For more than twenty-five years, seasoned international wing shooters have recognized Córdoba as the world’s leading destination for high-volume dove hunting. Even though it’s unfair to have favourites, many travelling guns often refer to La Dormida as theirs. Nestled midway between Santiago, Chile, and Buenos Aires, La Dormida is 130 kilometres from Córdoba City International Airport and is accessible by an easy direct flight with a transfer time of only 1.5 hours. With its pleasant, settled weather, with more than 320 days of sun per year and abundant numbers of fast, high flying Doves, it’s no surprise why this destination is top of many hunters bucket lists.
First brought to the fore of the hunting and shooting community by David Denies, pioneering Dove hunting in Argentina since 1984, the lodge gets run by guide/host Joaquin Dartiguelongue who has provided guests great hunting opportunities and gracious hospitality for more than ten years.
The shooting commences over 250,000 acres of prime hunting landscape, and the lodge is only a short drive from the rolling hills. With its dusk-to-dawn Dove flights, custom-built, modern Lodge with premium amenities, including single rooms and a daily à la carte menu, with premium wines, La Dormida enjoys one of the highest rates of return in the hunting industry. Our guests keep coming back, they tell us, for the excellent hunting and stylish living.
Forget what you’ve heard about dove hunting in Mexico or what you used to hear about the doves in Colombia. Simply put, the Dove shooting available in Córdoba is, on its worst day, exceptional and more typically is beyond comparison with any other dove hunting resource around the globe. Considered by many, for a good reason, as the Dove hunting capital of the world, the region is home to more than 50 million non-migratory Doves. Reproducing at an average rate of five times per year, the lodge and its surrounding area have a near endless stream of these small, popular birds.
Throughout the rolling farmland landscape, located within a short drive, the lodge has fifty-five hunting locations, all designed to utilise this staggering bird resource. Each offers the travelling guns a different challenge, and the shooting commences from field edges, dry creek bottoms, on the borders of woodland and over areas of high brush. Each offers a different hunting challenge, with the ability to dial up or dial down the difficulty of the shooting within each location, and the destination is ideally suited for keen guns of all abilities.
On average, hunters shoot around 1,500 cartridges each day, and the bag often depends on how many birds you wish to shoot
This bird was named Eared Dove for a dark patch of feathers on the side of its upper cheek that looks like an ear. A strong flier that can reach speeds of up to 55 mph, the Doves measure approximately 9.4 inches long with a long wedge-like tail and weigh around 4oz. In size, they’re very similar to that of North America’s famous Mourning Dove, and it can be pretty tricky to tell the two species apart. Farming practices and vast roost areas have allowed these birds to thrive to population levels of epic proportions. Various recent estimates in the Cordoba region put the Eared dove populations at over fifty million birds.
To find out more about Dove Shooting In Argentina at La Dormida Lodge, visit our YouTube channel.
The daily hunting program at La Dormida Lodge generally starts at around 8.00am, with a hearty breakfast before a short drive to the shoot.
Once in the field, you will be assigned a pick-up boy, who will direct you to your hunting stand for the first shoot of the day and be on hand to provide you with your shells and refreshments. Once you get set up and ready to go, the hunting begins, and either one or two full-time, it can be that fast and furious, bird boys will assist you. The head guide on the shoot will also visit you from time and time and always be on hand to provide any tips on shooting and hunting if desired.
Depending on the time of year, you will shoot until noon, when you’ll get treated to a tremendous Asado-style lunch, served in the shade of a comfortable safari tent, featuring Argentina’s excellent beef and superb wines.
Many shooters like to enjoy a nap after lunch, with afternoon hunting sessions re-commencing at around 2.00am or 2:30am, and continuing until late in the day. At La Dormida Lodge, there is no designated time to finish; however, good sense and tired shooters know when they’ve had enough and when the day is done. After hunting, there is time for showers and cocktails at the lodge before dinner.
The shooting season at La Dormida in Argentina is pretty much all year round; however, it can get split into four seasons depending on what you’d like to experience.
From July through to February is the most popular time to visit; it almost forms half the lodges year and includes the end of winter, entire spring and part of summer. For the end of winter and most of the spring, temperatures are mild, skies blue and the wind predominantly from the east. At the tail end of this block is summer. The weather is still relatively settled; however, the wind is primarily from the North, and tropical showers are expected late in the day.
During this period, the Lodge can present every bird in the book, from sky-scraping high Doves to low and slow birds perfect for beginners – and all flying at every possible angle. They can also ‘duplicate’ every game birdshot in the book – from high Pheasants, crossing Ducks, or incoming Grouse. If hunters want low birds, they hunt the ridges; and if they wish to shoot high Doves, they go deep into the valleys.
From February to March, the weather is sunny and dry, with only the occasional shower. During this period, many of the best hunts occur in the early mornings and late evenings. The shooting during this period is much like June and July, but with the added benefit of longer days and warmer temperatures.
From March to June is Autumn, and while some rain is possible, the region rarely receives more than a day or two of rain per month. High concentrations of low-flying birds feed in temporary roosts, and depending on the wind speed and direction; high flying birds are readily available.
Finally, from June to July, the morning is cold, but the evenings comfortable, with blue skies every day and a predominant south wind. A combination of low and high-flying birds are available, and shooting will commence over flatlands or hills depending on the conditions.
Built on the tradition of over 20 years of Dove shooting experience, La Dormida is the newest and most exclusive Dove shooters accommodation ever offered in Cordoba. The Lodge and region have already received acclaim from Argentina’s journals for design and decoration, plus a considerable reputation as one of the top lodges for quality of service.
Situated in the secluded foothills of the Sierras Chicas, you can enjoy the comforts of a lodge you can call your own, in complete seclusion, relaxing on the veranda, enjoying the peace and quiet.
La Dormida can accommodate ten Dove shooters. It features four single rooms, each with a large (queen) bed and three double rooms with two beds in each; all rooms have private (en-suite) baths. In addition, La Dormida offers a large dining room with a spectacular dining table, a sitting room and bar and a large, comfortable courtyard with a fire pit and a plunge pool. It also has many necessities and extras that you may or may not expect to find in a shooting lodge, including; a recreation room, gun cleaning table and facilities, telephone, Internet access (WIFI), maid and laundry service and masseuse.
At La Dormida, the dining experience gets taken seriously, and they strive to make every meal as fantastic as every trip to the field. They offer à la carte dining to shooting guests. Their kitchens come to life through the use of fresh and regionally represented meats and produce. Combining these elements, they create delicious flavours and varied textures that harbour hidden stories and package traditions on each plate.
A top-notch team of experienced national and international chefs, trained in both classic and avant-garde culinary techniques, deliver your food. With an artisan’s touch, chefs prepare every dish by scratch.
Days start with a hearty breakfast composed of various homemade bread, jam, meadow honey, fresh fruit, natural yoghurts, cereals and eggs (prepared any six ways), porridge, French toast and the daily special.
Their legendary field lunches at Cordoba are all about Asado-style cooking. Lunch is served al fresco in the hunting area each day, featuring various meats, like grilled Dove breasts, short ribs, lamb and chicken.
The evening meal is a celebration of fine dining in a casual setting, and it is a chance for their house chefs to shine. Again, options are a la carte, so if you enjoy their famous beef and wish to enjoy a steak each evening, they’ll happily grill one to order. But if you’d like to be a bit more adventurous and want to try Risotto with calamari ink or grilled trout with tomato puree, then we encourage you to sample their speciality dishes.
Finally, there are the desserts, with each day bringing a new creation, from flan to local delights such ad dulce de leche, plus fruit, homemade ice creams, and pies.
Their lunch and dinner menus get paired with some of Argentina’s and the world’s best wines from Bodega Catena Zapata. They feel that the food they present and their wines should mirror the sporting opportunities on offer and be the very best available. Their wines boast many accolades from the wine community, and a Bodega Catena Zapata wine recently received a “number four in the world” icon ranking from Wine Advocate. These are truly great wines that hold a special place in their culture, and the Lodge is proud to serve them.
For either travelling non-hunters or hunters who don’t wish to shoot on every session, you can explore the thousands of stunning acres of the surrounding countryside on either foot or by horseback, and the guides can take you to the best sightseeing spots. For more subtle activities, the lodge offers a massage room for the ultimate relaxation, a swimming pool and a fire pit for those lazy evenings catching up with stories told and a drink in your hand.
For your convenience, the Lodge also offers free high-speed wireless access. So you can check e-mails or send bragging photos to your friends, family and fellow hunters back home.
The below itinerary is flexible should you require additional shooting days or additional free days to explore; we can tailor this itinerary to suit you personally. Feel free to talk to our travel consultants who can explain all options available.
Depart Any international Airport (See Details)
Arrive Buenos Aries
After you have picked up your luggage and cleared customs, take a taxi to your hotel in Buenos Aires. (Not Included)
Overnight Accommodation: Buenos Aires Hotel (Twin room) B/B.
In the morning take a taxi back to the airport for your connecting flights to Cordoba.
On arrival at Cordoba, our staff and transport will be waiting to transfer you to the shooting fields for lunch. After lunch, you will start shooting. Check-in and welcome drinks at the lodge will follow from the afternoon shooting session.
Overnight Accommodation: La Dormida Lodge (Twin room) F/B
Over the next 4 days of shooting, the program generally starts at 8:00 AM with a hearty breakfast and a short drive to the shoot. In the field, you will be assigned a pickup boy, who will provide you with shells and refreshments and direct you to your shooting stand. Depending on the time of the year, you will shoot till noon when you will be treated to an incredible barbeque lunch, shaded by a comfortable safari tent, tasting some of Argentina’s wonderful beef and superb wines. The afternoon begins at around 2 or 2:30 PM and continues until almost dark. There is no quitting time, good sense and tired shooters dictate when the day is through. After, you will return to the lodge for cocktails and an early dinner.
Overnight Accommodation: La Dormida Lodge (Twin room) F/B
In the morning our staff will transport you to the domestic airport for your return connection flight to Buenos Aires.
On arrival in Buenos Aires, take a taxi to the International Airport.
Depart Buenos Aries
Arrive Home
The season runs from All year.
Season: All year
Peak: October to April
Gun Licence (approx $70 pp per day)
Gun Hire (approx $95 pp per day)
Shells (approx $15 per box)
Remember that Sportquest Holidays' services are completely FREE! When you book a trip with Sportquest Holidays, you never pay more than when you book directly with the lodge and flights independently.
| From | To | Duration | Price | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/04/2024 | 30/04/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2024 | 31/05/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2024 | 30/06/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2024 | 31/07/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2024 | 31/08/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2024 | 30/09/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2024 | 31/10/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2024 | 30/11/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/12/2024 | 31/12/2024 | 9 | £6,013 | Enquire Now |
| 01/01/2025 | 31/01/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/03/2025 | 31/03/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/04/2025 | 30/04/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/05/2025 | 31/05/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/06/2025 | 30/06/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/07/2025 | 31/07/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/08/2025 | 31/08/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/09/2025 | 30/09/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/10/2025 | 31/10/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/11/2025 | 30/11/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
| 01/12/2025 | 31/12/2025 | 9 | £6,196 | Enquire Now |
Prices are based on two adults sharing transfers, shooting and accommodation (unless otherwise stated) and are correct at the time of going to press. Subject to time of year or date and currency fluctuations, these prices may fluctuate slightly due to flight price increases or fuel surcharge.
I just want to thank you for everything you did to make my hunting experience even better. The lodge was so beautiful and it is obvious that it is being very well managed by you. Everyone was so friendly and made us feel right at home. Every one of my requests were honoured. You can be assured that I will be coming back
I was blown away with the shooting and with the quality that the members of this establishment holds themselves to. Absolute excellence!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write a review. It is very much appreciated by everyone
Everthing was great! The hunt, the food, and the accommadations were by far the best I have ever had
The trip was fantastic. The service, guiding, was all exceptional. We loved La Dormida and do plan on returning at some point in the future
It sure is a fantastic lodge with great shooting. Thanks for taking the time to write a review.
Lodging, food, service and reception at the airport was just 5 stars all the way through. – If anything was wrong, then maybe too much excellent food. The wine was very good. With my best regards and tank you from all of us for some very memorably Dove shooting days at La Dormida. Your set up is excellent
Thank you so much for the review and kind words
We had a delightful time. From the pick up at the airport to the departure everything seemed to flow smoothly. The food was superb and plentiful. The hunts were, as always, terrific fun. Overall an absolutely fantastic trip…
We had an excellent time at La Dormida. The only complaint from our group was that we didn’t stay long enough. Everything at the lodge was perfect – the setting, the accommodations and the food. I was very impressed with the logistics involved and they all handled them perfectly
Wow thanks for the destination review its a great help
Over all we all had a great trip and enjoyed ourselves. I have put a few posters below:
BA business class was not that clever. It was OK but not anything like BC on Emirates. Food OK ish and beds a bit uncomfortable. Great transfers, Gaby met us and she took us for lunch before getting us to the airport on time.
The lodge was good, but in my opinion not as good as Sierra Verde (H&H) but clean and OK. We where disappointed with the spirit selection (only cheap spirits like Beefeater gin? No Bombay!) but OK.
The food was good/ adequate. Again, no way near as good as Sierra Verde and the risotto was awful. Most guys had problems with stomachs at some point (we had exact opposite at Sierra Verde!) so I fear something is amiss with water/ cleaning/ hygiene? All used bottle water for teeth brushing/ drinking etc but we still had ‘issues’
The shooting was better than Sierra Verde and good variation but for two of the days we were travelling 2 hours to get to the shooting grounds and on top of an early start/ boring roads/ late back, these days it was a bit too much.
Shooting Guide – Good. Jack was OK but was borderline sarcastic/ miserable (and don’t worry, we are the biggest bunch of pee takers out there!). Just felt hard work. Rationing of wine at lunch didn’t go down too well. Felt like we had to ask for everything… Just a bit hard work whereas H&H couldn’t do enough for us
Staff and Service – Good. Pepe was great but again, too much for him to really look after us. H&H had a couple of staff and we just felt more cossetted, more looked after.
First two days they were painting the plunge pool so we couldn’t even cool off as it was hot after a days shooting.
Hi kevin
Thanks for the review and feedback as always its very important. It was also good to catch up on the telephone and go over the points raided in the feedback.
I am sorry for a few of the small points and I will be reporting these back to the operator. I am glad in all that you all enjoyed the trip and as you said the guys who's trip this was their first experience of Dove shooting they loved it. But some of you have travelled with us before to our other lodges so you quite rightly had something to bench mark this lodge against.
Again thanks for your custom and I look forward in looking after you all again.
Amazing time from start to finish!
Luke
I am so glad that you guys enjoyed the trip, I look forward in seeing all the pictures soon.
I have filled in the form and had no option but to give everything excellent as it is all well deserved.
Thank you all for such a memorable experience.
Trevor
Trevor
We can not ask for any more than that.
Huge thank you.
Wing shooting done the right way, with obedient retrievers and expert guides, Perdiz over well-trained pointers, Pigeons over decoys, passing Doves and Ducks from the blinds, the opportunities are endless and the choice is yours. Each and every day you can experience something different and exciting at Los Crestones.
The splendour of this beautiful estate in France is a sight for sore eyes. The stunning Chateau is home to Coen stork and his wife Catherine where their passion for hunting and hospitality is indescribable. You will enjoy only the most exquisite cuisine, accommodation and service which will accompany the sensational shooting.
San Juan Lodge in Uruguay offers travelling guns a true mixed bag, with ducks, doves and perdiz over pointing dogs. They are all here in a strategically located Uruguayan estancia; lots of birds, short drives and the same top level service and shooting you’d expect from Sportquest Holidays and David Denies.
The Lodge has been purpose-built with shooters in mind and every possible level of comfort and service is assured. 18,000 square feet of pure luxury with ten expertly appointed rooms allow group sizes to be small and intimate with singles or doubles. Probably the most exclusive Dove shooting lodge in Argentina.
La Portenita is situated on top of a hill with magnificent views, nestled in a beautiful country setting. The house is set within the confines of a working Argentine Estancia, making for a unique hunting experience. This lodge has access to a huge area of ground ranging from low lying fields to higher ground within the Dove roosting areas.
