Argentina: Hunting and Fishing Tours
A Fishing and Hunting Paradise
At Escapeartist, we try very hard to address the needs and interests of ALL of our clients and friends. And with the multiple and varied interests, that can be quite a challenge! It is our goal, however, to familiarize you with a specific country (in this case Argentina!) to the point that when you visit that country, you can move about with a greater degree of comfort and surety, knowing that you are a knowledgeable and informed visitor and that if necessary, you still have your Escapeartist advisors to fall back on for help.
As you know, we make a point in each of our issues to provide you with pertinent information on the regular and continuing subjects of About Argentina, Traveling to Argentina, Investing in Argentina, Living in Argentina, Working in Argentina, Entertainment and Culture in Argentina, and Real Estate in Argentina. However, recognizing the old adage that “all work, and no play, makes for a dull boy,” we have chosen to also address the need for “FUN!” So it is that in this issue we are adding an additional column on Sports and Leisure in Argentina. …so enjoy! …or as they say in Spanish, “Disfruta!”
As the eighth largest country in the world, Argentina is blessed with an exceptional diversity of geography, topography, resources, and culture. It is easy to be dazzled by the cosmopolitan energy of Buenos Aires, “the Paris of South America.” It is natural to fall into the relaxed, tranquil pace of the Mendoza wine country. And one cannot visit Cordoba without noticing and even “feeling” the wonderful colonial heritage. But when one gets outside the cities, or when one looks beyond the high-rises, and grape vines, and historic architecture to the horizon, one really begins to grasp the “essence” of Argentina.
The Argentina “outdoors” is a sight to behold! Beautiful! Majestic! Awe-inspiring! Stunning! …There are not enough superlatives to truly do Argentina justice. Whether it is the incredible rugged beauty of the Torres del Paine National Park, the wide-open grasslands of the Las Pampas, the inviting white sand beaches of the Atlantic coastline, or the remote tranquility of a crystal-clear Patagonian lake, there are stunning vistas EVERYWHERE to take ones breath away. And for those wanting to “participate” in this grandeur rather than just view it, Argentina is an outdoorsman’s paradise!
Fishing and hunting in Argentina is not only a long standing traditional and cultural heritage for Argentineans, but a growing and valued sector of the tourism economy as well. Lacking proper governance at the National level, it is not without its opponents and protagonists. But with a plethora of professional guides and outfitters, there are many who are not just out for the quick dollar. There are many who take their profession and their business seriously, performing the due diligence, participating in and directing field studies, doing the research to insure the health and sustainability of the fish and wildlife in their jurisdiction.
There are few National fishing and hunting regulations in Argentina. Instead, each Province creates and enforces their own fish and game laws, with some Provinces out-rightly prohibiting hunting and fishing, while other Provinces pay little attention to fishing and hunting activities. Seasons vary from Province to Province; what is legal in one Province is illegal in the next Province, and there is little cooperation between the Provinces. This system seems to have more disadvantages than it does advantages, sometimes creating needless difficulty and confusion. Additionally, without a National governance of the fish and wildlife resource, funding and coordination for proper research and management is sorely lacking. …but that is only from my narrow western viewpoint and, as they say, “When in Rome…”
Argentina has a huge variety of fish and wildlife species, both native and introduced. The varied environment of thirteen distinct ecosystems provides ideal habitat for many different species. The pristine, fresh, clear lakes, rivers, and streams, as well as the fertile Southern Atlantic Ocean, provide sustainable habitat for an abundance of fresh and saltwater fish species. As one of Argentina’s many natural resources, fish and wildlife has become a tourist draw as well, both for ecotourism (bird watching, whale watching, wildlife viewing and photography) and the sportsman (hunting and fishing). According to National Wildlife Directorate’s Marcelo Silva Croome, there has been a very large increase in the number of foreign tourists arriving in Argentina for the fishing and hunting opportunities available.
For the fisherman, Argentina is known as one of the premier fishing destinations worldwide. With such endemic species as the Dorado (Salminus maxillosus) (known as “The Tiger of the River”), the Chafalotes( Raphiodon vulipinus), the Tarariras (Hoplias malabaricus Nossy Fish), the Manguruyu (Pimelodus zungaro), the Suribi (Pseudoplatystoma), Pacu (Pacu esopotamicus), the Boga (Leporinus obtusidens), the Liza (Mugil), the Pati (Luciopimelodus pati), the Silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis), the Sabalo (Prochilodus lineatus), the Black Drum (Pogonias cromis), the Mero (Acanthistius brasilianus), the Yellowtail (Seriola lalandi), the Argentinean Sandperch (Pinguipes somnambula), Sole, Sharks, and Rays, the sport fisherman has ample opportunity for fun and excitement! And with the addition of introduced species such as Steelhead, Land-locked Atlantic Salmon, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Carp, the fisherman can go “pesca loca” (fishing crazy!)!
battle a feisty Golden Dorado
So whether you find yourself fishing the pure waters of Patagonian lakes, rivers, or streams for Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout, or you find yourself battling a feisty Golden Dorado in the Ibera Marshes or the Parana River, or maybe stalking the elusive and challenging steelhead in the Santa Cruz River as it returns from the sea—whether spin casting, bait casting, trolling, or fly-fishing—you will experience the fishing adventure of a lifetime! It is estimated that in excess of 30,000 foreigners per year visit Argentina for the fishing thrill. …and they DO NOT go away disappointed!
For hunters, visiting Argentina is just as fulfilling and exciting as it is for the fisherman. Long known as a paradise for wing-shooters, the big game, small game, and exotics hunting is every bit as rewarding. With a healthy variety of both big and small game endemic species, the hunter is sure not to be bored! In addition to the endemic species however are several exotics, or planted species, that have become well established and in many cases have become pests to the detriment of native flora and fauna alike.
Imported by wealthy Europeans in the early 1900’s, species such as Fallow deer (Dama dama), chital deer (Axis axis), red deer (Cervus elaphus), blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), European wild pigs (Sus scrofa), water buffalo (Bubalus bubalis), rabbits, and foxes have multiplied and are available to the big and small game hunter. Of the endemic species, puma (Felis concolor), white-lipped and collared peccaries (Tayassu pecari and Tayassu tajacu), and vizcacha (Lagostomus maximus)(a chinchilla-like rodent), round out the big and small game hunters palette.
And, as mentioned, the wing-shooting is phenomenal! Known in particular for the pigeon and dove hunting, it is not unusual for the hunter to have 1500 shots per day if so inclined (…and able to afford the shot shells!). The flocks of pigeons and doves that pass by in a day are not counted in the tens and twenties, but in the millions! For a region whose primary economy is agriculture, doves and pigeons (especially in the numbers seen in Argentina!) are considered pests and hunters are usually welcome with open arms…for a fee of course! It is safe to say that there is probably no other place in the world where one can do as much shooting in one day as they can in Argentina! Needless to say, with that much shooting, shooting glasses, hearing protectors, and shoulder pads are highly recommended! To round out the wing shooting, there are numerous species of ducks, geese, partridge, and grouse available as well.
So whether scoping and then stalking a giant red stag across a Patagonian canyon, following a pack of barking and howling dogs through the dark of night in pursuit of a wild European boar, carefully and stealthily approaching an unknowing water buffalo, or simply staring in awe and forgetting to even shoot as the sky and horizon darken with doves, the experience of hunting in Argentina will be a memorable one. With the surrounding beauty and pristine environment one cannot help but wonder why they have waited so long to come here. With the excitement of the hunt or the fishing adventure, and with the overwhelming generosity and warmth of Argentina’s people, you will be planning your next visit even before you leave! Argentina is not and should not be a once in a lifetime experience! Argentina is meant to be enjoyed—meant to be explored. …Argentina is meant for you!
So, for the fishermen and hunters amongst you, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? As IGA has been informing you, Argentina is ripe with investment opportunity, blessed with amazing geographical and cultural diversity, a wonderful place to visit and live, largely English speaking, and very welcoming of foreigners. If fishing and hunting are of interest to you, then this is just one more reason, one more incentive for you to pack your bags and head for Argentina. Let IGA be your personal representative and advisor in all of your Argentina adventures, whether it be for investment, for moving to or visiting Argentina, for exploring the culture, or enjoying the nightlife…or for locating the most reputable and knowledgeable hunting and fishing outfitter—Escapeartist is here to help.
For more information on investing in, traveling to, living in, or how you can enjoy Argentina’s hunting and fishing resources and opportunities, please CLICK HERE
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Dear Tom:
Great article. Makes me want to go back for some Dorado fishing. If I knew how to do it I would put a link to your article on my article on this site “Trout Fishing in Patagonia”. Keep them coming.
Best,
Steven