After settling into their rooms, the hunters went to bed anticipating the waves and waves of doves they would see over the upcoming days.The only member of the group who previously hunted in Argentina was Rick. Mr. Monical told me that he tried to prepare Chris before heading south. “There was just no way I could describe how many doves are in Argentina” Rick recalled telling Chris in a previous conversation.

I was unable to join them on the group’s first hunt, but while hosting them in the evening, huge grins were across all of their faces. They spoke highly of the day and how their bellies were still full from the extravagant lunch Gaby cooked in the field. The rest of the night Rick, Tara, and Chris congregated around the fire at the lodge. They smoked cigars and enjoyed Argentinian wine while telling me countless stories of all the birds they shot during the day.

In total, the Monical group hunted three and half days. Everyday the guides picked different locations to hunt making sure they went to the fields where most birds were flying. These areas range from vast flat land with six feet corn stalks to lush soybean fields surrounded by rolling hills. On second day, doves passed over the hunting fields at a steady rate until five o’clock in the afternoon. At that moment, the numbers increased exponentially and the doves covered the sky like swarms of mosquitoes. Fallen bird after fallen bird, Chris needed a break at six o’clock. He passed his empty shotgun to Guillermo, his bird boy, as he cried “no mas!”. Drenched in sweat from all the activity, Chris needed to sit down to rest and enjoy a beer.

Mr. Monical, who lives in Houston, is a well-traveled man. From all of his business ventures and his desire to spent vacation time abroad, he has been to more countries than states in the United States. He could not believe how clean and welcoming Totoral, the city where La Loma is located, was. On the third day of hunting, while returning to the lodge, Rick and Chris wanted to do some shopping. Francisco, one of the guides, proposed that they check out Danny’s leather shop in Totoral. Upon arrival, Danny greeted them with a big smile as Rick cast his eyes on a beautifully tanned leather gun case. Rick soon decided there was no way he could return to Texas without this work of art. Danny personalized this case for Mr. Monical by branding his initials across it.

Tara, unlike Rick and Chris, did not want to hunt everyday. Instead, she took two days off and spent time reading books and enjoying the fresh air on the porch at La Loma. Paola and the other ladies who run the lodge, took great care of Tara by serving her lunch and drinks throughout the day. This example shows how a stay with Pointer Wingshooting can be a very intense hunting trip or a very relaxing and carefree experience. La Loma is a beautiful traditional Estancia built in 1908 by one of the wealthiest families in Argentina. Today, this lodge is ideal for families, groups of friends, or for a Company trip with exclusive customers.

We also offer our guests the option to have non hunting activities planned for them, such as horseback riding, spa day, a day playing golf in one of the best courts of Argentina, city and shopping tours, wine tasting experiences, among many other options. Just let out Travel and Leisure deparment know and we'll make it happen!

The guests enjoyed one last three-course meal on their final day at La Loma as they reminisced on all the great memories of the trip. Chris and Tara told Rick that in the near future, they would return the favor and pay for another Pointer Wingshooting dove hunt. The group gave many thanks and hugs to the staff and guides before heading to the airport.

You should be the next one!

Jackson Willingham

Host | Intern Guide

Pointer Outfitters