The Best Times of Year to Hunt in Argentina

Argentina is a dream destination for hunters – whether you’re after high-volume dove shooting, majestic red stag in rut, or combining multi-species hunts. But timing is crucial. The seasons in Argentina align with southern hemisphere weather and species behavior. Below, we break down the best months for different hunts, expert advice, and how to pick the season that fits your goals.

Wingshooting & Dove Hunting: Year-Round Opportunity, but Peak Windows Exist

When is the best time to go wingshooting or dove hunting in Argentina?

One of Argentina’s unique advantages is that dove hunting is legal year-round, with no fixed bag limits in many regions like Córdoba.

That said, not every month offers identical conditions.

• Spring (September to December) brings mild weather, high activity, and pleasant shooting conditions.
• Summer (December to March) offers long daylight hours, but midday heat and occasional storms can challenge comfort.
• Autumn (March to May) is often recommended for combining dove shooting with big game hunts, and comfortable conditions prevail.
• Winter (June to August) is cooler and drier; shooting remains good in many dove country zones, though more remote areas may see bird migrations or lower field density.

Tip: If your trip includes both wingshooting and big game (e.g. red stag), autumn (March through May) often gives you the overlap window for both. 

Red Stag & Big Game: Hit the Rut for Maximum Trophy Potential

What months yield the best red stag (and other big game) hunts in Argentina?

For big game like red stag, the prime season is concentrated in the fall and early winter of the southern hemisphere – roughly March to July. 

• The rut / roaring season (when stags call, become more active, defend hinds) typically peaks mid-March through April.
  Many outfitters note that red stag season begins March 1 and runs through June or July.
• After peak rut (April), good hunts persist into May–June, though behavior becomes more cautious and movements reduce. 

If you aim for trophy red stag with rut advantage, plan your trip in March–April.

Multi-Species & Combo Hunts: Aligning Peaks

How do you coordinate a hunt covering birds, deer, and other species?

To maximize value, many hunters want to stack species in one trip e.g. wingshooting + red stag + waterfowl or boar. Here are some tips:

• March–May (Autumn) is the “sweet spot” for combining dove shooting and big game.
• In April, you benefit from excellent stag activity (peak rut) and still favorable wingshooting conditions.
• For wild boar, the season is often open year-round; many outfitters schedule boar hunts flexibly to fit with other hunts.
• Regions like Patagonia / southern Argentina may have more challenging winter conditions; heavy snow or cold can limit access later in season.

Weather & Logistics: What to Expect by Season

How do Argentina’s climates and logistics affect your hunt timing?

Understanding seasonal weather is vital:

• April to October generally offers cooler, drier conditions optimal for hunting and fishing, especially in subtropical regions.
  In northern provinces (e.g., Córdoba, Santa Fe), the summer months bring heat and occasional storms, demanding flexible scheduling.
  In Patagonia / Andean zones, later in the season (June–July) you risk colder temperatures, snow, or shorter daylight.
• Logistically, field access, road conditions, and lodge operations may vary by month. Some remote lodges may reduce operations in off-peak season for staff or maintenance.
• Also check local hunting regulations, season dates per province, and permit windows – some regions impose seasonal closures or restricted zones.

Strategy & Recommendations: Choosing the Right Timing

Which time should you choose, based on your goals?

To help you decide, here are some recommended approaches:

• If your goal is massive wingshooting numbers, plan in spring or autumn when weather is mild and dove densities are high.
• If your priority is trophy red stag, lock in March–April to get the full advantage of the rut.
• If you want a balanced combo hunt (birds + big game), target April as your anchor month.
• Don’t overstretch into the late season in southern zones; the environment may become less forgiving.
• Book early! Top lodges and guided hunts fill up during the prime months (March–May).
• Ask your outfitter about field leases, bird migration patterns, and lodge availability when selecting your dates.
  

Argentina offers some of the most flexible and high-yield hunting opportunities in the world. While dove shooting is possible year-round, your best windows for combining wingshooting, red stag, and multi-species hunts tend to fall between March and May, with March–April being the heart of red stag rut. Align your priorities, weather expectations, and logistics and you’ll maximize both enjoyment and results!

Ready to plan your Argentine adventure?

Contact Pointer Outfitters today to design your custom hunting itinerary. Pick the months that match your goals, lock in your lodge, and hunt with confidence.