Considering NZ or Argentina for stag… experiences/advice?

[RLXFXR]

I’m looking to do a New Zealand or Argentinian red stag hunt in 2025. Can anyone offer experiences/insight into their experience and why they chose one place over the other? I’m wondering if one is easier/cheaper to ship/import horns and hide to the U.S.

 

[ianpadron]

Hangin' around for this one. Both are on my radar as well, curious to hear first hand experiences

 

[Duckhunterbrad]

I've had two close friends go to NZ for stag and both had a great time. Those giant stag all come from HF operations, no judgement against that type of hunting just wanting to make you aware. I can get the outfitters contact for you. I have been to Argentina although for a dove/duck hunt and the accommodations and hunts were absolutely first class all the way. Argentina was one of the few places that I felt I really need to get back to ASAP.

 

[RLXFXR]

I've had two close friends go to NZ for stag and both had a great time. Those giant stag all come from HF operations, no judgement against that type of hunting just wanting to make you aware. I can get the outfitters contact for you. I have been to Argentina although for a dove/duck hunt and the accommodations and hunts were absolutely first class all the way. Argentina was one of the few places that I felt I really need to get back to ASAP.

Fortunately, I’m not looking for a giant stag

 

[StupidLightweight]

Personally, if I were doing this hunt, I'd do it one of two ways. If going guided, I'd book Patagonia, Argentina. According to the people I know who've done it, they said it was a blast.

If you're going DIY, NZ is where it's at. But keep in mind the free-range stags locals shoot are nothing like the freaks behind the fences. Another bonus of NZ is all the other stuff you can add on. DIY tahr and chamois in the Southern Alps is the best value around.

 

[Cornhusker]

I went to NZ in 23 it was a good experience but not an awesome hunt. Outfitter was great and his area was relatively big but high fenced as all are except for some government lands. It wasn't grueling or real physical but fun just not like a normal hunt I take because of high fence which I guess I have a dislike of.

Just a suggestion but after your hunt of 3 or 4 day as they usually aren't real long rent a camper van and do the South or North Island. I did a month in a van a lot of free camping some paid relatively cheap and it is an awesome country to see. I'll go back in a year or two buy a camper van spend 3 months on both islands and then sell the van before I leave. Have fun either way Argentina or NZ.

 

[Hunt eat repeat]

A friend of mine went to Argentina and killed a beautiful stag and was unable to import it. Turned into a giant debacle with the outfitter. He’s the only person I’ve heard have a bad experience in Argentina.

 

[kybuck1]

I had always wanted to go to NZ anyway so did a stag/tahr hunt there. I'm no expert with fences, free range type scenarios but I'll give you some insight on my hunt. Places I hunted had fences. When I questioned the guides/owners they would swear up and down the stag could easily jump them and they were not just planted there. Said they lose stags every year that jump the fences. Truth or not....who knows. I feel like most places that can put a price tag on a relative size animal prob is a "fenced" operation that we think of. My hunt was that. I wanted to kill a big one during the roar for my likely one time trip and I was successful at that. Lots of hiking, no baiting or anything that I saw, and we saw quite a few animals. The tahr hunt was no fences at all and in the wilderness area. Locals and government see them as pests and not uncommon for the government to kill a bunch if harvest quotas are not being met with hunters. Did see a few stags out and about when on the tahr hunt but nothing great. No natural predators there which was very interesting to me. An animal carcass would just lay there for months rotting away. Also the locals could care less about the stags. They love hog hunting with dogs though. Best part of the trip was my wife and father in law went and my hunt was over in 3 day and I spent the rest of my time touring the south island, enjoying food and the experience. Beautiful place to visit and very much into a sustainable culture and makes you realize how dirty the states really area. I would 100 percent suggest that trip whether you do a free range/fence/just touring visit.

 

[RLXFXR]

I had always wanted to go to NZ anyway so did a stag/tahr hunt there. I'm no expert with fences, free range type scenarios but I'll give you some insight on my hunt. Places I hunted had fences. When I questioned the guides/owners they would swear up and down the stag could easily jump them and they were not just planted there. Said they lose stags every year that jump the fences. Truth or not....who knows. I feel like most places that can put a price tag on a relative size animal prob is a "fenced" operation that we think of. My hunt was that. I wanted to kill a big one during the roar for my likely one time trip and I was successful at that. Lots of hiking, no baiting or anything that I saw, and we saw quite a few animals. The tahr hunt was no fences at all and in the wilderness area. Locals and government see them as pests and not uncommon for the government to kill a bunch if harvest quotas are not being met with hunters. Did see a few stags out and about when on the tahr hunt but nothing great. No natural predators there which was very interesting to me. An animal carcass would just lay there for months rotting away. Also the locals could care less about the stags. They love hog hunting with dogs though. Best part of the trip was my wife and father in law went and my hunt was over in 3 day and I spent the rest of my time touring the south island, enjoying food and the experience. Beautiful place to visit and very much into a sustainable culture and makes you realize how dirty the states really area. I would 100 percent suggest that trip whether you do a free range/fence/just touring visit.

Thanks for sharing your experience