Red Stag Tupungato

Mendoza, Argentina
Red Stag, Fallow Deer & Wild Boar

 

Marvel at the serenity of Red Stag Patagonia's lakeside retreat as you encounter graceful deer in their natural habitat

Red Stag Patagonia is proud to offer a hunting program on one of the best red stag preserves in South America. Owned by one of the oldest families in Mendoza, your hosts have been breeding and managing red stag herds for the last 20 years. By interbreeding local stock with some of the very best bloodlines from Europe and New Zealand, they have today some of the biggest and healthiest herds in the country.

The beautiful ranch main house, located right in the middle of the property, serves as our base where guests stay during the hunt. Also, up in the mountains we have a high-end camp where hunters usually lunch, nap, and even overnight if necessary. For large groups, we also use a boutique lodge located in a winery only 10 minutes away from the ranch entrance. The family personally takes care of all our guests.

This exclusive preserve spans 25,000 acres and sits on the upper levels of this huge ranch (150.00 acres). On the lower-elevation grounds, the family operates a productive white wine vineyard as well as cherries, walnuts, and other fine crops. The property is set against a backdrop of some of the highest peaks in the Andes. Mount Tupungato, visible from every corner of the ranch, is one of the highest volcanoes in the world. A couple of 20+ thousand feet peaks are within the ranch’s west boundary.

The fertile valleys of the Mendoza Andean foothills provide a perfect habitat for red deer, where they develop impressive racks, with some specimens naturally reaching the 450 SCI+ class. Elsewhere, stags of this size are only found in breeding farms in New Zealand and Europe.

LODGE LOCATION

The ranch is located in the Tupungato region of Mendoza province on Western Argentina. Only 85 Kilometers (50 miles) south of the Mendoza city airport.

Is one of the biggest and oldest working ranches in this part of the country. Its 150.000 acres property that goes from the Uco Valley all the way to the highest peaks of the Andes right in the border with Chile. The ranch has as amazing views of the Uco Valley where some of the best winerys of the Argentina are located. Also some of the highest peaks in the American Continent are within the ranch boundaries with a couple over 20.000 ft. The views are stunning!

Getting There

Mendoza city airport is serve with several daily flights either from Buenos Aires (1:45 min Flight) or Santiago de Chile (45 min flight).

Hunters will be picked up by the lodge staff at the airport and transferred to the lodge. The ride usually takes 1 hour.

Red Stag Patagonia

Facilities & Services

THE LODGE

The ranch lodge has capacity for 4 hunters at the same time or 3 couples. At the winery lodge, we can accommodate up to 10 guests. There are several non-hunting activities like horseback riding, hiking, sightseeing tours, birdwatching, trout fishing, etc. Some of the best wineries in the country are in the area, so half or full-day wine tours can be arranged. All the usual amenities like WiFi, laundry service, etc. are available.

FOOD AND DRINK

Our kitchen use only fresh and regionally product some of them grown at the ranch. By combining these elements, we create a delicious local cuisine. Ours experienced cook, trained in both local and classic culinary techniques, execute our food.

Days start with a hearty breakfast that includes a variety of homemade breads, jam, meadow honey, fresh fruit, natural yogurts, and cereals. We also offer eggs prepared in different ways.

We use only the highest quality local meats. Also game is prepared and presented during midday and night meals.

 

WINES

Our lunch and dinner menus are paired with some of Argentina’s best wines, most of them grown in the area.

Alcoholic Beverages

The Lodge carries a basic selection of alcoholic beverages. If there is any special brand or type of liquor that you like we recommend to bring it yourself.

THE HUNTING

Hunters depart from the lodge with their guides well before dawn, positioning themselves at glassing spots before daybreak. 4×4 trucks, ATVs, and horses are used to access hunting areas. The ranch has good roads, so most of it is accessible by vehicle. For the most remote and steep areas, we usually access them on horseback.

All the hunting conducted on the ranch follows a strict management plan, harvesting only old, mature stags. Your guide will inform you which bull is shootable or not.

Drive times vary depending on the selected hunting area, ranging from 20 to 45 minutes. The guiding can be one-on-one or two-on-one based on guest preferences. All our professional guides speak English. When on horseback, the hunting party is typically accompanied by a gaucho (wrangler) who takes care of the horses. In the evening, we hunt until there is enough light to descend the mountain safely.

Depending on hunting conditions, hunters return for lunch and a nap either at the lodge or the mountain camp. Hunts can range from hikes into the high country in search of solitary big stags to sitting in a blind overlooking a wallow in a valley or river bottom.

In addition to offering the finest red stag hunting in South America, the ranch has a growing population of Fallow Deer, and each season some beautiful bucks are harvested. Furthermore, pure wild European Boar thrive in the area, making a valuable addition to the deer hunts.

THE DAILY PROGRAM

Mornings start early, followed by breakfast. A short ride will then put you in the designated hunting area before sunrise. You’ll hunt usually until mid-morning, returning to the lodge or camp for lunch and perhaps a siesta.

The evening hunt continues until a little bit before dark. We always quit hunting with enough light to return safely to the truck or trailhead. Sometimes full-day hunts are arranged, and in those cases, we pack lunches and spend all day out there.

 

WHAT HAPPENS TO THE TROPHIES AFTER THE HUNT?

Right after the harvest, guides will ask hunters how they would like the trophy (for shoulder mount, Euro, etc.), and they will field dress it accordingly.

At the ranch, we prepare the trophies according to clients’ requests. The hides get salted and dried, and the skulls cleaned, bleached, and cut. The entire process is supervised by one of the best taxidermists in the country.

After the season ends (April/May), we send them to Buenos Aires where our taxidermists make a final inspection to ensure they are suitable and fulfill all the requirements for export. Simultaneously, our customs broker completes and applies for the export permits.

Once trophies are ready and the export documents issued, our cargo agent arranges the shipping to the final destination. An important detail is that we can only ship to a customs broker at the destination country to obtain clearance. Clients can provide their broker’s information, or we have a list of brokers we work with. Once the trophies clear into the destination country, they can be shipped to your chosen taxidermist or any desired final destination.

Mounting trophies in Argentina is an option. We can obtain quotations from our taxidermists. The shipping cost of mounts is higher than just antlers and salted hides, but taxidermist work in Argentina is usually cheaper than in the states, making it sometimes more convenient.

We have also partnered with Jonas Brothers Studio of New York, owned by Carl Pepi, maybe one of the most talented taxidermists in the world. We get a special rate and service for our customers.

The delivery time varies since there are four, and sometimes five, different government agencies involved in the process of issuing the export permits (Province and Federal Fish & Wildlife department, National Animal Sanity department, Customs, and CITES office in Argentina). While some are faster than others, they like to take their time. We are usually able to ship trophies within 12 months after the hunt.

We offer a Trophy Package Solution that includes all the export fees, air freight, and mounting in Argentina or in the USA with Jonas Bros.

Please ask for the export and mounting price list.

THE RED STAG

Red Deer are fairly new in this part of the country compared to Patagonia. Around 30 years ago, some small herds started to show up in the area, migrating from the south. Those first wanderers, combined with the introduction of pure bloodlines from New Zealand and Europe, and a perfect endless habitat, have created a Red Stag Heaven in this part of the Andes mountains. Good, strict management contributes to having today the best herds of Red Stags in the country in terms of quality, health, and beauty.

Our Ranch is at the core of this Stag population, and we have exclusive and private access to the finest hunting grounds in this corner of Argentina.

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer were introduced into Argentina around the 1900s, first in northwestern Patagonia and then in other locations around the country. Some years later, some were taken into Chile from Argentine populations. Chileans, through good management and improving original bloodlines, managed to have the biggest Fallow Deer bucks in South America.

In the 70s, some were transported from Patagonia to a ranch not far from ours in Mendoza, where they spread through all that area. Around 10 years ago, we started a Fallow Deer breeding program to improve the local wild herds. Bloodlines from Chile and Europe were brought, and by mixing them with the healthy local stock, we had great success in improving deer antler growth.

Today we can proudly say that, although still limited, we have the best Fallow Deer hunting in South America.

Wild Boar

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) was the first non-native game animal introduced in Argentina by the early Spanish conquistadors. Later in the 19th century, more pure European boars were introduced in Patagonia and central Argentina. Rapidly, they expanded through major areas of the country.

They arrived in the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza not long ago, coming from southern Mendoza and northern Patagonia. Today, the area boasts a great population of pure wild European boars. Pigs are seen all the time during the Stag hunts, but the bigger boars are more common later in the season.

Season

Specie Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Red Stag
Wild black buck
Axis deer
Water Buffalo
Fallow Deer
Wild Boar
Doves
Perdiz
Ducks
Pigeon
Sea-Run Brown Trout
Dorado
Pacú
Pirá Pitá
Brown Trout
Rainbow Trout

Hunting Gear

RIFLE SLING: It’s important that your rifle has a comfortable sling.

BINOCULARS: A good pair of 8 or 10 X or binoculars is a must.

RANGE FINDER: Our guides all have range finders and they will measure distances for you. But bringing your personal one is always useful.

SHOOTING STICKS: Bring your personal favourite (bipods, tripods), which ever you like best and feel more confident shooting from. The guides will have in case you don’t bring one.

WARM HAT – Something with ear flaps or a ski-style hat that will cover ears is the best bet for colder days.

SMALL FIELD BAG or DAY PACK- To carry camera gear and other personal items into the field.

INSECT REPELLENT – Mosquitoes or other bothersome insects are very unusual in the field. You can bring your personal preference of insect repellent just in case.

MEDICATION – Most people have no stomach problems in this part of Argentina. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea, as when traveling anywhere, to take along medication for symptomatic relief. Also, take aspirin, in addition to other medications you normally use. Band-aids – for sore fingers from shooting.

 NOTE: LAUNDRY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT THE LODGE IF DESIRED.

GUNS

In selecting which gun to use, it boils down to personal preference.
Menodza province has a general weapon season so clients can choose which kind of gun/bow they want to use. The most common gun for such a hunt is a typical bolt action rifle with a good scope. Good chamberings are 270 Win, 30-06, 7 mm Rem Mag, 300 Win Mag, 300 RUM, etc. For Bow hunting, the same type of equipment you will use for Elk, will work for Red Stag. 60 to 70 Lbs compound bows with 400+ gr arrows and good, sharp broadheads.
For Fallow Deer and Wild Boar, the same guns that we use for Stag are fine.
Muzzleloaders, handguns and open sight guns are welcome too.

GUNS AVAILABLE FOR RENT

Many of our guests agree that renting guns from the lodge can be much easier than applying for gun entry permits and traveling with them internationaly.

We have Griffin & Howe Highlander Rifles at our Ranch

It’s easy to rent a gun from the lodge. We have a good selection of accurate rifles that are appropriate for these type of hunts. All our rifles sport high quality scopes. The lodge manager or your guide will note the specific rental rifle you want to use. That gun will be yours for the duration of your stay. However, you are welcome to change guns and try something different. There are no add-on fees to switch. We want you to shoot a gun you’re comfortable and effective with!

 

Read about Trophy Export Procedures

THE RED STAG

Red Deer are fairly new in this part of the country compared to Patagonia. Around 30 years ago, some small herds started to show up in the area, migrating from the south. Those first wanderers, combined with the introduction of pure bloodlines from New Zealand and Europe, and a perfect endless habitat, have created a Red Stag Heaven in this part of the Andes mountains. Good, strict management contributes to having today the best herds of Red Stags in the country in terms of quality, health, and beauty.

Our Ranch is at the core of this Stag population, and we have exclusive and private access to the finest hunting grounds in this corner of Argentina.

Fallow Deer

Fallow Deer were introduced into Argentina around the 1900s, first in northwestern Patagonia and then in other locations around the country. Some years later, some were taken into Chile from Argentine populations. Chileans, through good management and improving original bloodlines, managed to have the biggest Fallow Deer bucks in South America.

In the 70s, some were transported from Patagonia to a ranch not far from ours in Mendoza, where they spread through all that area. Around 10 years ago, we started a Fallow Deer breeding program to improve the local wild herds. Bloodlines from Chile and Europe were brought, and by mixing them with the healthy local stock, we had great success in improving deer antler growth.

Today we can proudly say that, although still limited, we have the best Fallow Deer hunting in South America.

Wild Boar

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) was the first non-native game animal introduced in Argentina by the early Spanish conquistadors. Later in the 19th century, more pure European boars were introduced in Patagonia and central Argentina. Rapidly, they expanded through major areas of the country.

They arrived in the foothills of the Andes in Mendoza not long ago, coming from southern Mendoza and northern Patagonia. Today, the area boasts a great population of pure wild European boars. Pigs are seen all the time during the Stag hunts, but the bigger boars are more common later in the season.

Red Stag Tupungato Lodge

Rates 2024

Season runs from March to Mid-June

WEEKLY RATES:

5 nights/4 days hunting: $ 12,950 (Includes 1 trophy Stag up to 340 SCI points)

Non-Hunters 5/4 program: $ 3,500 per person

Gun Rental & Ammo: $ 450 for the entire hunt

License & Tag: $ 450 per person

See Trophy fee list below

  • PAYMENT TERMS: Reservations are confirmed with a 50% deposit. All deposits & payments are 100% non-refundable under any circumstances. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. At this point, participants are responsible for total land costs and no refunds will be made for unused land transportation, accommodations, or meals.
  • INCLUDED: Transfer in/out Mendoza airport, lodging with full board, professional guide service; trophy preparation; 1 trophy Red Stag (up to 340 SCI), larger stags will be charged according to the trophy fee list; lunches at the ranch.
  • NOT INCLUDED: Gratuities for guides and house staff; airfares; gun entry permits; gun rental with ammo ($350 for the hunt); hunting license ($100); extra trophies according to the trophy fee list; trophy export (to be quoted case by case, please check trophy procedures); phone calls; sightseeing tours, wine tours, etc; items of a strictly personal nature; overweight baggage charges; personal and baggage insurance; Buenos Aires transfers and hotels.

RED STAG TROPHY FEE UPGRADES (SCI)

341 to 360 …………………………………………. $ 6,000

361 to 380 …………………………………………. $ 9,000

381 to 400 ………………………………………… $ 14,000

401 to 420 ………………………………………… $ 19,000

421 to 440 ……………………………………….. $ 25,000

441 to 470 ………………………………………… $ 31,000

471 to 500 ………………………………………… $ 35,000

501 to 530 ………………………………………… $ 41,000

531 to 560 ………………………………………… $ 45,500

561 + …………………………………………………….. P.O.R

2ND STAG TROPHY FEE RATES (SCI)

Up to 300 ………………………………………….. $ 4,500

301 to 320 ………………………………………….. $ 5,500

321 to 340 ………………………………………….. $ 7,500

341 to 360 …………………………………………. $ 9,500

361 to 380 …………………………………………. $ 12,500

381 to 400 ………………………………………… $ 17,500

401 to 420 ………………………………………… $ 22,500

421 to 440 ……………………………………….. $ 28,500

441 to 470 ………………………………………… $ 34,500

471 to 500 ………………………………………… $ 38,500

501 to 530 ………………………………………… $ 44,500

531 to 560 ………………………………………… $ 49,000

561 + …………………………………………………….. P.O.R

FALLOW DEER TROPHY FEE RATES (SCI)

Bronze ………………………………………………….. $ 3,000

Silver …………………………………………………….. $ 4,000

Gold ………………………………………………………. $ 5,500

Gold + ……………………………………………………. $ 7,000

WILD BOAR TROPHY FEE RATES

Boar ………………………………………………………. $ 1,000

Sow/yound boar …………………………………… $ 500

All you can shoot thermal/night vision …. $ 1,500

 

*Prices are in USD

 

Videos

  • The Huge Stags of Tupungato 2018 - Full length

    The Huge Stags of Tupungato 2018 - Full length

  • Collecting a few sheds at Tupungato

    Collecting a few sheds at Tupungato

  • Revolution Show 2014 - Tupungato Part 1

    Revolution Show 2014 - Tupungato Part 1

  • Prime Revolution Show 2014 - Tupungato Part 2

    Prime Revolution Show 2014 - Tupungato Part 2
More Videos →

Score Pictures

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