Why Dove Hunting in Argentina Belongs on Your Bucket List
Written by David Stewart, CEO of ShotKam
For many shooters, dove hunting in Argentina is a bucket-list experience. Known for staggering bird populations and high-volume shooting, it offers something completely different from the hunting traditions most of us have grown up with. The sheer scale of Argentina’s dove hunting is both impressive and humbling.
In this blog, David Stewart, CEO of ShotKam, shares some reflections from his trip to Argentina, along with lessons he thinks are helpful for planning your own adventure.
Watch the video below to see David’s legendary dove hunting, filmed with the ShotKam Gen 4:
Why Argentina?
Córdoba, Argentina, is widely regarded as the heart of dove hunting. With an estimated 50 million doves in the region, it’s unlike anywhere else in the world. Years ago, farmers realized doves were destroying nearly 20–25% of their crops. Early attempts to reduce the population through poisoning and other culling methods failed, disrupting predators and ecosystems. Instead, the government turned to hunting lodges as the most effective way to manage bird numbers while supporting local communities.
Still, the dove population continues to thrive. These birds can breed several times per year with 2–3 eggs per clutch. Habitat and food supply truly control their numbers, which makes dove hunting in Argentina less about population control and more about the unique hunting experience it offers.
What to expect
A typical day starts at the lodge with breakfast before heading to the fields. You’ll hunt for a few hours in the morning, break for a big barbecue lunch, and then return for another afternoon session. In the field, the doves come in fast and in numbers most hunters have never seen before.
Most outfitters provide gun rentals, like 20 gauge semi-autos, which is much easier than traveling with your own firearm. On my hunt, I rented a 20 Gauge Benelli semi-auto with modified chokes and no. 8 cartridges, a setup that worked perfectly for the high amount of shooting. I highly recommend bringing a ShotKam Gen 4 to capture and remember your hunt. Reviewing your ShotKam footage after the first morning is a great way to double-check gun fit and shooting form. Given the sheer number of shots you’ll take, an external battery pack or even a second ShotKam is useful for afternoon hunts.
Read our useful guide on how to set up your ShotKam Gen 4 for bird hunting.
Another thing to consider is how you want to shoot. Outfitters will often spread hunters out individually, but I personally prefer shooting beside a friend. It makes the day more social, adds a sense of fun competition, and reminds me that hunting is about more than the numbers.
Preparing for the field
After a few hundred rounds, your shoulder may feel it, so some people bring shoulder protectors. I’ve never needed one, but I always tape my trigger finger to avoid blisters. Shooting technique also matters: doves are quick, and even with five shells in a semi-automatic, you’ll be surprised at how quickly a flock passes. Stretching your leads further than you think is important. Don’t look at the lead, and stay locked on the bird.
I also recommend not to stress about your hit percentage. Outfitters make their money on cartridge sales, not how many birds you bring down. I’ve seen hunters get frustrated by misses and end up shooting worse. Remember, you’re there to have fun.
About the lodge
What makes Argentina special isn’t just the shooting; it’s the full experience. The lodges are high-end, with great food, helpful staff, and a welcoming local community. Lunches in the field often include hammocks for an afternoon nap before heading back out. Dinners are feasts of grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and dove appetizers, often five or six courses long.
You may also have the chance to shoot green parakeets, which are considered an even greater pest than doves. Farmers dislike them because they peel back corn husks, eat a few kernels, and move on, destroying entire fields in the process. While I tried a few parakeets, I preferred focusing on doves, though many hunters enjoy both.
Conclusion
The camaraderie, the laughter, and the long days outdoors make Argentina dove hunting unforgettable. For me, it’s something I’d want to experience every few years with the right group of friends or family. Like all hunting, it’s who you share it with makes all the difference.
Dove hunting in Argentina is a luxury hunting experience unlike anything else in the world and for any passionate hunter, it deserves its place on the bucket list.
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