This information from our outstanding staff in Córdoba will prove handy if you’re planning to visit us in Argentina. The following separates the year into quarters, and each section highlights perfect times for hunting:
Perfect Time #1: July 15 through Feb. 15 — “The Glorious Hills”
Weather: This season includes the end of winter, the entire spring, and part of our summer—almost half our year. For the end of winter and most of spring we experience mild temps and blue skies carrying easterly winds. During our mid-winter and early spring we can find challenging birds due to a combination of deep valleys and wind, especially in August. The tail end of this block is our summer, when we can experience tropical showers late in the day with a predominantly northerly wind. Temperatures: 65-95F.
Doves: We can present every bird in the book during this broad time of year, from sky-scraping high doves to low and slow birds perfect for beginners—and all flying at every possible angle. We’re situated in the hills daily at this time of year, changing hunting scenarios every hunt, and we can use our location to our advantage to produce just about any hunt a client or a group might prefer. We can also “duplicate” every game bird shot in the book—from high pheasants, crossing ducks, or incoming grouse. If hunters want low birds we hunt the ridges; and if they want high doves we go deep into the valleys. We also hunt an array of local farms, which provide a nice variation from day to day.
Also, hunting with double guns can be offered, our professional field assistants can stuff or double gun every day. Driving distances from Pica Zuro range 15 to 35 minutes. La Dormida is about 25 minutes. Córdoba Lodge is about 15 to 25 minutes.
Perfect Time #2: Feb. 15 to March 15 — “In Transition”
Weather: Sunny and dry, with occasional light showers.
Doves: A combination of the hills and flat hunting, with the best hunts occurring early in the morning and after 3 p.m. until sunset at 8 pm. Much like our June/July hunting, but with the benefit of longer days and warmer temperatures. This season is short because the doves will stop hatching due to lack of food and start holding in temporary roosts in the flats close to the production areas. As David Denies is the only outfitter holding 250.000+ acres of land, we can still guarantee incredible customized hunting while other outfitters close their doors during this time. This is the opposite movement from our June/July hunt in that we are now moving from the hills back to the flats; two great hunts per day, often with a long lunch and time for a nap at midday. Beautiful, warm weather. Driving distance from Pica Zuro varies from 10 to 45 minutes. La Dormida averages 25 to 35 minutes. Córdoba Lodge from 20 to 30 minutes.
Perfect Time #3: March 15 to June 15 — “The Flatlands”
Weather: This is our autumn, and while we can have some rain in March, April, and early May it’s rarely more than a day or two of rain per month. Then our dry season begins.
Doves: During “The Flatlands” period we find a high concentration of low-flying birds feeding or in temporary roosts. We can see high birds depending on the wind and how far we’re located from the feeding or roosting areas. The main reason the birds fly this way at this time of year is because they’re following combines that are harvesting sorghum, soy bean, and corn. During this time of year we also shoot feedlots and water holes where the birds gather to eat and drink. Driving distances from Pica Zuro are from 25 minutes up to 1 hour. From La Dormida, about 15 to 45 minutes. From Córdoba Lodge, about 20 to 30 minutes.
Perfect Time #4: June 15 to July 15 — “The Combination”
Weather: Cold in the morning, comfortable in the evening; blue skies every day with a predominant south wind.
Doves: A combination of low and high-flying birds depending on where we find the better hunting conditions (flatlands or hills) or both. One day we can be hunting in the flats; the following day in the hills. This time of year is what we call our winter transition, and it only lasts a month. We continue to hunt the flats and we start hunting the hills as well, depending on the flight pattern of the doves from day to day. Driving distances from Pica Zuro will be 15 to 45 minutes, unless we are lucky enough to be able to use the field right next to Pica Zuro which is only 5 minutes away. It can be “red hot” at times and makes for a nice bonus. Driving distance from La Dormida is 20 minutes to 45 minutes. Córdoba Lodge, 20 to 35 minutes.
