Showing posts with label shooting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label shooting. Show all posts

Wednesday, 26 December 2012

Enjoy The Thrill Of Argentina Dove Hunting

By Noemi Wallner


Any hunter who wants the thrill of shooting thousands of shells a day with no bag limit should seriously consider Argentina dove hunting. The birds in question are the Zenaida Auriculata, also known commonly as the Eared Dove due to the distinctive blue/black ear coverts specific to this species. Their shining plumage also gives them the alternative name of Golden Doves, palomas dorados.

The Eared species is endemic to almost the entire South American continent. Estimates put the population in the region of fifty million birds. These huge numbers mean that most farmers consider the birds to be a pest, and it is claimed that they can destroy up to forty percent of the harvest.

Groups of Eared Doves are alleged to "darken the skies" whilst they fly from their immense communal roosts to the golden agricultural lands on which they feed. This beautiful landscape, good climate, and thriving fields of grain crops create a profuse food supply to these tropical birds of the New World. The lakes, savannahs, mountains, rivers, pampas and thickly-forested hillsides permit doves to prosper, and make for a perfect trip to do some Argentina hunting.

Argentina has worldwide recognition as the perfect destination for bird hunting. The undulating Golden Triangle to the north of Cordoba is known as the prime location. Next largest behind Buenos Aries', the city of Cordoba has more than enough flights to be had in and out of the Pajas Blancas International Airport. Many dedicated lodges and ranch houses offer to look after the paperwork requisite for importing guns into the country. Another great activity to look into is Argentina duck hunting

The Eared Dove is typically around twenty-four centimetres long and weighs roughly one hundred and twelve grams. Their over-sized wingspan produces great manoeuvrability. These fast, agile birds provide varied and testing shoots.

A typical shooting day sees something like two thousand cartridges discharged by each participant, from sun up to sun down. A bird count may average between forty and eighty per cent depending on ability. At least a pair of 20-gauge shotguns per hunter is suggested, so that hot barrels can cool down from such heavy shooting.

Argentina dove hunting trips should be seen as a holiday as well as a shooting adventure. Mountain sports, Dorado fishing, passionate football stadia, culture and nightlife are all on offer. Most hunts stop to lunch on "asados", famous Argentinean beef barbecued with flair and flavour. Wash it down with Malbec, the renowned local red wine. Take in a polo match, play golf or take a horseback trek through the pampas. This country has something for everyone.




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How to Squirrel Hunt, the Basics

By Mike Westmoreland


Well before any amateur hunter enters the woods, he/she should get acquainted with the firearm they will be using, get comfortable shooting it and know the laws regarding the sport. Squirrel hunting has been an enjoyable sport for numerous generations and being SAFE is the key to having an productive outing.

Just how do I locate squirrels? Do I have the right gun? What things can I do to be safe? How do you get close enough to acquire a shot? How do I clean a squirrel? This is just a sample of the possible questions that a novice hunter may have that will limit the enjoyment of squirrel hunting. Below, you will find information that will outline the basic hunting techniques used to locate squirrels and get a shot off safely.

Squirrels are cautious, yet curious creatures and can regularly be tough to locate, but with a little wit and common sense you can have a successful hunt your initial time out! Plus, squirrels offer a nutritious source of food. Squirrel meat is low in fat and cholesterol, and tastes delicious too!First, let's evaluate Hunting Methods: There are various ways a person can hunt squirrels, however the two methods frequently mentioned are: SIT and WAIT, or STALK.

SIT AND WAIT: This method is rather self explanatory. You locate a spot that has the potential to draw in squirrels and you sit down and then wait for them to get within shooting range. This method is sometimes utilized best when trees are in full foliage and it is difficult to see squirrels moving along branches. Look for moving leaves, shaking branches and other movement in the foliage that indicates squirrels may be scurrying along the limbs above. Also, always scan your surroundings because often enough, you'll catch the "flash" of a squirrel tail in between tree limbs.

STALK: Stalking squirrels refers to hunting squirrels while on the move. This can be a a bit more tricky than sitting and waiting, but the truth is that you can cover more ground and potentially expose yourself to better hunting areas as you stalk. Stalking places a touch of emphasis on woodsmanship (i.e. walking quietly, knowing when to move and when to hold still, etc) so a squirrel hunter on the move needs to glide quietly through the woods. When the ground is damp, walking can be much quieter, however when it's dry, you'll have to watch your step so you do not break sticks or crunch too many leaves under foot and scare away squirrels before you can get close enough to get a shot off.

When stalking, take a tiny amount of steps and then wait, look and listen. If you don't see or hear anything, move again. Continue this method until you hear cutting, see movement in the trees or locate a food source that you can watch for a while. Remember, you have to stop occasionally to listen for cutting and movement in the trees while watching where you walk and for motion in the branches above. When you see or hear a sign of a squirrel, move slowly toward the direction of the sound. Stop and wait again for more signs.

Generally, when you're moving and a squirrel is aware of you, they won't move either. This is why it is recommended to stalk and stop. After a period of sitting still, the squirrels usually get comfortable and will start to stir again. This is your opportunity to take your shot or get yourself closer into position to make that shot. A good hunter can incorporate portions of both of these techniques to produce the best hunting potential for your hunting style. These Squirrel Hunting Basics should get you started on the way to a successful hunting adventure.




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