Hunting in Argentina
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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, white-lipped peccary, 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
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1. Planning your trip
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2. Upon arrival
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3. Hunting
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4. After the hunt
Planning your trip
Visas
No visa is required for citizens of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, or the European Union for stays of less than 90 days.
Importing Firearms
Increasing numbers of hunters now rent firearms for their Argentina hunts to avoid the hassle of bringing them, and many outfitters are equipped with excellent guns to rent—but be sure to check with your outfitter first if you wish to go this route.
Gun-import requirements for Argentina have been in flux in recent years, which has caused some confusion for visiting hunters. Visitors who want to import breech loading shotguns or rifles can do so by having their application filled out before hand with the help of their outfitter and then apply for the import permit upon arrival. If you want to import a semi-automatic gun you need to do so by applying for a temporary import permit at the nearest Argentine Consulate, which must be done in person. Check with your outfitter in advance of your trip for the most up-to-date requirements. You will definitely need to fill out the required forms for RENAR (Registro Nacional de Armas) in advance of your trip; you should be able to get these forms from your outfitter. If you can make your port of entry Cordoba as many hunters report entering Cordoba with guns is much less time consuming than Buenos Aires.
Upon arrival
Buenos Aires, where many hunters arrive, has two airports: Ezeisa Airport (EZE) is where many international flights arrive. Many domestic flights leave from Newbery Airport (AEP), which is across town. It can take as much as two hours to go from one to the other, so if you are connecting, it’s important to allow plenty of time.
It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to meet you at the airport to assist with rifle importation, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. You will collect your luggage and take your guns to the RENAR office, where your paperwork will be processed. Then you will have to go through Argentine customs, where a second round of paperwork is required. The process is time-consuming.
It’s important to keep your RENAR papers and passport with you at all times while you are hunting in case you are stopped by a routine police check.
Hunting
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.
After the hunt
Taxidermy
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.
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