Father & Son: A Memorable Dove Hunt

Can you remember your first father & son dove hunt? I can.

For many of us, dove hunting was the start into the world of hunting and wildlife, forging lifelong friendships, passions, and memories. Countless passionate hunters of today got their start hunting doves with their dad — it's a rite of passage for many shooters, and still one of the most challenging and enjoyable kinds of hunting.

It was in Córdoba, Argentina, October 2008. The doves were flying high and fast that day. I missed several in a row and was getting disappointed. Then one lone dove came into view, flying fast overhead. I shot and watched the bird tumble to the ground. Yes, I did it — with Dad at my side, I killed my first dove.

That afternoon I shot more than a thousand birds. It was a memorable day. No photos exist of my first dove hunt in Argentina, but the memories haven't faded. For the next several years, dove hunting was a major activity in our lives — Dad and I decided to make an annual trip to Sierra Brava Lodge, "our home away from home." Every time I see my name written on Sierra Brava's 1000 Club board, I can perfectly recall my first hunt, and Dad's proud face when that first dove fell to the ground.

Dove shooting with my dad, brother, and buddies helped deepen my interest in wildlife and nature — because dove hunting in Argentina helps bond families and friends. It's not just about shooting doves; it's mostly about fathers, sons and daughters, brothers and sisters, and buddies.

Thanks, Dad and Sierra Brava, for introducing me to such a passionate world.