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Blog Posts > Best Wishes to Vicki Hilpert, Retiring WTA TAGS Team Member

Best Wishes to Vicki Hilpert, Retiring WTA TAGS Team Member

Eric Pawlak

| July 8, 2024

Eric Pawlak
July 8, 2024

My right-hand man, Vicki Hilpert, is retiring. (Honestly, I think I’ve been her right-hand man.) All of us at Worldwide Trophy Adventures are in a bit of a funk. Vicki will be greatly missed.

I knew Vicki would eventually enter her last WTA client’s TAGS application and hang up her keyboard. But Vicki will always be part of the WTA family and her imminent departure has caused me to reflect.

Recently I’ve been asking myself, “How do we define a true leader in the hunting industry?” Is it the one who has obtained the most species? Or the person who received the most likes or subscribes? By the number of slams? Or the hottest outfitter of the moment with a line around the booth at the SCI Convention or the Sheep Show? I could go on, but I don’t have any interest in writing a piece about what makes a leader in this industry. I already know the answer…Vicki Hilpert has certainly been a leader in our industry. And she has never even pulled a trigger!

Vicki Hilpert is a native of Potter, Nebraska and a loving daughter, sister, wife, and mother of five girls. She started with Cabela’s in the Returns Department in Sidney, Nebraska in 1992. Yes, you read that correctly, the Cabela’s Returns Department. Can you imagine the volume? Eight months later, Vicki was hired by Cabela’s Customer Service Department. Again, the volume. I’m not sure any company displayed better customer service in the 1990s than Cabela’s. Eventually Vicki became a lead in the department. Then in 2011, Vicki was looking for a change and Cabela’s TAGS division was hiring. I started the division in late 2003, but those early years were pretty dismal. Vicki came along when the TAGS department was hitting its initial stride. The volume followed her again.

WTA TAGS would not be the licensing powerhouse it is today without Vicki running the back end for all those years. Her title is WTA TAGS Application Assistant. I’ve always disliked the title. Vicki was instrumental in orchestrating the draw for WTA TAGS and its clients, application season after application season. Throughout her career, she has processed hundreds of thousands of time-sensitive big game tag applications, all with incredible accuracy. Vicki may not be the most accurate with a rifle, but nobody is more accurate on a keyboard. If you’re one of the thousands of sportsmen who drew a primo tag or collected valuable bonus points through our TAGS service, thank Vicki!

In the early years, Vicki referred to oryx as “onyx” and desert bighorn sheep as “desert horn.” But Vicki soon became more knowledgeable about limited-entry Western big game hunting than any YouTuber or podcaster. Ultimately, she was more like a specialized attorney rattling off deadlines, application procedures, state contacts, and the rules and regulations of 21 states for 23 species.

Vicki played a major role in placing more sportsmen afield than the largest outfitters in the industry. Her efforts go on long after her retirement from her efforts to purchase more preference points and bonus points for the North American sportsmen and their children than any other in this industry. Elk, deer, antelope, sheep, moose, mountain goat…Vicki has assisted sportsmen in drawing premium, limited-entry tags for all of these species.

Vicki was instrumental in the migration of WTA TAGS to paperless, a two-year project that our company could not have completed without her. The transition completely transformed our business unit. She is not an Application Assistant, she is a businesswoman, and a damn good one!

I could go on, but I know Vicki’s humble nature makes her cringe at this attention. That’s not typical in this industry, huh?

Thank you for everything, Vic. I’m really gonna miss you. Words can’t express my gratitude.

I’ll try to make sure the guys keep the WTA kitchen sink free of dirty dishes. I’ll ask them to keep the foul language to a minimum and the consultant coding to a maximum. I may need your help from time to time though. They don’t listen to me as well, probably because I’m one of them. But I’ll try harder because of you. I think that may be the definition of a leader in any industry.

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Chasing Waterfowl from North to South

The Central Flyway is a waterfowl superhighway—a vital corridor for migrating ducks and geese—and for those of us lucky enough to be waterfowlers, it offers unmatched opportunities to hunt and experience the migration from September through January.

Over the past 40 years, I’ve had the privilege of chasing ducks around the world, but many of my favorite memories come from following this flyway, especially during those early years when my duck-obsessed father would pull my brother and me out of school every Fall to chase birds.

That’s right! We missed school every year for dedicated waterfowl trips. No regrets.

In the true north country, along the edges of Canada’s boreal forest, early-season hunts are nothing short of magical. The birds are just beginning their journey south—hungry, unpressured, and eager to settle into newly harvested grain fields. It’s a waterfowler’s paradise. The decoy spreads in these northern zones are often among the first the birds see, and their eager, uneducated responses can be absolutely breathtaking.

One of the most unforgettable sights is the famed swirling cyclone of Canada geese funneling down into a field. I can still hear my dad yelling over the deafening honks, his voice barely audible, “They can’t hear us!” The birds were so loud that those at the top of the funnel couldn’t even hear the gunfire below. If you’ve ever experienced it, you know exactly the kind of spine-tingling moment I’m talking about.

When the birds pushed south, so did we.

The prairie pothole regions of North Dakota are pure waterfowl gold. The right pothole on a cold morning—especially if you can find open water—can be magic. And if the water’s frozen? My dad had a fix: get there early, break trail through the skim ice, and push it under itself to create an opening. Voilà…open water.

I’ll never forget one frigid morning. After breaking ice, my hands were bright red and on the edge of frostbite. I looked at my dad for sympathy, but he just grinned as the puddle ducks cupped up and said, “Do you want warm hands, or do you want to shoot ducks?” Like I said, he was a fanatic. I grabbed the old Winchester pump and did my best. That day, I also learned the value of hand warmers and Gore-Tex gloves.

There are so many unforgettable moments:

Slipping and sliding at a Nebraska reservoir, laughing hysterically as we wondered if we’d ever get the old Suburban and trailer back up the icy boat ramp. After limiting out on greenheads.
Rowing across the Delta Marsh in the dark to find the perfect crescent-shaped bulrush island to set the decoys that the canvasbacks couldn’t resist.
Chasing snow geese in South Dakota and realizing we’d finally picked the perfect field, the one that made it worth all those hours spent spray-painting sheet-metal shell decoys in the garage.

These weren’t just hunting trips. They were memories shared with family, with friends, and with the great outdoors itself.

In the end, missing a week of school every year was worth every single minute.

The last duck hunt I shared with my admittedly duck-crazy father was a world away and half a lifetime ago. The hunt may be long over, but the memory will always stay with me.

At WTA, we’re proud to connect our clients with trusted partners so they can experience these same one-of-a-kind adventures.

We offer incredible destinations and outstanding outfitters all along the Central Flyway—from Alberta and Saskatchewan to North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oklahoma—so you can create your own lasting memories.

Call Worldwide Trophy Adventures at 1-800-346-8747 today to book your trip of a lifetime.

See Central Flyway Hunts

The Return of the Golden Age of Dove Hunting in Argentina

Argentina has long been celebrated as a premier destination for wingshooting, particularly dove hunting. The sheer volume of doves that flock to the skies year-round has drawn hunters from around the globe who are eager for a top-tier hunt. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, I’ve witnessed firsthand why many consider Argentina to be home to the best shotgunning experiences on the planet.

A New Dawn in Entre Rios

WTA has collaborated with one of the pioneers of dove hunting in Cordoba who has recently expanded operations to the stunning province of Entre Rios. This new location has quickly become the gold standard for high-volume dove shooting. With decades of experience, this outfitter and their dedicated team have built an extraordinary destination, boasting some of the most impressive dove flights seen in years.

Entre Rios is home to multiple roosts, each housing millions of birds. The proximity of these roosts to the lodge means minimal travel time to the hunting fields, allowing clients to maximize their shooting opportunities. You can expect to shoot as much as you desire, making this a truly unparalleled experience.

Convenient Access

Getting to Entre Rios is a breeze. Located just a 2 ½-hour drive from Buenos Aires International Airport, clients can take direct overnight flights from several major U.S. cities, including Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, and Miami. By midday, you could be savoring authentic Argentine BBQ, complete with sausages and a variety of fresh cuts of beef, before heading out for your first afternoon of hunting.

Unmatched Service and Cuisine

From the moment you arrive, expect nothing less than white-glove service. Argentina is renowned for its exceptional cuisine and hospitality, and this outfitter excels in providing multi-course meals and comfortable accommodations. With years of expertise, they elevate customer service to the highest standards, ensuring a memorable experience.

Beyond Dove Hunting

In addition to dove hunting, Argentina offers fantastic opportunities for duck hunting. The prairie pothole region of the Pampas is teeming with diverse species, and local hunting pressure is minimal. Guided by experienced professionals, these American-style decoy hunts are truly unforgettable. Combine this with exciting partridge hunting behind well-trained pointing dogs, and you have a perfect opportunity for a mixed hunt during the winter months of May through August.

Experience the Golden Age

Don’t miss your chance to experience the resurgence of high-volume wingshooting in Argentina. With convenient travel options and unparalleled service, this is an adventure every wing shooter should have on their bucket list. Come and enjoy some of the finest hunting the world has to offer!

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Mexico’s World-Class Wingshooting

For over three decades, Muy Grande Outfitters has been the premier spot for wingshooters from all over the world. Tucked away in Hermosillo, Sonora just south of Arizona, this outfit’s deep local roots and deep commitment to quality and safety make it the ideal choice for hunters looking for action-packed bird hunting in Mexico’s beautiful and rugged terrain.

While Muy Grande is known for trophy mule deer hunts, their wingshooting is truly world-class. Specializing in dove hunting, they offer three and four-night packages hunting mourning, white-winged, and Eurasian doves. Muy Grande has access to Sonora’s best hunting ground and an amazing team of professionals, so it’s no surprise that their wingshooting has been so popular.

Upon your arrival, your team meets you at the airport and takes you directly to the lodge where a traditional Mexican lunch will be waiting for you. After you get settled in, you’ll head out for the afternoon hunt. In the field, you’re paired with a “bird boy” who keeps you stocked with ammo and retrieves your birds. The day caps off with another fantastic meal.

The upcoming days follow a similar rhythm. You’ll eat a hearty breakfast and then head out on the morning hunt. After a few hours in the field, you’ll head back to the lodge to rest up during lunch, before heading back out on the afternoon hunt. Muy Grande’s pros handle all of the logistics so you can focus solely on the hunt.

Mexico offers some unique advantages compared to other wingshooting destinations. For one, it’s incredibly accessible. If you’re flying from California, for example, you could leave in the morning and arrive in Mexico and be ready to hunt by noon. It’s a quick flight and easy entry compared to places like Argentina.

Mexico offers an exceptional hunting experience that stands up to those of Argentina. Hunters enjoy a fast-paced and exhilarating adventure. Muy Grande’s meticulously managed properties ensure abundant opportunities to bag your fill of birds, delivering a top-tier, dynamic hunt that meets the highest expectations.

If you want to mix it up, Muy Grande offers the option to add waterfowl hunts to your trip. Depending on rainfall and water levels, you might encounter teal, pintails, mallards, and even the elusive Mexican black duck. It’s a mixed bag of fun, with the exact species varying by season and conditions.

If you’re after something truly special, ask about adding quail or Pacific black brant hunts to your trip. Quail hunting is done on foot, tracking and flushing birds, while brant hunting takes place on the water. Both hunts depend on the season and weather, so it’s worth checking ahead to see what’s available during your stay.

Your home base is Muy Grande’s dedicated 12-room lodge. It’s a sweet setup with showers, a private chef, and an open bar. It’s the same spot used for big game hunts but primarily reserved for bird hunters. Comfortable and well-equipped, it’s just a 15-minute drive from the airport. It’s the perfect place for unwinding after a long day of hunting.

Muy Grande takes safety very seriously. Despite what you might hear in the news about Mexico, hunting with Muy Grande is as safe as hunting anywhere else. Their intimate knowledge of the region ensures all hunts take place in secure areas, and they handle everything from airport pickup to hunting licenses and shotgun permits. You should bring your own shotgun, but if you can’t, they have loaners on hand.

Muy Grande Outfitters has mastered the art of delivering top-notch, exciting hunts in Mexico, and their wingshooting packages are no exception. Whether you’re chasing doves, adding a waterfowl hunt, or pursuing the elusive Pacific brant, Muy Grande serves up an unforgettable experience with all the trimmings.

For hunters seeking a quick getaway with great wingshooting and first-rate lodging, Muy Grande Outfitters fits the bill perfectly. Reach out to WTA today to book your next wingshooting adventure in Mexico!

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