For hunters seeking something beyond the ordinary, Argentina delivers a unique kind of doubleheader—dove shooting and world-class red stag hunting, all in one smooth itinerary. The combination isn’t just possible; it’s practical, cost-effective, and logistically straightforward when planned properly.

While most international travelers think of Argentina as a dove-shooting mecca, fewer realize how strong the big game opportunities are, particularly during the red stag rut, which takes place from mid-March to mid-April. With the right timing and lodge pairing, you can do both on the same trip.

The Best of Both

An accomplished mixologist, even an above-average home bartender, knows that a well-balanced cocktail properly combines the bitter and the sweet for a layered complexity and smooth finish. There is also stringent consideration given to each ingredient, with only purposeful contributors added to create a pleasing overall experience. Similarly, combining a red stag hunt with a dove shoot isn’t just a clever use of time—it’s an elevated way to experience the best of what Argentina has to offer.

On one hand, red stag hunting is a focused, often intense pursuit. The rut—those few short weeks in March and April—is when these animals are most active and vocal. You’ll spend your days glassing distant ridgelines, stalking through brush, and positioning yourself for a clean shot. It’s the kind of hunting that demands patience, precision, and physical effort.

Dove shooting, by contrast, is high-volume and highly social. The action starts as soon as you’re in the field and doesn’t let up. There’s no pressure, no waiting game—just an endless stream of opportunities and the satisfaction of fast shooting. It’s casual, celebratory, and perfect for sharing with friends or family.

There’s also something to be said about weather and comfort. During the March–April window, temperatures are typically mild, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. The conditions are comfortable for both hunting styles—ideal for long hikes in the hills or long days in the dove fields without the extremes of summer or winter.

Two Excellent Itineraries

Sample Itinerary 1:

Cordoba Dove Shooting + Red Stag at Rincón de Luna

If convenience is your priority, this is the winning combination. Both operations are in Córdoba Province, eliminating the need for domestic flights.

Rincón de Luna
A private ranch located in the Sierras de Córdoba, Rincón de Luna offers red stag hunting during the rut or prime roar, which is March – mid-April. However, post-roar hunting is still excellent, exciting, and challenging. Red deer hunting is available until July 31st.

Hunts are typically conducted on horseback amidst mountainous terrain. Accommodations are upscale but relaxed. It’s an ideal setting for hunters who want a traditional stalking experience without the transoceanic travel to Europe or New Zealand.

Cordoba Dove Lodges
Córdoba is synonymous with high-volume dove shooting. Several lodge options exist, ranging from refined and rustic to ultra-luxurious. Regardless of which you choose, the action is reliably steady. In fact, it’s not uncommon to shoot thousands of rounds in a single day. Most lodges also offer gourmet meals, Argentine wines, and private rooms with top-tier service.

Distance between the two: About a 3-hour drive, making transitions easy and efficient.

Sample Itinerary 2:

Red Stag in Mendoza + Dove Shooting at El Monte Lodge (San Luis Province)

This itinerary offers a little more contrast and a touch of wine country flair.

Red Stag Patagonia (Mendoza)
Located in the heart of Argentina’s Mendoza wine region, this operation delivers big game hunting with a luxury twist. Hunters stay at a wine lodge and spend their days pursuing mature stags in the Andean foothills, either by horseback or ATV. The proximity to one of the world’s premier wine-producing regions means you’ll also enjoy excellent food and drink throughout your stay.

El Monte Lodge
A comfortable and traditional wingshooting lodge in San Luis Province, El Monte offers fantastic dove shooting with short drives to the fields and warm Argentine hospitality. The lodge intentionally spaces its groups with two-day gaps, which provides flexibility when coordinating with other hunts.

Distance between the two: About a 5-hour drive—scenic, manageable, and well worth the effort.

Pro Tip: Start with the Stag

We strongly recommend beginning your trip with the red stag hunt. Why? Because tagging out can happen early—sometimes within the first couple days. Starting with the big game component allows flexibility. Once you’ve filled your tag, you can pivot to wingshooting without worry. And because most bird lodges have some padding between group arrivals, it’s usually possible to shift dates with minimal fuss—as long as this flexibility is built into your planning from the start.

Argentina vs New Zealand: A Smarter Play for Stag

It’s no secret that Argentina’s red stag hunting offers excellent value. While trophy quality is on par with what you’d expect in New Zealand, the price tag is not. In fact, many clients report paying half the cost for a similar or better experience when factoring in travel, trophy fees, and overall logistics. Add in the shorter flight from the U.S. and reduced jet lag, and the decision becomes even easier.

Ready to Book Your Own Custom Itinerary?

Whether you’re looking for a seamless combo in Córdoba or a stag-and-wine adventure followed by doves in San Luis, we’ll help you make it happen. With over 50 years of experience crafting sporting itineraries in Argentina, our team has the on-the-ground relationships and firsthand knowledge to ensure every aspect of your trip runs smoothly.

Contact us today to begin planning your custom Argentina hunting adventure. From stag to dove, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

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