Steve Gruber

The day of traveling to Argentina was so like many, long and slow. The flight from Detroit to Atlanta was easy enough but the flight to Buenes Aires took nearly 10 hours and then we rode 6 more in a van before reaching the lodge. Since the moment we arrived however it has been a wonderful experience and honestly the ride was one I’ll never forget.

We picked up 5 guys from Texas at a hotel in BA before making the ‘the bus ride’ (as it will always be known).  They are the kind of guys you always hope to find in camp. They are all experienced hunters who have also been very successful in business and therefore are at ease with themselves and easy to share stories with. Marty and Mike are father and son and both in the oil industry. I learned that I clearly made a career choice accident based on the financial benefit of big oil. They both seem to enjoy each others company while quickly making new friends. Milton in addition to his career in private industry is also a coach for olympic shotgunners. He was able to share a few coaching tips along the way making us all a little better but make no mistake that man can shoot! Jeff works as a patent attorney in the oil industry and if allowed just might shoot doves 24 hours a day. And John? Well he is a rice farmer which apparently is pretty rewarding as well and carries a smile as big as Texas on his face just about all the time.

My father visitied Argentina a few times before he died and marvelled at the sheer volume of birds in this country, I now know what he meant. Doves come by the thousands or maybe tens of thousands giving me ample time to shoot, miss shoot again and think about Milton’s coaching. My oldest daughter Alyssa was quick to pick up a shotgun take a couple lessons from Patrick our lead guide and within a few minutes had put 6 doves in the bag. You can literally shoot hundreds of birds each day or until your shoulder has had enough. I think I’ve been taking a couple hundred a day between morning and afternoon shoots which puts me squarely in last place and a smile across my face.

Alyssa with guide Patrick and Scrappy waiting for the next wave

We also found abundant perdize which is a nice sized Patridge in several fields. We simply did a walk up hunt and in the second field I took 9 birds in an hour or so. For me that is a terrific day in the field. My father and brother were always the hard core wingshooters and I was never quite the shot they are but have found the love for fast flying birds in big numbers.

Argentina also has numerous big game animals including Red Stag, Water Buffalo, Axis deer and more. We spent three hours floating the river on the third night trying to find Capibara which is the world’s largest rodent. The Capibara can tip the scales above 200 pounds! We caught a glimpse of one or two but have not closed the deal yet. I really want to see one of these things up close and will be floating the river again tomorrow.

The people of the nation of Argentina have been outgoing, friendly and accomodating. I will be back to this wonderful land. You may want to make an entry on your bucket list as well.