As a seasoned duck hunter from Montana, I’m no stranger to enduring extreme conditions for a day in the field. Our season starts in late September with mild weather—sometimes too mild—and runs through to mid or late January, when the weather can turn brutal. For serious action, I’d wait until November or December, when winter storms push migrating birds down from Canada. Late-season hunts, however, can be harsh. When I was younger, I’d willingly charge out into sub-zero temperatures with ripping winds, breaking open water in a backwater slough or lake to get that perfect setup. It was tough, but the reward of a good day with decoying ducks made it worth it. I used to think this was the only way to experience that kind of hunting—until recently.

This summer, I had the opportunity to travel to South America and scout wingshooting lodges for Frontiers Travel. The dove and duck hunting were phenomenal; in a single morning, I downed more birds than I had in three years back home. But the biggest surprise? The pigeon hunting at La Torcaza—it just might be my new favorite. As surprising as it sounds, it had everything I love about duck hunting—and maybe even more.

For one, we didn’t need to wake up at 4 AM. Our start time was a comfortable 7:30, a far cry from those early-morning alarms at home. Temperatures were mild, ranging from the low 40s in the morning to mid-60s in the afternoon. And unlike ducks, pigeons don’t require a nasty storm front to get moving; a pleasant day is perfect for a pigeon hunt.

Once I was dropped off at my shooting position, the guide handed me a shotgun and told me to get ready. I didn’t expect much, but within 20 minutes, pigeons began flying in. That’s when I realized how similar pigeon hunting is to duck hunting. You have to stay still and quiet in the blind, or the birds will flare and find another spot. Once I adjusted, the hunt really took off. The pigeons cupped their wings to land, just like mallards back home, and it was all about picking shots carefully letting a small group land while watching a larger flock in the distance.

After a few hours, I found myself taking off my jacket as the day warmed up—a far cry from the freezing January temperatures during peak waterfowl season back home. I started to wonder if I actually preferred pigeon hunting. The rest of the morning was filled with excitement and laughter as I tried to wrap my head around this new experience.

When the morning shoot ended, we were picked up in a luxurious Mercedes-Benz van and driven to the ranch, where a chef had prepared a variety of appetizers. I joined other guests who were just as blown away by the pigeon hunting experience. Some of them had come from the dove lodges in the Cordoba region to try something different. After a fantastic lunch topped off with one of Argentina’s renowned wines, it was time to head back out.

In the afternoon, we moved to a different part of the ranch. Since I had nearly reached my limit for the day, I convinced my guide, loader, and the scout/chef to take some shots themselves. There’s nothing better than sharing a blind with people who love what they do and get to do it every day! After everyone finished their limits, we headed back to the beautifully refurbished lodge, originally built in the 1600s. Upon arrival, we were greeted with cocktails and cool towels, adding a perfect finishing touch to the day. While the rest of the group scheduled massages with the onsite masseuse, I stayed back to chat with the guides, marveling at their fortune—no early mornings, no bad weather, and no soggy conditions to contend with.

If you’re passionate about duck hunting back home, pigeon hunting at La Torcaza offers that same thrill in a completely new way—and with a few more comforts. To learn more about this exceptional experience, feel free to contact me—Ethan Bristol.

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