Argentina

Stretching almost 2,000 miles from North or South, Argentina is the second largest country in South America, after Brazil, and blessed with the greatest variety of climate and terrain, as well as the best infra-structure on the continent. In fact this country is South America in miniature – from the wind-swept icy mountains of Fireland in the South, to the tropical jungle of Misiones Province in North, Argentina encompasses all the varied ecosystems on this continent, with an impressive array of wildlife habitats, home to many species.

European settlers brought their hunting traditions to Argentina two hundred years ago. Consequently, hunting has played an important role in ranch life and in the psyche of the Argentine nation. As in Europe most hunting nowadays is done on private ranches (“estacias”), where game is managed by professional game keepers and where guides follow age old traditions of scientific game management. The game is owned by the landowners and the harvest quotas are set according to the principles of sound management, include population ratios of sex and age, as well as trophy quality.

Many of the native species of Argentina were over-hunted during the last century and are now in protected status while populations rebound. Thankfully, European settlers introduced many other common game species of Europe and Asia, which have multiplied and thrived, providing the basis for the active hunting industry that is alive and well in Argentina today. Native species which are still huntable include brocket deer, cougar, capybara, white-lipped peccary and collared peccary. Introduced species include water buffalo, wild boar, red deer, fallow deer, Peré David’s deer, chital (Axis deer), blackbuck antelope and mouflon.

The Hunting Consortium offers hunts for all of the native and introduced species of Argentina on more than 20 selected private “estancias”, throughout the country. Accommodations vary from luxury hotels to comfortable ranch houses, depending on the location. Cuisine is excellent and guides are friendly and competent. In Argentina the seasons follow the pattern of the Southern Hemisphere, so that fall and winter (hunting season) runs from March through August.

Wing shooting in Argentina for geese, ducks, partridges, pigeons and doves is legendary. A vast resource and no daily limit make for unforgettable bird shooting vacations. The Chaco, in northern Argentina, is home to more than 15 million doves, perhaps the densest population in the world. It is common for shooters to expend up to 2,000 rounds per day is this furious, hot-barreled type of gunning action. Further south near Bahia Blanca, world-class waterfowl and mixed shooting can be enjoyed. There it is not unusual for each hunter in a group to shoot 15-20 geese in the morning, along with 100 or more ducks, followed by 500 doves in the afternoon! Another pleasure for avid wing shooters is walked-up partridges over well-trained pointers.

Argentina also offers fantastic sport fishing. In the warm waters for the northern rivers, anglers test their gear and skill on the voracious Dorado, as well as surubi, pacu and bogas species. In prime time, September, it is often possible to land up to 35 fish per day, per angler. Big golden Dorado will weigh over 40 pounds. In Patagonia in the south, anglers find some of the finest trout fishing in the world. Sea-run brown trout can exceed 30 pounds in weight and give superb fly rod action. Salmon, steelhead and rainbow trout add to the challenge.

Argentina is blessed with a modern infrastructure and vast agricultural bounty. This coupled with a European culinary culture leads to a great cuisine, featuring Argentine beef and excellent Argentine wines. Game birds and venison also feature heavily in the menu. Friendly Latin hospitality and a mild, warm climate make Argentina the perfect place for a sporting holiday when winter grips the northern latitudes.

Species List:

• European Red Deer
• European Fallow Deer
• Brocket Deer
• Chital (Axis Deer)
• Water Buffalo
• Cougar
• Capybara
• Collared Peccary
• White-lipped Peccary
• Feral Goat
• Alpine Ibex
• Mouflon
• Wild Boar
• Four Horned Sheep
• Blackbuck
• Peré David’s Deer

Wingshooting:

• Dove
• Pigeon
• Partridge (Perdiz)
• Geese
• Ducks