Every March, the valleys of La Pampa break their silence. The roar starts low, deep in the timber, and climbs until it rattles through the hills. It’s more than sound — it’s the start of something. At Catena Safaris, this season’s red stag hunting in Argentina brought fair-chase intensity, weather shifts, and some of the best rut action we’ve seen in years.
Here’s the full breakdown in our 2025 Red Stag Hunting Report — terrain, behavior, trophy quality, and what we saw on the ground.
Season Overview
This year’s rut kicked off strong and early in La Pampa, with bulls vocal by the first week of March. Consistent temperatures, minimal rain, and clean wind patterns allowed for solid glassing conditions in both regions. Hunters averaged 3-5 close encounters per day during peak rut, with mature stags highly responsive to calling.
Hunting Style
Spot-and-stalk was the dominant tactic. Hunters would locate stags by sound at first light, glass ridgelines or treelines, and then move quietly into position. Midday siestas gave both hunters and animals a break before activity spiked again near sunset.
Most shots ranged between 150 and 250 yards, with several opportunities for close encounters on foot. This terrain favors rifle hunters, but a few archery clients also had success with elevated blinds near travel corridors.
Trophy Quality & Success Rate
Success rate: 100%
Trophy class: Average 340″–380″
Top trophies: Several bulls over 480″
Notable highlight: One hunter harvested a dark-antlered 640″-class bull after a four-day pursuit
Life at the Lodge
Evenings at Andalen were just as memorable: fire-grilled asados, Catena Malbec, and long conversations under open skies. The staff ran a seamless operation—from field to lodge—with bilingual guides, local gauchos, and professional attention to every detail.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a traditional, high-success, fair-chase red stag hunting in Argentina experience, Andalen Lodge delivers. It’s the kind of place where the roar starts before sunrise… and the story stays long after you’re home.
