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Dove hunting in Argentina
Doves in Argentina
Eared Dove: The Eared Dove (Zenaida Auriculata) or Paloma Dorada – this means golden Dove and this is how it is known in Argentina due to the golden colour sometimes found in its wings – is a bird that has become very popular between hunters around the world for the large amounts that can be found in the countryside in Argentina, especially in the provinces of Entre Rios, La Pampa, Corrientes, Cordoba and Santiago del Estero.
The male adult dove is 24 cm (9.4 in) long with a long wedge-shaped tail, and weighs normally about 112 g (4.0 oz.). The adult males have a head with a gray crown, blue black on the lower ear coverts and a black line behind the eye. The olive-brown upperpart body will be combined with black spots on the wings, dark red legs and a tail tipped with cinnamon. The female is duller than the male and the younger doves are greyish brown with pale barring.
The eared dove is considered in Argentina an agricultural pest, feeding from crops like soy, wheat, sorghum, corn, etc.. The abundant food and the proximity to large amounts of trees, makes the perfect habitat for this dove to reproduce around 4 times a year and being able to lay 2 eggs per time that will hatch in about 12 days with another 9 days to fledging. The nests are built with small sticks and located several meters up in the tree.
This dove does not migrate long distances, so they usually roost in the same woods, they fly all day long from the roosts to the feeding places and water back and forth. Its flight is fast and direct and can be high or low depending on the grounds and the winds. Great to hunt with 20 gauge, at Argentina’s Best Hunting we have to offer new semi-automatics shotguns and if your choice is to bring your own gun, we always have in stock 20, 28 and 12 gauge shells. The hunting guide is responsible of scouting and always has the best place for you to shoot and the field assistant will provide you of shells, soft drinks and will have a count on each dove you shoot, he’ll become your partner at the field and take the best care of every detail. At the end of the hunting day, the guns always get cleaned and prepared for another great shoot.
All these characteristics that the dove has, plus plenty of areas where they can roost have made the eared dove populations grow in millions and the opportunity to be able to hunt them in big numbers. It is well known between hunters that in one day it is common that a single gun shoots over a thousand doves. Hunters have a lot of fun during the hunts and this type of hunting is great for all kind of shooters, beginners or experienced and the all year round season also gives you the chance to be able to hunt them in all kind of weather.
The hunting adventure
When you prepare a Dove Hunting trip with Argentina’s Best Hunting, there is a short list of things that you must have: ear plugs, shoulder pad, sunscreen and gloves are a must. We always have all these things available for you at the lodge or at our shop, just in case you don’t bring them. Also, you have to know that camouflage clothing is not needed, keep in the browns, khakis or green colors and you will be more than fine.
At Argentina’s Best Hunting we have designed the “Limitless Doves” all-inclusive package that will give you the chance to enjoy dove hunting for 4 full days at Estancia Cortaderas. You will also find a great combination of dove hunting and Dorado fishing in our “Cast & Blast” program or have a taste of dove hunting during our “Mixed Bag” season, when you will also hunt ducks, partridges and pigeons. It doesn’t matter which program you choose, it will always be blended with the best accommodations and service at Estancia Cortaderas. Short drives, incredible hunts and fishing, gourmet cuisine that each day it includes the doves you hunted prepared in exquisite different ways. Dove hunting is high volume shooting and we want you to experience it and also to enjoy all what we have to offer at Estancia Cortaderas. All these and more will make of your trip and unforgettable time.
A day hunting doves in Argentina
A hunting day will start in the morning with an exquisite home made breakfast where you will be able to taste the classics or pamper yourself with the specials, like croissants right out of the oven. After, the guide will drive you for no longer than half an hour to the field where the bird boys will have everything ready for you to start shooting. At midday, and because we are really close to the lodge, the chef will be waiting for you to have a real Argentine BBQ (asado) by the cliff at Cortaderas and overlooking the great Parana river. Here you will be able to relax and prepare yourself for yet another great hunt in the afternoon. After a short siesta, we are back at the field for another amazing hunt. At the end of the day and back at the house, you can relax at the SPA with a massage that can be combined with dry sauna and Jacuzzi. The fire pit is always a gathering place where hunters like to share the stories of the day. An amazing meal will crown the night and of course always accompanied with the best Argentine wines.
Dove hunting in Argentina is something every wing shooter should experience and at Argentina’s Best Hunting we think about every detail… are you ready for the best adventure?
