North vs. South America Dove Hunts: What’s the Real Difference?
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Two Continents, Two Totally Different Hunts
Dove hunting is a celebrated tradition across the Americas, but depending on where you hunt, the experience can vary dramatically. In North America, dove hunting often centers around short, regulated seasons with a strong do-it-yourself culture. Head south to South America, and you’ll find a different world altogether especially in Argentina, where the action is fast, the birds are plentiful, and the experience feels like a dove hunter’s dream.
Whether you’re after a laid-back opener in the Midwest or a high-volume hunt that leaves your shoulder sore and your heart full, understanding how these regions differ can help you choose the best experience.
Dove Hunting in North America
United States
Season Dates & Bag Limits
In the U.S., dove hunting is highly regulated with specific opening dates that vary by state but often begin in early September and run into late fall. The most common structure includes a split season, one in early fall and a second in the late season. Daily bag limits range from 10 to 15 doves per hunter, depending on the species and state laws.
Common Dove Species
The primary target in most states is the mourning dove, known for its fast, darting flight and high numbers. In some southern and southwestern states, hunters also encounter white-winged doves, particularly near agricultural areas. Eurasian collared doves, a non-native species, are often exempt from bag limits due to their invasive status.
Hunting Style & Tactics
Most dove hunters in the U.S. use pass shooting from natural blinds or field edges, especially near sunflowers, millet, or harvested grain fields. Morning and evening hunts are most productive, and hunters often rely on scouting, decoys, and staying still to increase success. It's a casual, social event in many communities, often seen as the “kickoff” to fall hunting season.
Costs & Licensing
Dove hunting in the U.S. is relatively affordable. Resident licenses range from $10 to $50, with additional federal and state migratory bird stamps typically required. For non-residents, expect to pay between $75 and $200 depending on the state. Guided hunts can increase the cost, but most dove hunters pursue them without a guide.
Where to Hunt
Texas is widely considered a top dove hunting state, especially for white-winged dove action. Kansas, Arizona, Georgia, and South Dakota also offer productive hunting, though access can be limited without private land connections. Public land is available, but success often depends on scouting and timing.
Mexico
Season Length & Regulations
Dove seasons in Mexico are generous, often running from August through February depending on the region. Bag limits are higher than in the U.S., commonly around 45 doves per day, making for excellent action when the birds are flying.
Dove Populations & Key Regions
Northern Mexico, particularly Sonora and Tamaulipas, are known for large populations of white-winged and mourning doves. The habitat, consisting of brushy hills and agricultural fields, creates ideal conditions for steady flights.
Guided Hunt Norms
Most dove hunts in Mexico are conducted through outfitters, offering lodging, meals, transportation, and local guides. While the hunting can be excellent, the quality of experience can vary significantly between outfitters. Due diligence and verified reviews are key.
Travel & Gun Transport Rules
Traveling to Mexico with a firearm requires permits and coordination through your outfitter. Many hunters choose to rent guns on location due to the complex import process. Flight logistics and safety concerns can also be a consideration for some traveling hunters.
Canada
Dove Hunting in South America
Argentina
Year-Round Hunting & No Bag Limits
Argentina sets itself apart with one word: unlimited. Dove hunting is legal year-round, and there are no bag limits. Thanks to the country’s vast agricultural land and warm climate, doves breed multiple times per year, creating a sustainable population, ideal for the traveling wingshooter.
Eared Dove Population
The star of Argentina's dove fields is the eared dove, a species similar in size to the mourning dove but far more numerous. It’s not uncommon for hunters to shoot 1,000+ rounds per day. Their flight patterns and volume make for some of the most dynamic and exciting hunts in the world.
High-Volume Shooting Experience
If you’ve never experienced a true high-volume shoot, Argentina is the place to do it. The action is near-constant from sunrise to sunset, and South American Adventure Safaris ensures hunters are placed in high-traffic flyways with expert guides to help reload, retrieve, and rotate between shooting positions. This isn’t your average field hunt, this is an all-out dove safari.
Costs & What’s Included
While flights to South America add to the expense, many outfitters offer all-inclusive packages that provide immense value. SAAS, for instance, includes lodging, meals, beverages, guides, and bird boys in their packages, leaving you free to focus on the hunt. With generous hospitality and a focus on quality, it’s an unmatched experience for serious hunters.
Dove Shooting Argentina
Season: September – April
- 4 nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 4 full Dove Hunting days (High Volume)
- Gun rental available
- Hunting License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Entre Rios, Argentina
Season: May – August
- 5 Nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 5 Hunting & Fishing days (Dove, Duck, Partridge, Pigeon hunting and Dorado fishing),
- Gun rental and fishing equipment available
- Hunting and Fishing License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Entre Rios, Argentina
Season: September – April
- 4 Nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 2 Full days of Dorado Fishing
- 2 Full days of Dove Shooting
- Gun rental and Fishing equipment available
- Hunting & Fishing License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Other South American Countries
Uruguay, Paraguay & Bolivia
Uruguay and Paraguay also offer strong dove populations and attractive hunting packages, though they don’t quite match Argentina’s numbers. Bolivia has growing appeal, but logistics and infrastructure remain limited in rural areas. While worth exploring, these destinations often serve as backups or extensions to Argentine trips.
Access & Availability Compared to Argentina
Argentina remains the clear leader in accessibility, volume, and hospitality. We streamline the process, from airport pickup to field transport, ensuring hunters enjoy a world-class experience without the stress of logistics.
The History of DOVE Hunting in Argentina
Final Comparison: North vs. South America
For many hunters, North America offers the charm of tradition, short seasons, moderate bag limits, and the camaraderie of opening day. But if you’re after consistency, volume, and truly world-class wingshooting, South America and Argentina in particular delivers at a level few other places can match.
When choosing between the two continents, consider what type of hunt you’re seeking. Do you want a few relaxing mornings in your home state with friends? Or are you chasing the hunt of a lifetime where the birds never stop flying?
If the latter sounds more like your style, we are ready to deliver a dove hunting experience you won’t forget. With year-round opportunities, no bag limits, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like family, it's a wingshooter’s paradise.