June, 2014: We enjoyed our days hunting at Rincon de Luna.  Our guides met us each morning with our horses, Pedro and Shilo. These horses were comfortable, stable, and confident on the rocky, steep terrain.  The days are long with departure from the lodge right before sunrise…returning around 1:30 PM for a lunch and short nap before departing again at 3:30 PM.  In the evenings, we travel by 4WD to the hunting areas since the hunting time is short prior to sunset.

We hunted hard under very fair chase conditions.  We hiked the mountaintops and spent a lot of time glassing the draws and meadows for a stag.  We were into animals every hunt, but they are keenly aware at this time of the season and it is tough to get in range for the trophies.  After the second day, I wished that I had spent a little more time in the gym prior to our departure.

We timed this trip around a college summer break and knew we were coming a little late in the season.  Most of our clients hunt during “The Roar” from late March to early May.  At that time of the year, they have only one thing on their mind…and it is not about being worried about getting shot!  They also bugle during the rut (like our American elk) and that makes it a lot easier to find them!

We had a great opportunity at a great stag the first morning, but he was surrounded by spikes and we could not get a clean shot.  On day two, we had another opportunity within 100 yards, but the angle was poor and we passed on the shot.  The final morning we stalked a group for about two hours and my stepson was able to get a clean broadside shot at 165 yards.  It was a great end to the trip!  We said goodbye to the fine staff at Rincon de Luna and returned to Cordoba for our flights home…

By Mike Fitzgerald, Jr.