Argentina Game Size: From Wing Shooting to Big Game
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Argentina is a world class hunting paradise known for its diverse range of game species, offering a perfect experience for anyone. Whether you are an avid wingshooter, a big game hunter, or an outdoorsman looking for something new this country provides excellent opportunities.
In this post, we’ll explore the different game types available in Argentina. We’ll begin with wing shooting then small game, mid-range game, and finally, the big game. For each category, we’ll also highlight the appropriate guns and ammo, helping to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next Argentine hunting adventure.
Wingshooting
Argentina is widely renowned as a wingshooter’s paradise, offering some of the highest volume bird hunting in the world. Regions like Santa Fe provide unmatched opportunities to hunt doves, where shooting thousands in a single day is a common occurrence. In addition to doves, the country’s diverse landscapes—wetlands, pampas, and farmlands—support other abundant bird populations year-round, including pigeons, various duck species, and perdiz (or partridge).
With thrilling, fast-paced action and luxurious hunting lodges, Argentina delivers an unforgettable wingshooting experience for both seasoned hunters and newcomers. No matter the species you are interested in – or a combination, Argentina’s wingshooting adventures are unrivaled in their scale and excitement.
Dove
Arguably Argentina’s most famous species, doves are small, fast-flying birds that thrive in Argentina’s fertile regions, especially around grain fields.
- Famous for large population numbers and unpredictable flight patterns.
- Can shoot hundreds, if not thousands, in a single day.
- Found in grain fields, especially in northern Argentina.
Dove Shooting Argentina
Season: September – April
- 4 nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 4 full Dove Hunting days (High Volume)
- Gun rental available
- Hunting License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Entre Rios, Argentina
Season: May – August
- 5 Nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 5 Hunting & Fishing days (Dove, Duck, Partridge, Pigeon hunting and Dorado fishing),
- Gun rental and fishing equipment available
- Hunting and Fishing License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Entre Rios, Argentina
Season: September – April
- 4 Nights of full deluxe lodging in double occupancy rooms
- 2 Full days of Dorado Fishing
- 2 Full days of Dove Shooting
- Gun rental and Fishing equipment available
- Hunting & Fishing License
- Full boarding service – Open Bar
Pigeon
Pigeons are larger and more powerful fliers than doves, offering an exciting challenge for wingshooters.
- Larger than doves, often hunted alongside them.
- Requires slightly more powerful loads due to size.
- Fast-paced shooting, offering an exhilarating experience.
Duck
A variety of ducks are abundant in Argentina’s wetlands and provide great hunting opportunities during early mornings and evenings.
- Inhabit Argentina's wetlands and are best hunted at dawn or dusk.
- Decoy sets and calling are commonly used for successful hunts.
- Many species to choose from, each with unique behaviors.
Perdiz
Perdiz, a ground-dwelling partridge, is a prized upland bird that provides challenging, low-flying targets.
- A type of partridge, known for ground-dwelling behavior.
- Often hunted with dogs that flush them out for short, quick flights.
- Found in the grasslands of Argentina.
- Requires precision shooting as they fly low and fast.
Guns & Ammo for This Game
When wingshooting in Argentina, the preferred firearms are usually 20-gauge or 12-gauge shotguns. When choosing, consider the volume of shooting you intend to do and make a decision that balances power and ease of shooting. For doves lighter loads such as #7.5 or #8 shot shells are commonly used, as they provide sufficient power to take down these fast-flying birds without excessive recoil. Slightly larger shot sizes will normally be used for pigeon and perdiz. When hunting ducks, heavier loads like #2 or BB shot are more effective due to the birds’ size and thicker plumage.
Selecting the appropriate ammunition ensures efficient shooting and maximizes your success in the field. Make sure to speak with SAAS before your hunt to learn more about the specific shells you will need. Some variances can occur depending on time of year and type of hunt. We are happy to answer all questions you have to guarantee the best trip possible.
Small Game & Varmint
Argentina’s plentiful small game and varmints provide exciting and supplemental hunting opportunities. The country’s plains and rural areas are home to various species that keep your hunting skills sharp.
Hunters can chase these species when other species are not in season, conditions are not ideal, or if they are looking for something different.
Hare
Hares are fast, agile creatures that can be a real test of a hunter’s reflexes and marksmanship.
- Fast and elusive, requiring patience and quick reflexes.
- Hunted in open fields and meadows.
Fox
Foxes are sly and intelligent, offering a thrilling and strategic hunt as they outmaneuver the hunter.
- Often considered a varmint species and hunted to prevent livestock predation
- Provides a challenging hunt due to their cunning nature.
Guns & Ammo for This Game
For small game and varmints, hunters typically use small-bore rifles such as .22 LR, .17 HMR, or lightweight shotguns, depending on the size of the target and hunting style. Hollow point or soft point ammunition is ideal for ensuring clean kills with minimal damage to the animals. The right choice of gear allows for ethical hunting of fast-moving or elusive species.
Mid Range Game
Mid-range game in Argentina offers hunters a balance between the thrill of small game and the challenge of big game. The country’s diverse environments provide the perfect backdrop for a variety of mid-sized species.
Wild Boar
Wild boars are aggressive, tough animals that make for a thrilling and challenging mid-range hunt in Argentina.
- Aggressive and strong, requiring powerful shots.
- Often hunted in dense brush or grasslands.
- Known for their tough hide and aggressive behavior.
Feral Goat
Feral goats are challenging and resilient, often found in rocky or mountainous regions, making for an exciting hunt.
- Tough and agile, known for living in rugged terrain.
- Requires accurate shooting due to their hardy nature.
- Offers an exciting hunt in mountainous regions.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer, known for their unique palmate antlers, provide a beautiful and rewarding mid-range hunting experience.
- Medium-sized deer with distinctive palm-shaped antlers.
- Commonly found in forested or open grassland areas.
- Known for their cautious behavior and requiring skillful stalking.
Guns & Ammo for This Game
For mid-range game, medium-caliber rifles like the .243, .270, or .308 are well-suited to handle these animals. Ammunition with soft point or ballistic tip bullets is highly recommended, ensuring an ethical kill by delivering the right balance of energy and expansion on impact.
As always, reach out to us at SAAS to learn more about what specific caliber would be best for the game you are considering.
Big Game
Argentina’s big game opportunities match the world’s best, with opportunities for incredible Red Stag to Water Buffalo. These hunts are often challenging and require both skill and endurance, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Argentina's varied landscapes—from the rugged terrains of Patagonia to the marshes of the north—provide ideal habitats for a wide range of big game species.
Hunters can pursue the famed red stag during the rut, track elusive animals through dense brush, or face the power of water buffalo. The adrenaline and thrill of Argentina’s big game hunting is truly unmatched on the global stage.
Red Stag
Red stags are majestic animals, prized for their impressive antlers and the thrilling roar during the rut.
- The crown jewel of Argentina’s big game species.
- Known for its impressive antlers and thrilling rutting season.
- Hunted in the Patagonian region.
La Pampa, Argentina
Season: March – July
- 6 Nights and 5 Hunting Days
- One free range Red Stag trophy (no limit on score)
- Full board lodging – Open Bar
- One-on-one guiding
Patagonia, Argentina
Season: March - April
- 5 Nights and 5 Hunting Days
- One free range Red Stag trophy (no limit on score)
- Full board lodging – Open Bar
- One-on-one guiding
- Hunting License
- Gun rental available including ammo
Patagonia, Argentina
Season: March – May
- 5 Nights and 5 Hunting Days
- One Gold Medal Red Stag trophy (400-440 SCI class)
- Full board lodging – Open Bar
- One-on-one guiding
- Hunting License
- Gun rental available including ammo
La Pampa, Argentina
Season: March – July
- 6 Nigths and 5 Hunting Days
- One Gold Medal Red Stag trophy (400-420 SCI class)
- Full board lodging – Open Bar
- One-on-one guiding
- Gun rental available including ammo
Water Buffalo
Water buffalo are powerful and dangerous, making them one of the most challenging and rewarding big game species to hunt.
- Tough, powerful, and challenging to hunt.
- Found in the marshes and grasslands of northern Argentina.
- Requires heavy firepower for an ethical kill.
Fallow Deer
Fallow deer, known for their unique palmate antlers, provide a beautiful and rewarding mid-range hunting experience.
- Medium-sized deer with distinctive palm-shaped antlers.
- Commonly found in forested or open grassland areas.
- Known for their cautious behavior and requiring skillful stalking.
Guns & Ammo for This Game
For big game hunting, large-caliber rifles such as the .30-06, .300 Win Mag, or even the .375 H&H are essential for taking down large, tough animals. Controlled-expansion bullets are ideal, ensuring deep penetration and stopping power needed for larger targets.
Conclusion
Argentina offers an unparalleled range of hunting experiences, from high-paced wingshooting to the thrill of big game. The variety of species and the challenge they present ensure that hunters of all skill levels will find something to enjoy. To maximize your chances of success, having the right gear, knowledge of the species, and an understanding of the terrain are essential.
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, Argentina’s vast and diverse landscapes offer an unparalleled adventure. At South American Adventure Safaris, we’re not just a service—we’re your dedicated hunting outfitter, committed to delivering an exceptional experience tailored to your needs. Our expert team will guide you through every step of your journey, from planning and organizing your hunt to providing on-the-ground support and real-time updates.
With our deep knowledge of the terrain, target animals, extensive experience, and a passion for hunting, we ensure that you spend more time enjoying the hunt and less time worrying about the details. Choose South American Adventure Safaris for a premier hunting experience where every aspect is crafted for your success and enjoyment.
