14 July 2017

6:35 p.m. Another great day. This morning’s shoot was very good with blue skies and high birds….

This afternoon’s shoot started the minute we loaded our guns. White-wings came in fast over acacia trees low and high and at all angles. The doves were tough targets with the strong tailwind. Super shooting. Rain ended the shoot a little early. The volume was not unlike Argentina. Lots and lots of birds….

Larry and his bird boy arrived back to the truck in a horse-drawn cart. Classic!!

For several years, I heard reports of excellent white-wing dove and duck hunting in Nicaragua. In July, I joined my good friend Scott Aulds and a fine group of Texans to visit this small Central American country to investigate the dove hunting for myself. An exploratory mission. This trip was dove-only, duck season was closed. And after three days of shooting, I can report the shooting is excellent. On average, we shot 10-15 boxes per shoot, but we did enjoy several 20-plus box shoots.

Bruno Taino and his sons, Freddy and Carlo, hosted our group at their Mombacho Lodge, located a few miles from the colonial town of Grenada. We shot doves in the farm and ranch country lowlands on the shores of Lake Nicaragua and Lake Managua, and in the foothills of the Mombacho and Masaya volcanoes. The landscape is scenic and the local people are kind.

Getting to Managua is a simple affair – 2 hour 45 minute direct flight from Houston followed by a 45-minute highway drive to the lodge. Direct flights from Atlanta and Miami are available too. With my Nicaragua pre-issued gun permit in hand, gun clearance was a breeze. Bruno’s lodge has 11 air-conditioned rooms, a pool, and wi-fi. Mombacho’s professional staff served wonderful meals, worked hard, and provided a first-rate experience.

I wished I visited Nicaragua years ago. This is a great trip. I will go back soon.

For more information on Nicaragua dove and duck hunting, give me a call.

Next Trip Report: Africa 2017. It’s been a fantastic safari season so far!