South America—especially Argentina and Uruguay—offers a unique and highly productive wing shooting experience due to its ideal bird habitat, low hunting pressure, generous seasons, and variety of species. With a high density of wild birds and a variety of dynamic shooting scenarios, it’s possible to experience in a single day what might take many hunters a full season (or longer) to experience in the U.S. Add to that exceptional hospitality, and it’s easy to see why so many first-time visitors quickly become regulars. It’s not just different—it’s familiar hunting made better, and available nearly year-round.

Abundant Birds, Less Pressure

The ecosystems of Argentina and Uruguay are remarkably well-suited to sustaining large populations of upland and waterfowl species. With rich food sources, ideal climate conditions, and expansive habitat, bird numbers remain high year after year. While there is a strong presence of professional outfitters, pressure from the general population is limited—hunting simply isn’t as common a pastime locally as it is in North America.

What sets this region apart isn’t just the number of birds—it’s the opportunity to shoot in dynamic scenarios that sharpen your skills. South America offers an unmatched variety of target presentations, from curling teal to decoying pigeons to crossing doves at speed. The result? A wingshooting environment that challenges and rewards hunters at every level.

Species and Terrain Diversity

Argentina alone offers dove, duck, perdiz, and pigeon hunting across varied provinces such as Buenos Aires (great for ducks), San Luis and Cordoba (ideal for doves and pigeons), and Entre Ríos (offering mixed bags near the Paraná River). Uruguay offers similar mixed-bag experiences with subtle regional differences.

It’s Easier Than You Think

Despite the distance, travel to South America is straightforward. Overnight flights from the U.S. land in Buenos Aires, and most lodges are only a few hours’ drive/flight from the city. The time difference is minimal, meaning you arrive rested and ready. Daily schedules are designed for comfort: start times are reasonable, drives are short, and there’s time to relax midday. Some lodges even offer massages on request. It’s the kind of trip where you can shoot 100 times in a day and still sit down to dinner feeling relaxed and refreshed.

First-Time Advice

First-time hunters to South America often find themselves surprised by how turnkey the experience is. From the moment you land, everything is arranged. Guides are attentive, especially for those who want to improve their shooting. Whether you’re traveling with longtime hunting partners or introducing a family member to the sport, the format is inclusive and welcoming. Even less experienced shooters can hone their skills quickly with patient instruction and abundant opportunity.

Been to Cordoba? Here’s What’s Next:

If you’ve already done the classic Cordoba dove shoot, it’s worth exploring new regions or species. Try ducks, perdiz over pointers, or a mixed-bag program that combines it all. You can even switch countries for a different flavor—Uruguay offers exceptional programs with a slightly different cultural feel and can be easily added as part of a broader itinerary.

Here are a few options you should consider:

El Monte Lodge (San Louis Province, Argentina) – Dove, and Pigeon

Estancia Santa Rita (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) – Duck, and Perdiz

Jacana Lodge (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) – Duck Only

Los Crestones Lodge (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina) – Ducks, Perdiz, Dove and Pigeon

Entre Rios (Entre Rios Province, Argentina) – Duck, Dove, and Perdiz

Estancia La Bellaca (Uruguay) – Dove, and Perdiz

Estancia San Juan (Uruguay) – Ducks, Perdiz, and Doves

When Should I Go?

Timing depends on your goals. Dove shooting is available year-round. The mixed-bag season—ideal for combining ducks, perdiz, and doves—runs mid-April through August. That aligns perfectly with the North American offseason, giving you the chance to warm up before September or escape winter with a trip in January. Whether you’re extending your season or breaking it up with a new adventure, there’s always a reason—and a region—to return.

For more information about wingshooting in South America, and to learn what’s possible, contact our South American Wingshooting Expert: Elaine Wissolik.

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