3 reasons to hunt in Argentina

Third post in our series “3 reasons to hunt”. This time we’d like to take you to a sunny country on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean.

Located at the bottom of South America, Argentina is the second largest country in South America and the eighth largest in the world. It is the home of the tango, the pampas, some of the world’s best beef, and penguins. It’s also one of the world’s greatest hunting destinations.

Why Argentina

1. Wingshooting

World-class high-volume wingshooting for doves, pigeons, ducks, and perdiz.

2. Big-game hunting

Excellent big-game hunting, including some of the world’s best red stag hunts.

3. Accommodation and hospitality

Upscale hunting accommodations with excellent food and wine are typical on Argentine hunts.

A bit more about hunting in Argentina

Argentina is the most popular hunting destination in the world, attracting more than 20,000 foreign hunters every year. The vast majority are wingshooters, many of whom come for Argentina’s world-famous high-volume dove shooting. Doves are considered pests in this region; huge flocks come into agricultural fields in incredible numbers. However, Argentina is also an excellent destination for big-game hunters; it has some of the best free-range red stag hunting in the world.

Cordoba Province is the most famous destination for high-volume dove shooting, but there are many other regions that have excellent wingshooting. Waterfowl and upland birds are plentiful in many areas and provide outstanding mixed-bag wingshooting. Most hunters choose either wingshooting or big-game hunting since they usually take place in different areas; however, combo hunts are possible. Red stags were originally introduced into Patagonia in the foothills of the Andes and La Pampa Province a hundred years ago. In addition to stags, other big game is available to hunt, including water buffalo, brocket deer, and wild boar. Other animals have been introduced in some areas, including axis deer, blackbuck, fallow deer, feral goats and sheep, and mouflon. Pumas are also plentiful.

Many lodges in Argentina are upscale, with excellent food and wine provided, and often a midday barbecue is served in the field. The country is filled with interesting culture and contrasts, including gauchos in traditional dress sitting in sheepskin-lined saddles, villagers driving horse-drawn carts, and locals passing around the traditional gourd of mate.

What you need to know

No visa is required for citizens of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, or the European Union for stays of less than 90 days.

Argentina’s winter climate is mostly mild during hunting season. Rain gear is always a must, as are waterproof boots. If you are wingshooting, prepare for shooting many, many rounds; a jacket or vest with a recoil pad is a good idea, and shooting gloves are a must. Many outfitters recommend semiautomatic shotguns as they have less recoil; either 12- or 20-gauge guns are fine. For wingshooting, you will purchase shells from your outfitter and be charged for those you use at the end of the trip. Big-game hunting areas vary in terms of terrain and difficulty, so consult with your outfitter for a recommended gear list.

It’s important to note that most species native to Argentina, such as puma, peccary, and brocket deer, can be legally hunted in many provinces but cannot be exported. Introduced species such as red stag can be exported with the proper permits. When your hunt is completed, your outfitter can arrange to have your trophies shipped to a taxidermist to prepare them for shipping and export.

You can find other valuable information on visas, firearms regulations, hunting rules, guiding and licensing, game species, taxidermy, export permits and so much more on our Argentina page. By clicking on tabs “Planning your trip”, “Upon arrival”, “Hunting”, “After the hunt” you can find all the details that you may need.