Argentina Hunting and WingShooting
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, and wild boar. Other animals have been introduced in some areas, including axis deer, blackbuck, fallow deer, feral goats and sheep, and mouflon.
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.
Wingshooting
World-class high-volume wingshooting for doves, pigeons, ducks, and partridges
Big Game Hunting
Excellent big-game hunting, including some of the world’s best red stag hunts
Accommodations and Hospitality
Upscale hunting accommodations with excellent food and wine are typical on Argentine hunts
Things You Need to Know About Hunting in Argentina
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.
Bows
Feel free to take your bow with you. A bow is considered sporting equipment. No paperwork or special import licenses needed.
Firearms
Bringing a firearm is allowed, but we do not recommend it.
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.
If you wish to import your firearm, be aware this is a long and tedious process. It usually takes more than 4 hours at every airport and costs more than gun rental.
- You must declare it in advance, at least 6 months
- You’ll need to register it with Argentine authorities upon arrival
- Expect to pay an entry fee at the airport (in cash) & 4 hour waiting time
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 a third party company 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. You will definitely need to fill out the required forms for RENAR (Registro Nacional de Armas) in advance of your trip. 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.
The hunt starts before you arrive. It starts with what you bring and what you don’t.
Hunting Argentina is about terrain that changes, light that shifts, and days that go from warm to cold in hours. The right gear doesn’t just make the trip easier. It keeps you sharp, focused, and ready for the shot when it comes.
Clothing & Essentials
- Neutral colors or camo – nothing bright or reflective
- Comfortable hiking boots or mountain boots depending on region. Boots broken in, not brand new
- Hat – you’ll need shade
- Light backpack for snacks, water, extra layers, etc
- Jacket – light and/or insulated depending on region
- Rain Jacket – storms can come out of nowhere
- Binoculars – don’t borrow; bring the ones you trust
- Range finder
- Bug spray & sunscreen
Before your trip, check Accuweather. It’ll give you the closest read for planning your layers and timing. You’ll want to check Santa Rosa/LaPampa, Esquina/Corrientes, or Tupungato/Mendoza depending on which species you’re hunting and which lodge you stay at.
You will fly into Buenos Aires (EZE). Declare any hunting gear, optics, or equipment as personal use. A team member from the outfitter or prearranged driver will meet you just outside customs.
You can transfer to a local hotel or take a direct domestic flight to the lodge’s region depending on your schedule. If staying in Buenos Aires overnight, the outfitter will recommend where to eat, stay, and unwind before the next day’s travel.
Once you land in the lodge’s region, your guide or a lodge driver will meet you at the airport. From there, it’s a scenic ground transfer (anywhere from 1-2 hours depending on the lodge). You will arrive, settle in, unpack, check your gear, have a light lunch or coffee, and meet your Professional Hunter. In the afternoon, you will learn the orientation of the land. Return to the lodge, enjoy a prepared dinner, and sit by the fire.
Every day starts early. Coffee and breakfast before sunrise. You will then head out as the light breaks.
You’ll hunt with your guide by foot, vehicle, or horseback depending on the species and region. Midday, you will rest and enjoy lunch. The rhythm adjusts with the weather, the animals, and your own pace.
Afternoon, you will hunt until sunset. Once you return to the lodge you will enjoy dinner, drinks, and stories around the fire.
Taxidermy
For many hunters, the experience doesn’t end in the field – it continues with the trophy. Meat, hides, and trophies cannot be carried back in luggage. Exporting your trophy from Argentina to the U.S. is a smooth, professional process – when you work with the right team.
Export costs vary depending on the number of animals, species, and the final delivery location in the U.S. The outfitter can give you a quote before anything ships, so there are no surprises.
The outfitter will handle:
- Trophy preparation (skinning, salting, labeling)
- Required paperwork (hunting tags, export permits, health certifications)
- Coordination with Argentine customs & wildlife authorities
- Transport to the export facility in Buenos Aires
- Freight forwarding to the U.S.
- U.S. Fish & Wildlife clearance coordination
On average, trophy delivery to the U.S. takes 8 to 12 months from the date of the hunt. This can vary depending on species, inspection timing, and U.S. customs backlogs – but you will be informed every step of the way.