What Is a Safari?
Webster’s defines it as “the caravan and equipment of a hunting expedition especially in eastern Africa” or “such a hunting expedition.” But for me, the word safari evokes something broader—an adventure in wild country in pursuit of multiple game species. And by that definition, a trip to Argentina absolutely qualifies.
One of the worst parts of most hunting trips is going home empty-handed. The second worst is being too successful—filling your tag early and spending the remaining days with nothing left to chase. I’ve experienced both. But on an Argentina safari? Neither seems to happen.
An Argentine Safari Experience
I just returned from the La Pampa region with a group of Shoshone hunters, and the trip exceeded every expectation. In many ways, it looked and felt remarkably similar to an African safari. While Red Stag was our primary target, the number of other free-range species available—black buck, mouflon, axis deer, feral goat, boar, and more—kept the adventure nonstop.
Much like Africa, you may be stalking one species when another trophy unexpectedly appears. And when you take your top target, the hunt is far from over; there’s always something else worth pursuing.
Challenging, Rewarding Hunting
Bowhunting Red Stag proved especially challenging—more like hunting mule deer than pursuing their cousin, the elk. I had two close encounters at 40 and 60 yards early in the trip, but no ethical shot. On day four, I switched to a rifle to ensure time for additional species on day five.
By the end of the week, David (our Shoshone cameraman) and I had taken a great stag, a powerful water buffalo, and a giant 33 ¾-inch axis—huge for Argentina. David even stepped out from behind the camera to harvest a beautiful curl black buck.
