La Torcaza Lodge

There are few places in the world where wild pigeons exist in such abundance that they’re considered a premier species for the hunters. Fortunately, Córdoba is one of these places and at  La Torcaza Lodge the program is focused on providing the very best decoyed pigeon hunting in the world. Within a 50 square mile radius of the lodge lie fields and roosts annually inhabited by over 5,000,000 pigeons. The lodge enjoys over 45 nearby shooting fields, with short scenic drives through the beautiful countryside.

More like a “dry-land” duck hunt than a dove hunt, pigeons offer incredible sport on fast-flying birds, as they both “buzz” the decoys and drop into the spread, you can expect some very challenging passing shots as well. Super wary, pigeons need to be given the utmost respect once you are in the blind. They will not tolerate movement and will shy off from the blind if the hunters do not remain well hidden. Our blinds are made from natural cover and are large and comfortable enough to make hunters as successful as possible.

Large, strong birds, pigeons can take more than you would expect to anchor them with your shot. Most of our hunters opt for 20 gauge shotguns, but 12ga are available, and 28ga offer a great challenge as well.

These birds are large and fast-flying, which makes calculating their speed a bit deceptive, and so offer incredible sport both while decoying and pass shooting.

Pigeon Hunting Tips

Someone wise once said you can shoot doves, but you hunt for pigeons. It’s not to say you won’t shoot a bunch of shells, you will. But when you’re at La Torcaza in Córdoba, it’s best to approach pigeons as you would a waterfowl hunt. Take advantage of your blind to ensure birds are focused on decoys and not on you. ln the blind, stay low and out of view. Pigeons have great eyesight and can spot unusual movement hundreds of yards away. Shoot quickly and, hit or miss, reload, and hide once again. Great pigeon shoots often happen over a short period of time, so getting down and ready will help make the most of the next opportunity.

Two types of wild pigeons can be found in Argentina and Uruguay, the Spot-Winged and the Picazuro. These are not the domestic pigeons found in rural barns and on city statues but fly and decoy more akin to a wild duck. Wild pigeons are tough, and their large wing surface areas make them fast and agile fliers.

The morning will begin with a wake-up call around 8.00am, approximately an hour before departure time. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter, with everything from waffles to Eggs Benedict, all made to order. Hunters will depart the lodge together in a very comfortable Mercedes Sprinter van. Drives vary depending on the time of the season but range from five to thirty-five minutes. 

In the field, you will be joined by a professional guide, who will set up the decoys and help get you situated in your blind. You will hunt 2 guns to a blind, and your guide will be nearby, identifying birds, providing you with shotshells, refreshments, and overseeing your hunt.

Shooting over decoys starts shortly after arrival in your blind and continues until about Noon. You will then return to the lodge and be treated to an incredible traditional Asado lunch featuring Argentina’s wonderful beef and our exclusive wine. You will have some time to relax, or enjoy a siesta. Hunters will again depart for their afternoon hunt around 2 to 2:30 pm. 

Evening hunts last until 5 or 6 pm, after which you will return to the lodge, where you will be met with cocktails and appetizers as well as a delicious dinner, and time to relax and discuss the day’s hunt!

Species you may encounter at La Torcaza Lodge

• PICAZURO PIGEON – Patagioenas Picazuro (wingspan up to 22in / weight upto 1lb)

The largest of Argentina’s pigeon species, the Picazuro is frequently seen in a range of habitats from agricultural regions, to savannas and light woodlands. Large with a purple-and-gray scaly body and a silvery patch at the side of the neck. In flight it has distinctive black flight feathers and pale gray wingbars. The song is a low and monotonous “wuu-pupuh, wuu-pupuh”.

A hard flying, gregarious bird, the Picazuro pigeon offers incredible, fast paced sport for the wingshooting. Ultra wary birds, they demand the hunter be well hidden and patient in order to successfully harvest these birds.

• SPOT-WINGED PIGEON – Patagioenas maculosa

Smaller than the Picazuro Pigeon, these birds are often found in small groups. They are wide spread across much of Argentina and Uruguay, offering a worthy target for traveling bird hunters.

Flocks of Spot-winged pigeon will decoy in together, much like waterfowl flocks. Once the first shot rings out, the flock will very quickly change direction, with all birds flying erratically off in different directions with incredible speed. Much like their Picazuro cousins, these birds are very wary and they require you to actively “hunt” them, remaining hidden until the last moment when they are in range for the shot.