La Dormida Lodge

If you are looking for the perfect blend of world-class shooting, combined with the finest amenities in a contemporary, yet elegant, setting, look no further than La Dormida Lodge. It is the perfect venue for small groups, both corporate as well as family and friends, who are looking for a relaxing, private escape. In the field, you will experience dusk-to-dawn dove flights, where birds cross the landscape daily—in waves measured in miles, paired with opulent field lunches served under the shade of a canvas tent or one of our authentic thatched roof quinchos. Back at the lodge, which was purposefully designed to cater exclusively to the traveling wing shooter, you will experience a near-perfect manifestation of a sporting retreat. Exquisite meals, coupling traditional Argentina preparations with cutting-edge international cuisine, are paired with some of the best wines Argentina has to offer.

Why Choose La Dormida Lodge?

Contemporary luxury, classic wingshooting

La Dormida Lodge offers an upscale, contemporary ambiance which is most unexpected in the ruggedly beautiful rolling hillsides of the Cordoba countryside. Surrounded by handcrafted stone walls, the compound has the feel of an elegant “fortress” of sorts, containing everything the traveling hunter, or non-hunting guest, could possibly ask for on a wing-shooting holiday.

The inviting plunge pool, and adjacent fire pit in the main courtyard often become the center of lodge life once the hunting day is complete, offering a relaxing respite from the fast paced days in the dove fields. Behind the main building lies yet another fire pit, with a nearby game room, which is the perfect place for those looking to continue challenging themselves, and their lodge mates, over a game of billiards. The center of the lodge houses an open plan dining room and living room, along with the bar.

Purposefully designed with the internations bird hunter in mind, La Dormida leaves no detail to chance, when it comes to providing the very best David Denies has to offer. 

  • Capacity: 12 guns
  • Accommodations: 5 twin rooms & 4 single rooms, each with a private en suite bathroom. 
  • Wi-Fi Internet access, Satellite telephone, and satellite TV. 
  • A gourmet dining experience each day, with Argentina’s famed beef and fine wines, traditional Asados (BBQ), fresh-baked bread, and delicious desserts. 
  • Maid and laundry service. 
  • Masseuse.
  • The gift shop offers local artwork and crafts, logo wear, and accessories.
  • Gun rental, with a selection of fine over and under and semiautomatic shotguns, from Beretta, Benelli, Browning & others.
  • Professional, experienced hunting guides and field assistants. 
  • Comfortable Mercedes Benz Vans.
  • Historical tours, shopping trips, and horseback riding (optional)

What time of the year should I come?

There are 4 seasons to the “Dove Year”, as the birds react to seasonal changes in weather and availability to food and water. As with any wild hunt, these factors can vary, and as such, may affect the timing of the different seasons. Throughout the year doves are in search of food and water, it is vital for them to have access to it within a short range of our main roosts and transitional roosts. In years with unstable weather, which may affect these factors, the traditional movement of our dove can change. Doves react to these changes and we do too.

At David Denies we are prepared for these natural changes, and for this reason, we are in continuous geographical growth to provide comfort in daily logistics as well as the quality and quantity of doves you will enjoy during your hunt. Our daily logistics begins with our main scout who goes out to check the expansive area we hunt, and then once we are in the field, the other 3 scouts check the area near where we are hunting. This makes it possible to obtain valuable information that is then analyzed by our heads guides.

The head guides are seasoned, professional hunters who take the birds’ movements into consideration and decide on the best possible hunting locations, prioritizing the quality and quantity of doves. The decision also takes into consideration the length of driving required to reach the field, but always with the mission of providing you with the best possible dove shooting experience.

The following calendar separates the year into quarters, and each section highlights perfect times for hunting. All of this information is based upon traditional data compiled over our 38 years of hunting the area. Weather and other factors may affect the date ranges and drive times listed.

“The Glorious Hills” – Mid-July to Mid-February

Weather: This season includes the end of winter, the entire spring, and part of our summer—almost half our year. For the end of winter and most of the spring, we experience mild temps and blue skies carrying easterly winds. During our mid-winter and early spring, we can find challenging birds due to a combination of deep valleys and wind, especially in August. The tail end of this block is our summer when we can experience tropical showers late in the day with a predominantly northerly wind.

Doves: We can present every bird in the book during this broad time of year, from sky-scraping high doves to low and slow birds perfect for beginners—and all flying at every possible angle. We’re situated in the hills daily at this time of year, changing hunting scenarios every hunt, and we can use our location to our advantage to produce just about any hunt a client or a group might prefer. We can also “duplicate” every game birdshot in the book—from high pheasants, crossing ducks, or incoming grouse. If hunters want low birds we hunt the ridges; and if they want high doves we go deep into the valleys. We also hunt an array of local farms, which provide a nice variation from day-to-day.

Also, hunting with double guns can be offered, our professional field assistants can stuff or double gun every day.

Driving distance: 25 minutes

“In Transition” – Mid-February to Mid-March

Weather: Sunny and dry, with occasional light showers.

Doves: A combination of the hills and flat hunting, with the best hunts occurring early in the morning and after 3 p.m. until sunset at 8 pm. Much like our June/July hunting, but with the benefit of longer days and warmer temperatures. This season is short because the doves will stop hatching due to lack of food and start holding in temporary roosts in the flats close to the agricultural production areas. As David Denies is the only outfitter holding 300.000+ acres of land, we can still guarantee incredible customized hunting while other outfitters close their doors during this time. This is the opposite movement from our June/July hunt in that we are now moving from the hills back to the flats; two great hunts per day, often with a long lunch and time for a nap at midday. Beautiful, warm weather.

Driving distance: 25 to 60 minutes

“The Flatlands” – Mid-March to Mid-June

Weather: This is our autumn, and while we can have some rain in March, April, and early May it’s rarely more than a day or two of rain per month. Then our dry season begins.

Doves: During “The Flatlands” period we find a high concentration of low-flying birds feeding or in temporary roosts. We can see high birds depending on the wind and how far we’re located from the feeding or roosting areas. The main reason the birds fly this way at this time of year is because they’re following combines that are harvesting sorghum, soybean, and corn. During this time of year, we also shoot feedlots and water holes where the birds gather to eat and drink.

Driving distance: 25 to 60+ minutes

“Heading for the Hills” – Mid-June to Mid-July

Weather: Cold in the morning, comfortable in the evening; blue skies every day with a predominant south wind.

Doves: A combination of low and high-flying birds depending on where we find better hunting conditions (flatlands or hills) or both. One day we can be hunting in the flats; the following day in the hills. This time of year is what we call our winter transition, and it only lasts a month. We continue to hunt the flats and we start hunting the hills as well, depending on the flight pattern of the doves from day-to-day.

Driving distance:20 to 35 minutes

To get to La Dormida Lodge there are daily direct flights from many U.S. cities to Buenos Aires (Ezeiza Intl. Airport – EZE). From Ezeiza you might be able to connect into a direct flight to Córdoba (Pajas Blancas Airport – COR) or ground transfer to the domestic airport Jorge Newbery – AEP (40’ to 1 hr drive), and take a 1 hr flight to Córdoba.

Once at the lodge, you are conveniently close to terrific dove fields with drives averaging 40 minutes depending on the time of the year.

Hunters may also fly into Santiago, Chile with connecting flights to Córdoba city. That will allow you to make the most of your trip as you will be dove shooting the day of your arrival (depending on the different flight schedules).

Location

The province of Córdoba is located in Central Argentina, while La Dormida lodge rests 80 miles (130 km) north of the Córdoba City International Airport. Driving time from the airport is about 1:35 hours. For more than 25 years, seasoned international wing shooters have recognized Córdoba as the world’s leading destination for high-volume dove hunting. Córdoba offers hunters easy access, with direct flights from Santiago (Chile), Buenos Aires, Lima (Peru), and Panama City (Panama). Pleasant weather is also a bonus, with more than 320 days of sun per year.

The Hunting

What to expect on the field

At La Dormida Lodge the focus of the program is the perfect synergy between the personalized, small group focused, lodge experience with the very best high volume dove shooting found anywhere. Cordoba has long been considered the dove shooting capital of the world, with over 40,000,000 doves residing within a 100-mile radius of the lodge. The lodge enjoys 75 shooting fields all within a scenic drive through the region’s rich farmland.

Your days will be spent in pursuit of the fast flying Eared Dove, which was named for a dark patch of feather on the side of the bird’s upper cheek that looks like an ear. These doves are the size of North America’s popular mourning dove, and in the hand, it’s difficult to tell the two species apart. In the Cordoba region, farming practices and vast roost areas allow these birds to thrive at epic population levels. 

Hunters can experience a wide variety of shooting scenarios throughout the year. The gorgeous, brushy hillside roosting and feeding areas offer great variety, as you can take positions down in valleys, from aside riverbeds and on the peaks and points of the hills. During the fall harvest seasons, hunters might find themselves shooting along agricultural fields of sorghum, corn, and sunflowers.

In the field, each hunter will be joined by a field assistant, who will prepare your shooting blind, provide shells and refreshments, and oversee your experience. Unlike some other outfitters, David Denies Bird Hunting field assistants are full-time professionals, with years of guiding and shooting experience.  There are no young “bird boys” in the field, all of our staff are extremely knowledgeable when it comes to high volume dove shooting, and their expertise will bring your experience to the next level.

The morning will begin with a wakeup call, approximately an hour before departure time. Breakfast will be served shortly thereafter, with everything from waffles to Eggs Benedict, all made to order. Hunters will depart the lodge after breakfast, usually, around 8:30 – 9:00 am. Drives vary depending on the season, but generally average around 30 minutes. The morning shoot will begin upon arrival at the field. You will be met by your field assistant, and escorted to your shooting position.

Depending on the time of the year, you will shoot until noon each day, then enjoy an incredible Asado lunch, shaded by a comfortable tent or unique hand-made shelter, where you will enjoy Argentina’s wonderful beef and superb wines.

After lunch, and a short siesta, the afternoon shooting begins at around 2 – 2:30, and continues until around 5:00 pm, after which you will return to the lodge, where you will be met with cocktails & appetizers, followed by a delicious dinner and time to relax.

Hunting Equipment

David Denies provides hunters with high-quality loaner hunting equipment

Many of our guests find renting guns from the lodge they are visiting to be an easier solution than applying for consular permits and traveling with their own shotguns. It’s easy to rent a gun from the lodge. We have a good selection of guns that are appropriate for the destination at each lodge. Just browse the gun rack until you find a gun that you like. Then, the lodge manager or your guide will note the specific number of the rental gun. That gun will be yours for the duration of your stay. However, you are welcome to change guns along the way and try something different if you wish. You are only charged for one rental so you can switch guns if you wish. We want you to shoot a gun you are comfortable and effective with! You will settle up for the rental at the end of your stay when you are charged for shells and other expenses.

Gauge

Brand

Model

Quantity

.410

Beretta

686

1

28

Beretta

686

8

28

Browning

Citory 525

3

20

Beretta

686

13

20

Beretta

Silver Pigeon

3

Gauge

Brand

Model

Quantity

20

Benelli

Montefeltro

21

20

Breda

Echo

8

20

Beretta

391

1

Culinary Experience

At David Denies, our goal is to deliver a true taste of Argentina.

Our kitchens come to life through the use of fresh, locally sourced meats and produce. By combining these elements, we create delicious flavors and varied textures that harbor 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 will prepare your meals, with an artisan’s touch.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day – in our lodges, it consists of choices going from local free-range eggs benedict, fresh-baked bread and pastries, and organic & healthy foods – we change the options daily to keep things fresh. 

Dinner menus, influenced by the earthiness of the surrounding landscape, will be enjoyed in our beautifully designed dining room and each day you will enjoy an outdoor lunch experience, where chefs prepare every dish from scratch to be served at a minute’s notice. Freshness is paramount and the flavor is key.

Our famed Argentine beef comes from Aberdeen Angus and Hereford steers, grass-fed, from our Pampas. We carefully select our suppliers, guaranteeing the highest quality, flavor, and tenderness of our meat. All of our inspired lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s—and the world’s—best wines; Bodega Catena Zapata. 

In addition to our focus on fresh food with organic origins, we also celebrate our Argentine heritage with a wine partnership that brings truly world-class wines to our lodges. Our wide selection of finest wines, the best Argentine malbec from our region in Mendoza and a large variety of other grape selections, are served by a prepared team. We feel that the food we present and the wines we serve should mirror the sporting opportunities we offer—and be the very best available. While our vast country offers many options for traditional activities such as riding, hunting, eating good meats, and drinking good wines, we have chosen to blend fine food and outdoor activity at an even higher level. 

Rates

Season 2023 – All year round

* Prices are in US$ and per person

Rates fluctuate between $650 and $850 per person per night. These rates are flexible based on the month of the season, number of hunters in the group, and lodge availability— please CONTACT US for an accurate quote.

* Non-hunters: $450 per person per night.

* Private parties: $7,800 p/night (up to 12 guests) + extras (Hunting Licenses, Gun Rental, cartridges & Tips)

* Hunting Licenses: $70 per person per day

* Gun Rental: $115 per person p/day

Included

Not included

Combine your Trip

Double down on your sporting adventures and experience all The KauTapen Group has to offer by combining your stay with another of our hunting or fishing lodges.

Our research and experience tell us that over 50% of bird hunters are also actively interested in big game hunting, while over 60% are captivated by fishing. If you are a part of that majority, and are interested in adding variety to your sporting life, look no further than Red Stag Patagonia and Nervous Waters Fly Fishing. All three brands are proud members of The Kautapen Group – a single team of dedicated professionals focused on maintaining the highest standard of service and elevating your sporting experiences.

Interested in adding more hunting or fishing to your trip?

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