The hunting property consists of 25,000 acres of mountainous terrain with rolling hills, rivers, and streams flowing throughout. It is split into 12,500 acres of free-range hunting and 12,500 acres of high-fence hunting.
When searching for their property, the owner’s goal was to find an area teaming with game, and they succeeded! They have large numbers of red stag and other species on this property. They also created a fantastic high-fenced area. They do not believe in put and take, so all the animals you go after were born in the high fence area and experience exposure to the wild throughout their life.
This quaint, boutique lodge is furnished comfortably. You will see the Argentinian influence at every turn with its patterns, colors, and natural woods. Your family will enjoy the stunning views of the Argentina countryside, the hearty food, the hot tub, and the kind staff’s attention to detail. Everything you need will be provided for you. This will soon become a second home to you!
You fly into Aviador Carlos Campos Airport (CPC) in San Martin de los Andes where the lodge will pick you up for the 1 hour drive to the lodge.
Accommodations & Meals
Accommodations are top notch; the lodge was recently renovated and offers three luxurious bedrooms with nice private bathrooms. Each room has a king size bed that can be split into 2 twin beds. There is a comfortable sitting & dining area that provides a beautiful view over the ranch. The chef excels in the preparation of delicious local and international cuisine. Wine and beer are freely available during meals.
The lodge has 3 guides so a group of 3 hunters or more can have a private lodge.
Hunting
The Estate: This beautiful mountainous terrain is the perfect habitat for several species including the majestic red stag, fallow deer, Russian boar, Pere David’s deer, European mouflon, Black Jacob’s ram, Patagonian dall, Patagonian ram, Multi-horned sheep, Wild Goat and Balearean Bock. Hunters will find this country vast and open, making it easy to spot game at a distance from high vantage points. The captivating surroundings and the wilderness of the country provide the most demanding and experienced hunters with a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience.
Axis, blackbuck and water buffalo: if interested in these trophies you can go on a day hunt to a larger ranch just 2 hours down the road.
The estate has an extensive road system so hunters can reach almost every part of the ranch in 4WD vehicles. Most hunts start from the lodge with a 4WD vehicle ride but horses are an option as well if you prefer. Once a trophy is spotted the final approach is done on foot.
Free-range species: red stag, wild boar and puma are the only free-range species. Realistically free-range stags range between 225-250 gross SCI which is not very big but numbers are good. The bottom line is there are better places to go for a quality free-range stag than here. You can give it a try but be open to hunting in the estate if you don’t see what you want. Puma cannot be imported into the USA.
Rainfall is a big factor in the free-range hunting. On dry years there is little grass so the stags move to areas with better grasslands.
The free-range road system is not very good.
Hunters can expect to hike 1-15 miles per day depending on your physical abilities. If needed, you and your guide can spend most of your time driving the ranch by truck. It’s up to you.
Bow hunters will be hunting spot & stalk style primarily. Blinds are rarely used because there are no watering holes and areas with concentrated game where they are effective. You need to be proficient at a minimum of 50 yards knowing shots out to 70+ yards are very realistic. Be prepared for strong crosswind shooting, holding at full draw to wait for a good shot, quick shots, shots kneeling/ sitting or from other awkward positions and be able to stay low and crawl into position. You need to be in good shape and practice!
Bow shot opportunity in the estate: defined as having 1 or more trophy animals in shooting range, red stag and fallow have been 100% shot opportunity; Pere David’s 85%; Axis, Mouflan, sheep, goats 50%; boar 20% and blackbuck 10%.
Your host and other employees speak English but the guides predominately speak Spanish and a little English. You can ask for an interpreter if you wish for an extra cost. They will have a small book with English to Spanish basics.
The roar for red stag is mid-March through April. The season for hunting is March through June.
Rental Rifles
The lodge has quality rifles for rent with quality optics. They have several calibers including 300WM, 30-06 SPRG, 7MM REM, 308 WIN & 270 WIN. One box of ammo is included in the rental rate. Additional boxes are extra. Details below.
Activities
Observers will be able to relax and enjoy the beautiful lodge, go horseback riding and hiking. The lodge can also arrange a drive back into San Martin de los Andes for shopping and sightseeing. There is a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course called Chapelco here as well.
Length of Stay / Itinerary
Length of stay varies based on the number and kind of species you want to hunt. Usually a minimum of 5 days is needed.
Travel Details & Location
Normally leave the states the afternoon / evening of your departure day and arrive in Buenos Aires the following morning. After clearing Customs, a lodge representative will escort you to your flight to San Martin de los Andes (2:15 mins). Upon arrival, a lodge representative will pick you up for the 1-hour drive to the lodge. On departure day you will depart after breakfast to begin your trip home arriving home the following day.
Arrival day check-in is 4PM and departure day check-out is 10AM.
Trip Insurance & Cancellation Info
Trip insurance is highly recommended to protect your investment on this trip. We will assist you with trip insurance upon booking. See links at the bottom of this page for the two providers we suggest for our clients.
Family Expeditions, LLC confirmation and refund policy:
If your trip is more than 90 days out from date of departure, a 50% non-refundable deposit confirms your reservation and must be received within 10 days of booking to confirm your dates. All trips must be paid in full at least 90 days prior to the departure date. If your trip date is within 90 days, FULL payment for the trip is required. All payments to Family Expeditions are non-refundable. Should you need to reschedule or cancel your trip, we will do everything in our power to assist you in finding a suitable substitute or transferring your dates per the lodge/providers/government requirements. Trip insurance protects your investment!
