaurants with plenty of Malbec wine and all the Fernet you could desire. The days end relaxing by the fire before you head to your room and dream of dove.

Argentina is famous for its dove hunting, but do yourself a favor and combine your trip with other pursuits and activities. The duck and perdiz hunting (similar to quail) are fantastic in that region. Or, if you love fishing, you can chase trout in Patagonia or fly fish for the mighty Golden Dorado. Hunters and non-hunters will enjoy Buenos Aires, a Mendoza wine tour, or even a ski trip to Patagonia.

I will jump on a plane and go to Argentina any chance that I get. My only regret is that it took me over 40 years to get there.