Hunting in Argentina

Visas

No visa is required for citizens of the United States, Britain, Canada, Australia, or the European Union for stays of less than 90 days.

Importing Firearms

Increasing numbers of hunters now rent firearms for their Argentina hunts to avoid the hassle of bringing them, and many outfitters are equipped with excellent guns to rent—but be sure to check with your outfitter first if you wish to go this route.

Gun-import requirements for Argentina have been in flux in recent years, which has caused some confusion for visiting hunters. Visitors who want to import breech loading shotguns or rifles can do so by having their application filled out before hand with the help of their outfitter and then apply for the import permit upon arrival. If you want to import a semi-automatic gun you need to do so by applying for a temporary import permit at the nearest Argentine Consulate, which must be done in person. Check with your outfitter in advance of your trip for the most up-to-date requirements. You will definitely need to fill out the required forms for RENAR (Registro Nacional de Armas) in advance of your trip; you should be able to get these forms from your outfitter. If you can make your port of entry Cordoba as many hunters report entering Cordoba with guns is much less time consuming than Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires, where many hunters arrive, has two airports: Ezeisa Airport (EZE) is where many international flights arrive. Many domestic flights leave from Newbery Airport (AEP), which is across town. It can take as much as two hours to go from one to the other, so if you are connecting, it’s important to allow plenty of time.

It’s a good idea to arrange for someone to meet you at the airport to assist with rifle importation, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. You will collect your luggage and take your guns to the RENAR office, where your paperwork will be processed. Then you will have to go through Argentine customs, where a second round of paperwork is required. The process is time-consuming.

It’s important to keep your RENAR papers and passport with you at all times while you are hunting in case you are stopped by a routine police check.

Argentina’s winter climate is mostly mild during hunting season. Rain gear is always a must, as are waterproof boots. If you are wingshooting, prepare for shooting many, many rounds; a jacket or vest with a recoil pad is a good idea, and shooting gloves are a must. Many outfitters recommend semiautomatic shotguns as they have less recoil; either 12- or 20-gauge guns are fine. For wingshooting, you will purchase shells from your outfitter and be charged for those you use at the end of the trip. Big-game hunting areas vary in terms of terrain and difficulty, so consult with your outfitter for a recommended gear list.

Taxidermy

It’s important to note that most species native to Argentina, such as puma, peccary, and brocket deer, can be legally hunted in many provinces but cannot be exported. Introduced species such as red stag can be exported with the proper permits. When your hunt is completed, your outfitter can arrange to have your trophies shipped to a taxidermist to prepare them for shipping and export.