24/09/2009 - Tim Carter reports on his 21st birthday trip to Argentina

We stayed at a beautiful lodge with excellent accommodation and food, and shooting started straight after the glass of champagne that the butler had waiting for us. First, we met our professional and extremely helpful "bird boys" and then we drove off into the field where a hide had been prepared. These hides are very comfortable with two revolving stools, one of which is a cooler full of cold drinks (essential) and also a place to put your gun slips, coats and bags.

Once in my hide I found doves flying at or past me in every direction, from the front, back, left and right, coming in singles, pairs and small coveys - and at various heights and speed. A keen eye is needed and strong shoulder. I advise shooting with a 20 bore; I used a 12 bore and found I needed to take a lot of breaks. Without a shoulder pad it would have been impossible - we averaged 1,500 cartridges a day or more, you can imagine what that does to you!

By standing on the crest of a hill and shooting low in-comers it was as if I was at Wemmergill, then, set back from a belt of trees I imagined myself at Six Mile Bottom and finally, in the bottom of a ravine, I tried to improve my West Country pheasant cartridge to kill ratio. Not bad for one day's shooting!

Lunch was a beautifully presented barbecue, very pleasant with a table and chairs set up in a copse with shelter from the sun. After plenty of Argentine beef and wine it was time for a siesta in the hammocks set up under the trees. I found that there were more doves in the afternoon, so save your energy! After shooting there was more champagne, a soothing massage and shower, followed by a delicious dinner and much needed sleep. The next days were even more enjoyable so it really was a trip of a lifetime!