We have worked with this very fine outfitter for 15 years; Butch has hunted personally with him, and we have had our clients hunting with him, all with good results and happy smiles!! This operation prides itself on being personable, on giving superb service, and on keeping clients happy. Success is normally 100% on Red Stag and most other species. They took what was Argentina’s biggest stag – over 500 SCI!! They hunt a variety of different properties in several areas from La Pampa to areas near Buenos Aires and all the way to Patagonia. (If you want to consider Patagonia, ask for the separate write-up.)
RED STAG HUNTING PROGRAM IN LA PAMPA
This red stag program (bush hunting) takes place in the province of La Pampa, 500 miles from Buenos Aires city. The environment is flat and brushy, very similar to South Texas. Most of the hunts are conducted in Calden forests – (native tree of La Pampa) and are the favorite area for the roaring stags. However, you will also hunt areas with sand dunes, thick bush, salt lakes and grasslands. The lodge is on the 57,000 acres. You will hunt there for free ranging stags and other big game. The Estancia has native salt lakes and Calden forests and is one of the wildest regions of Argentina. The lodge itself features nine double bedrooms with private bathrooms in a 10,000 square foot building. The lodge provides Wi-Fi Internet, satellite TV, cell phone service, a SPA, a Gym, and all the comforts required by our high international standards. Meals are prepared by professional chefs, often based around the finest Argentinean beef and game meat. Quality wine from the cellar of the ranch is another highlight of the place.
“Hi Butch,
The total size of La Pampa’s ranch is 57,000 acres but remember that we rent two neighbor’s properties of similar size next to it — so the area available for hunting is really big and almost all of it is free range.
The fenced area for giant stag etc- is about of 7,000 acres totally covered by bush — but once in the field it is really big and ensures a fair chase hunt.”
LODGING AT THE ESTANCIA: He has first class accommodations for hunters. All of it is very clean and upscale. It is situated on the hunting ranch, and it is not unusual to see huge stags and fallow deer, and other animals, right from the buildings! The lodge is composed of a main house and another building of nine luxurious double rooms with bathroom en-suite, plus a spa and gym. Satellite TV, open bar, phone, Internet access by WiFi, Jacuzzi and so on – it is all there. A beautiful fire pit stands in the middle of the buildings for socializing in evening with cocktails and appetizers. The main lodge is the hub of the social activities of the ranch; it has a living room with a fire place, a trophy room with big game species from all over the world, pool table, bar, a dining room and so on. They also have an air strip in the ranch suitable for use by charter flights directly to the field. Food is very good, service is top notch, and the attitude is as fine as it can be. The ranch of this program has 57,000 acres of open bush.
FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT
The ranch has an international chef responsible for preparing their gourmet cuisine. Dine on a great variety of exquisite meals based in game meat (deer, wild boar and so on) and the world famous Argentinean beef. The guests will also enjoy the traditional Argentinean dishes, specially the “asado” (barbecue)! Normally you will sample a variety of the famous Argentine wines, all of which we have greatly enjoyed! These are wonderful and caring people we like a bunch. Non-hunters can enjoy horseback riding, game watching in special vehicles for that purpose, touring, local shopping and more, or just kick back and enjoy the game and the facilities. You set the pace!
THE HUNTING
This outfit has many different stag areas for you to hunt. They have unfenced free range hunting areas with terrain that is easy. Low elevations, high grass, small trees and brush. Easy terrain. Spot and stalk is the method. If you prefer, there are also separate high fenced areas for monster trophies. See the trophy list below for the many species that can be taken. In addition, free range trophies include, water buffalo, puma (non-exportable), blackbuck and others. The home ranch, which is unfenced, has about 57,000 acres. THE HUNTS ON THEIR HOME RANCH ALLOW YOU TO TAKE A FREE RANGE RED STAG UP TO 320” SCI AS PART OF THE PACKAGE PRICE. STAGS ABOVE 320” INCUR AN ADDITIONAL TROPHY FEE (listed below). As stated above, they always added even more lands since they lease two neighbor properties. At present they hunt over 137,000 acres. They will use all areas to help ensure you take your animal! In terms of physical effort, we rate these as easy hunts, perhaps averaging 3 to 4 on a scale of 10.
It is possible to take medal-class stags on the free range hunt. Indeed, here is a picture of one of our Wyoming outfitter friends (our WY # 38 hunt) — that we booked into this hunt for 2019. Look at that free range stag! AWESOME!
However, if you want super gold, then you will need to hunt the high fence area. If you want any of the more exotic game such as fallow, axis, blackbuck, or any of the sheep such as mouflon or 4-horn sheep or feral sheep, then the hunting is normally high fence. Some other programs may require a move such as blackbuck and axis deer near BA, water buffalo, horseback hog hunts with gun or spear, special blackbuck ranch hunts, and more. The list is extensive and this outfitter’s contacts reach all across Argentina and even into Patagonia, where we personally did horseback stag hunting and some trout fishing with him. Simply tell Hunt Nation your wishes – then we can make it happen!
This outfit also has the ability to offer excellent high volume doves! Shooting over a thousand rounds per day is common! So we can make many different packages; virtually every species found in Argentina can be arranged – just ask! And if you hanker for giant Argentina Super Gold Stags, this is the place. Even if you do not hunt them, you are likely to see them at the main lodge – a treat in itself! Many high book animals in SCI have been taken here, INCLUDING what was the NEW 500+ STAG – BIGGEST EVER TAKEN IN ARGENTINA!
HUNTING SEASONS: In terms of best dates, we like March through May for stag (seasons are reversed – our September is their March) though hunting is good up to late June. Stags, like their elk cousins, are roaring in early fall (mid-March through April). You can hunt later, but these are prime times. Some of the animals are better hunted at other times, but the typical hunt for stag blackbuck, and perhaps sheep and water buffalo, can all be done in that time frame.
COVID TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS: IMPORTANT: Beginning December 6, 2021, all air passengers, regardless of vaccination status, must show a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than 1 day before travel to the United States. You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight. https://ar.usembassy.gov/covid-19/
ARGENTINA ENTRY – COVID REQUIREMENTS
• The Argentine Government announced that effective November 1, 2021, foreign tourists are permitted to enter, but must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 at least 14 days before their arrival in Argentina
• A negative COVID-19 PCR test administered no more than 72 hours prior to departure is required for all arriving international travelers.
• Argentine immigration authorities require that all travelers entering or exiting Argentina submit an electronic sworn statement within the 48 hours before their arrival/departure. The form is available here. Travelers may be required to present the confirmation e-mail they receive from this system to board a flight.
• Argentine immigration authorities require that all travelers have evidence of medical travel insurance that includes hospitalization, quarantine, and transportation coverage of COVID-19.
• Minors (under age 18) who are not fully vaccinated are allowed to enter the country and will not have to quarantine. However, the government recommends that minors do not attend social activities or mass events for a period of seven days starting from the day of arrival.
For further information visit: https://ar.usembassy.gov/covid-19/
TROPHY STAG : SPECIAL: $5950
This package includes 5 days’/6 nights’ first-class accommodations and one (1) free range stag up to 320” SCI. You will arrive the night before your first day and depart the evening of your last day. Non-hunting observers can be added for $300/night per person.
ADDITIONAL TROPHY FEES FOR FREE RANGE STAGS OVER 320” SCI:
Up to 349 7/8” – extra $2,000
Up to 379 7/8” – extra $5,000
Up to 409 7/8” – extra $9,000
ESTATE STAG HUNTS*
Daily rate of $500/day plus:
Up to 319 7/8” – $5,000
Up to 349 7/8” – $7,000
Up to 379 7/8” – $10,000
Up to 409 7/8” – $14,000
410+ SCI points – POR
Management stat – $1,100
*If you purchase a free range package and then switch to an estate hunt package, you will receive a credit toward the estate package.
Excluded: hunting license, trophy tags, tips, gun entry fee into Argentina or gun rental, ground transfers, exportation costs and airfares, lodging before and after the hunt and sight-seeing trips and any observers.
TROPHY FEES on additional items beyond the package:
Axis deer (up to 119 7/8 SCI points) $ 2850
Blackbuck (up to 52 7/8 SCI points) $ 1250
Fallow deer (up to 194 7/8 SCI points) $ 2700
Feral goat (up to 66 7/8 SCI points) $ 1300
Juan Fernandez goat (up to 49 7/8 SCI pts.) $ 2400
Hybrid sheep(up to 108 7/8 SCI points) $ 1300
Hybrid Mouflon (up to 109 7/8 SCI points) $ 2000
Mouflon (up to 109 7/8 SCI points) $ 3600
Multihorn ram (up to 73 7/8 SCI points) $ 1300
Pere David deer (up to Silver medal) $15000
Pere David deer (gold medal) $20000
Puma (up to Silver medal) * $11500 * Puma is subject to exportation restrictions
Water buffalo (up to 79 7/8 SCI points) $ 4000
Wild boar (up to 6 15/16 SCI tusks) ** $ 1000 ** Wild boar are measured by the longest tusk.
NEW RANCH FOR 2023
This outfitter has acquired access to one of the largest ranches in La Pampa at approx. 85,000 acres. This ranch is described as having similar stags and other game as the home existing ranch, but they are offering a different program. They are offering a 6-day hunt with luxury lodging + ANY SIZE FREE RANGE STAG for $6,600 per person 1×1. Non-hunting observers can be added for $450/night per person. This ranch has a new luxury lodge with all of the amenities.
HUNTING LICENSE & TROPHY TAG DETAIL OF LA PAMPA PROVINCE
Licenses
• Big Game license ……………………………………… $ 305
• Big Game & wingshooting……………………………$385
• Bird shooting and small game license …………….. $ 200
• Other species (Blackbuck, Rams, Axis, Fallow …… $ 150
Trophy Tags
• Red stag tag, mouflon & waterbuck ……….. $ 120
• Puma Tag …………………………………………. $ 220
• Management stags and other species tag (Blackbuck, Rams, Axis, Fallow) $ 50
• Buffalo & mouflon tag ………………………………. $ 120
Trophy declaration form ………………………………… $ 40
Trophy shipment to Buenos Aires ……………………… $ 50
WINGSHOOTING:
Dove shooting also available in the same area, or you can move to their high-volume bird area near Buenos Aires. The shooting quality in La Pampa is not the same as their high-volume bird hunting, but it allows you to get a taste of wingshooting in Argentina. The extra cost is: $500/day per person; shotgun rental (Benellis and Berettas) $75/day; shells $14/box; bird hunting license $200; ground transfers in/out $200/pp. tips (we recommend no less than $50/day for the bird boy and $30/day for the house staff). The high-volume hunting near Buenos Aires is $550/day per person and requires a min. of 2 days.
Payment Policy of the Outfitter:
Dates will be confirmed after a 50% deposit of the total amount of the hunt is received by Hunt Nation. Your final balance must be paid at least 45 days prior of the hunting date. Escrows towards extra trophies are arranged with Hunt Nation.
Final balance due must be paid in cash before leaving the field. American personal checks will be allowed with an extra charge of 5% to cover bank processing in Argentina. Sorry, at the ranch they don’t accept credit cards or traveler checks. So an advance deposit with Hunt Nation simplifies things.
TRAVEL: Your outfitter will do a meet and greet at the international airport on your arrival (EZE). They will also do your ground transfer to your hotel or cross town to the domestic airport for you next flight leg (often takes 90 minutes due to traffic). The domestic airport is called Aeroparque Jorge Newberry (AEP). Hunters booking into the main ranch have to take a domestic flight into Santa Rosa city, capital city of La Pampa. Aerolineas Argentinas usually (!) offers every day service from Buenos Aires domestic airport (AEP) to Santa Rosa airport (RSA) except on Saturdays. Flights usually depart from BA on late evening which allow to the hunters to take a combination flight upon arrival to Argentina. The flight back to BA departs from Santa Rosa very early in the morning which is also perfect if the hunters like to fly out of Argentina in the same day.
Red stag hunters also booked to La Pampa but for the outfitters second ranch (10,000 acres), have to fly to Bahia Blanca airport with various daily flights from BA.
If you like to book your flights on line, check Aerolineas Argentinas website http://www.aerolineas.com.ar/en-us/ Cost is around $270-$375 r/t -depending on ticket purchased. Check their flights against you international flight times to insure you do not miss a flight. Expect 90 minutes to 2.5 hours between airports depending on the traffic. Plus time to retrieve luggage and pass thru customs.
RED STAG HUNTING IN PATAGONIA (MOUNTAIN HUNTING) :
If you wish to hunt in the mountains of the Patagonia for stag, we also have very good programs for that. PATAGONIA! Just the name inspires visions of mountains, wonderful trout streams, Andean condors floating above rocky crags, and big red stags roaring out their challenges. It is a rugged but beautiful area with generally open but steeply rolling terrain. Game is quite visible normally, and stalking into range can be a challenge. There are also some huge wild boars, which can be reclusive. This huge estancia (ranch) has 60,000 acres of wild country. About half of it is free range, and half is a high fence. Regardless of where you hunt, that much ground makes the hunt a serious challenge.
Hunting is done normally on foot, using vehicles into the hunt area. From there, climb or walk to a high ridge or mountain top and glass, then stalk your chosen animal. In mid-March to early May the stags are roaring loudly and often, and glassing and watching the hi-jinks is great sport indeed. Horses may be used sometimes also.
This estancia has been a front runner as far as working in genetic improvements. They have been improving genetics since 1995. They introduced outstanding bloodlines from Europe and New Zealand. The standard procedure was to breed a certain number of deer, keep the ones that reached their high standards of a likelihood of reaching or exceeding 400 SCI; and then releasing into the free range area those others that didn’t quite reach their quality expectations. Those released into the free range where still great stags. Most of them stay in the area for a while during the roar, then migrate to the high mountains nearby. They have been continually doing this every year. As a consequence they have greatly improved the trophy quality average in the area and our clients are now shooting very large free range stags. And to further that trend, they have also released imported superior hinds. The stag quality now improves year after and the new hind stock is also released in the free range area and they mainly stay on the ranch. That is the reason why those big stags come back to this ranch every year during the roaring season. The result is good numbers of 320 to 350 class free range stags. For those hunters looking to hunt really big free range stag, in the mountains, and with world class accommodations, this is the place. They have taken free range stags up to 380 SCI and high fence to over 600 SCI.
Just request our separate writeup. Patagonia is much more physical than the La Pampa hunts, being mountainous. It is also more expensive, but they have some huge stags and half of the huge ranch is free range. The other half is fenced and has some huge stags. It is very scenic and it is possible to add trout fishing.
WINGSHOOTING NEAR BUENOS AIRES
If you are an avid bird shooter, our wing-shooting area near BA don’t need any domestic flight due its proximity with the city of Buenos Aires. Just two hours by car is what you need to shoot the “four feathers” legally huntable in Argentina: duck, perdiz, pigeon and dove. Don’t miss this “life time experience” and try the true high volume dove shooting that made of Argentina one of the most famous wing-shooting destinations of the world.
HIGH VOLUME DOVE SHOOTING NEAR BUENOS AIRES
For those hunters eager to shoot thousands of rounds in a day and experience the thrill to see millions of birds flying above them, they have an unbeatable program with luxury lodging (ten rooms with private bathroom). They manage a high-volume dove roost near Buenos Aires that doesn’t require any domestic flight due its proximity to the city. Just two hours by car (they will pick you up) is all you need to shoot the “four feathers” legally huntable in Argentina: duck, perdiz, pigeon and dove. Don’t miss this lifetime experience and try the true high-volume dove shooting that made of Argentina one of the most famous wingshooting destinations in the world.
HIGH VOLUME DOVE SHOOTING SPECIAL: (4 days/3 nights) $1,250 (September to February, 3 hunters minimum).
Not included: hunting license $150, shotgun rental $75 per day or pay a gun entry fee of $120 per gun, shotgun shells $13 per box of 25, tips (we guess $70 per day between bird boys and house staff), ground transfers in/out $ 200, hotels before/after the hunt, sightseeing trips, ground transfers in BA.
IMPORTANT! COVID RULES AND GUN IMPORT RULES ARE IN A STATE OF FLUX, SO USING ONE OF THE OUTFITTER’S RENTAL GUNS IS THE BEST OPTION. THEY HAVE DIFFERENT BRANDS AND CALIBERS. REMINGTON, WINCHESTER, RUGER, ETC., WITH VERY GOOD SCOPES ON THEM, MOSTLY ZEISS, SCHMIDT & BENDER, SWAROVSKI AND LEUPOLD. THEY HAVE .308, .300 WIN MAG, .375 H&H, .458 WIN MAG, BUT COULD ALSO PROVIDE .30-06, .338 WIN MAG AND A FEW OTHERS
ALL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE, UNLESS BOOKED AND A DEPOSIT HAS BEEN PAID
