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Blog Posts > Outdoor Skills > Consultant’s Corner with Nathan Mrnak: Hunting Opportunities for your Kids

Consultant’s Corner with Nathan Mrnak: Hunting Opportunities for your Kids

WTA Team

| December 14, 2016

WTA Team
December 14, 2016

One of the things I am most proud of as an employee of WTA is something I see going on behind the scenes that most of us in the industry don’t talk enough about. It’s the future of hunting. No, I am not talking about QDM or habitat management. I am referring to our youth. You need to get those kids started young with WTA for several reasons:

1. WTA’s Commitment to Youth Hunting

I have never been part of a team that is so committed to taking the time to get their own children, nephews, nieces, and neighborhood kids in the field to introduce them to or continue to build on the experiences only one can have in the great outdoors hunting. The only thing that tops those adventures is when we have clients inquire about opportunities for youth hunting, and then to see them go on a trip and come back with their own stories. Those days are truly the best days at work for us at WTA.

2. WTA has partnerships that help your youth hunter

Here at WTA, we have the right partnerships with our outfitters and understand the special circumstances that surround these types of adventures. Our consultants also understand that many of these opportunities are not well published or largely discussed. That is why I encourage you to give us a call.

3. We’re parents, too

Many of the consultants here at WTA have kids who love hunting. We understand the need to have balance between school, family commitments, and the drive to get out in the field. WTA can ensure you aren’t going to miss out on those hunts and bonding time with your kids in the field. We know what it takes to ensure your kids keep that school/life/family/hunt balance going.

3. Youth hunts in Missouri: An example

One example of an opportunity the the Missouri youth deer gun hunts. Did you know that Missouri offers two Youth Deer gun hunts a year? Typically, the first one happens at the end of October when the pre-rut is really starting to get fired up. Then the second usually happens after lock down around Thanksgiving. In my opinion, it is not too bad for timing if you want to catch a buck on their feet. I know from personal experience with my own kids, who I introduced to deer hunting at the age of 8, that these short Missouri youth seasons offer great opportunities to get them in the field.

5. WTA TAGS Kids Apply Free

Kids Apply Free with an adult applying through our WTA TAGS program. We can save you a ton of money and get your kids their preference points so they can start getting the good draws sooner!

Give us a call today, and ask what opportunities may be available for you to take a kid out hunting.

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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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