1. Entry formalities
2. Are foreign inoculations needed?
3. What medication do I need to bring?
4. What about travel arrangements?
5. Tell me more about domestic flights from BA to La Pampa.
6. Can you give me and idea on private air transports from Buenos Aires to La Pampa?
7. Do you also have a cost figures for ground vehicles from Buenos Aires to La Pampa ?
8. Is there good shopping?
9. Do I need a permit to bring my gun into Argentina?
10. What about hunting license?
11. When is a good time to travel ?
12. If we wanted to spend a day or two in Buenos Aires what would that take, what is there to do, and would you recommend it?
13. Is Argentina a safe place?
14. Baggage limitations
15. What about currency?
16. What about the lodges, How is the food like?
17. What about tips?
18. Is it necessary a deposit?
19. Where can I rent a car?
20. Do you only offer Big Game outings ?
21. How big is the free-range area?
22. How big is your Preserve at Monasterio Hunting Ranch?
23. Do I need special equipment?
24. Is the hunt guided or self-guided?
25. Do the guides speak English?
26. What Big Game species may I Hunt apart from Red Deer Stags ?
28. Tell me more about Wing Shooting.
29. Do you hunt on other areas as well ?
30. And if we should visit. What will be the best time?
31. When occurs the Red Deer Roar ?
32. What does include the Std Red Deer hunting package ?
33. Are there snakes at the Ranch?
34. What is the success ratio on Big Game species?
35. What would you consider a realistic expectation for hunters to shoot free-range Red Deer in a pre/post rut period?
36. Approximately how much Big Game will be seen each day ?
37. You offer different types of big game hunting including Puma hunting?
38. I understand at any time we could elect to go inside the Preserve, and what are the odds of getting a medal class free-range stag?
40. If hunters bring their wife’s will there be enough activities for them to spend 4-6
days?
41. Some of the companions will want to go along on the hunt sometimes, is that a problem?
42. Will you assist clients with all the formalities related to trophies?
43. What about the hunting schedule: number of daylight hours hunted, move to hunt site by foot or truck, tree stand or ground blind hunting, etc.?
44. How much hassle is there with locals or local officials (farmers, villagers, etc.)?
45. How much rain can I expect?
46. Can I bring Pigeon & Doves back home?
47. What happens to the Pigeon & Doves I shoot?
48. Can you give some information on “Diamante” ranch.
49. Can you give some information on “El Monasterio”.
1. Entry formalities
Visas may be required depending on your country origin.
USA/CAN/EU citizens do not require VISA.
Passport that is valid for 6 months after the last day of your trip is required. Visitors traveling from non borders countries are exempt from some taxes on traveling costs and new articles.
2. Are foreign inoculations needed?
No. Fortunately Argentina is an epidemic free country and hunting places are extremely safe.
3. What medication do I need to bring?
Long distance travelers should always pack medication kits for such common complaints as
upset stomach, motion sickness, headache, etc. Visitors to Argentina do not usually experience stomach problems associated with drinking water. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry so when in doubt, ask for bottled water. We recommend medical insurance in the case of an unexpected illness or emergency.
4. What about travel arrangements?
You must ask your travel agent for a roundtrip airfare to Buenos Aires. You will need to book a flight into Buenos Aires Ezeiza international airport (IATA: EZE // ICAO: SAEZ) generally coming from any US/CAN/EU major city or any country Capital. You will need to schedule your international flights to arrive in Buenos Aires early morning.
Upon arrival you will have different logistics options:
1- You can take a private ground transport directly to the ranch.
2- You can head for the domestic airport (IATA: AEP – ICAO: SABE) to catch connecting flight to La Pampa (IATA: RSA // ICAO: SAZR) departing by midday or late afternoon.
3- You can go for the best alternative and most booked option. Book your seat in our regular charter flight flying from Buenos Aires to La Pampa airport. Such option is subject to amount of hunters confirmed for your week (2017 season have run from early march to end april with groups of 6-8 hunters per week).
These alternatives are up to your logistic decision (all of them are extra costs not included in the program). The connection between Buenos Aires international airport and its domestic Airport consumes one hour drive in normal situation and 2 hours drive during rush hours (around 7-9 am and around 5-7 pm).
The direct ground transport to ranch option is a fairly long ride of about 9 hs and its done in comfortable car/minivans with food and refreshments to get to the ranch rested by the afternoon. This ground option could be sometimes better option than going through all the hoops required to catch a domestic flight connection. As you know, you may encounter delays and the process of checking your guns/bows in and out at the domestic airports is time consuming so take in consideration that. The cost this direct ground transport is approx 700 USD per person (to be rechecked based on group size).
The 3rd and best alternative is our charter flight service that our ranch will be running in cooperation with another top class Ranch. This prem charter flight service will cost approx 750 USD roundtrip depending on total hunters confirmed. Connects Buenos Aires with La Pampa airport offering a complete solution to endless domestic flights connections, avoiding all the checkpoints at the domestic airport, which is time consuming and irritating. You will be contacted by our airport responsible right at your arrival. Charter flight to La Pampa will be scheduled to depart from Buenos Aires by 12:00-13:00 hs landing at destination by 14:00-15:00 hs.
At the conclusion of the hunt, the returning charter flight will depart from La Pampa by past midday and arrive to Buenos Aires by 17:00-18:00 hs with plenty of time to catch late international flights. Please make sure to book a midnight departure flight in case you don’t plan to stay a night/day in Buenos Aires.
In case you decide to book a hunt with us, we will request your tentative flight information so as to double check connections´ time window. In case you don´t want to head for the airport during the same checkout day, you can stay a night at Buenos Aires or better called “The Paris of America”. We can arrange hotels and different attractions for your stay.
5. Tell me more about domestic flights from BA to La Pampa.
Aerolineas Argentinas airlines domestic flights are now schedule from Sundays to Fridays.
New airlines options are expected to offer another low cost option with daily schedule. Domestic flights departure by midnight from Buenos Aires Domestic airport Jorge Newbery returning by 6:00 AM. Aerolineas Argentina airlines flight schedule can be checked at www.aerolineas.com.ar
6. Can you give me and idea on private air transports from Buenos Aires to La Pampa?
As you know, charter flight option may vary depending on the aircraft and group size. We have set an agreement with a premium company. Our ranch will be running a regular service in cooperation with another top class Ranch. This charter flight service will cost approx 750 USD roundtrip. Confirmation depending on total hunters confirmed for each week.
This service connects Buenos Aires with La Pampa airport offering a complete solution to endless domestic flights connections, avoiding all the checkpoints at the domestic airport, which is time consuming and irritating. You will be contacted by our airport responsible right at your arrival. Charter flight to La Pampa will be scheduled to depart from Buenos Aires by 12:00-13:00 hs landing at destination by 14:00-15:00 hs.
At the conclusion of the hunt, the returning charter flight will depart from La Pampa by past midday and arrive to Buenos Aires by 17:00-18:00 hs with plenty of time to catch late international flights. Please make sure to book a midnight departure flight in case you don’t plan to stay a night/day in Buenos Aires.
Private flight will take you there in about 1,5 hs to 2 hs depending on aircraft.
If you opt for a private charter flight, connecting Buenos Aires with Santa Rosa on a King 90 aircraft ( 6 pax ) or a Metro aircraft ( 12 pax plus heavy luggage ) costs aprox USD 9,000 – 12,000
total roundtrip. Smaller agents can charge around USD 8,000 for getting hunters to Santa Rosa on a Cessna 310 (4 pax plus luggage).
7. Do you also have a cost figures for ground vehicles from Buenos Aires to La Pampa ?
Yes we have. Its 6 hs drive. All national route in very good conditions up to the Ranch ( lasts 8 km of good dirt road ).
A private ground transfer with good cars ( always used for 2 or 3 hunters group ) will cost aprox USD 1,500 roundtrip.
The cost of a minivan for 6-10 pax will be aprox USD 2,000 roundtrip. Other good option is the overnight premium bus coach at USD 90 roundtrip. This option is a premium service that has seats like first class airline and they get you to Santa Rosa city overnight arriving at 6 am in the morning where we will welcome by our Staff as soon as you
step out of the premium bus.
If you are interested in this last option just request us some pictures and you will see by yourself what we are talking about.
8. Is there good shopping?
Argentina is a shopper’s haven for leather, wool garments, fine gemstones, furs, antiques and gaucho goods. We can assist you on this point but hotels referenced are nearby downtown shopping malls and well-known Alvear Street and Florida Street.
9. Do I need a permit to bring my gun into Argentina?
The procedure to enter your gun to Argentina is very simple and it is done when the hunter arrives at the airport. Gun permits will be obtained at the Customs Agent. Only two guns per hunter are allowed to enter Argentina. Each gun pays a permit/fee of USD 130 to be paid at airport Renar/Police authorities.
Info on this simple process can be found at RENAR website ( government ) Contact your Agent or nearest Argentine Consulate to obtain updated info.
The U.S. Customs agents will require that you have a FORM CF-4457 completed prior to your departure. It lists a description of your guns along with the serial numbers. ( Don’t worry, your not registering them …this is a single copy form and you will have the only copy of it ). This form proves that you owned these guns when you left the country. It will prevent you from paying duties on their value upon re-entering the U.S.A. You can do this at any U.S. Customs office prior to your departure.
From Ranch address:
Estancia Poitahue, Victorica, La Pampa, Argentina.
Location – Province Rute 151, Kilometer 49.
District – Loventué, La Pampa.
Ranch Telephone:
02954-15660509
10. What about hunting license?
It can be acquired at the ranch. This will be arranged upon your arrival.
Big Game: USD 200 per specie, up to 4. The fifth animal and up don´t pay license fees. Tags are included in these fees.
Upland Birds: USD 200 all species (weekly permit).
11. When is a good time to travel ?
La Pampa climate is moderate with no particular rainy season. The seasons in the Southern hemisphere are opposed to the seasons in the northern hemisphere, with high temperatures from 30°F to 95°F depending on the season.
The humidity is low. It is a great way to take a break from cold winters, or escape from summer heat.
During Argentina summer, December, January and February temperatures raise up to 90°F. In March, April and May is moderate, with temperatures ranging between 59°F and 83°F.
Light garments for the day and warmer clothes for mornings and evenings are recommended. In June, July and August, the climate can be quite cool with temperatures ranging between 32°F and 68°F. Therefore, warm garments are suggested.
Please check La Pampa conditions through this link: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/local/ARLP0095
12. If we wanted to spend a day or two in Buenos Aires what would that take, what is there to do, and would you recommend it?
We can assist you here at BUE at no charge.
We will send you all the info regarding shows, city tour, attractions and that type of things. We are used to assist on Hotels and city attractions.
13. Is Argentina a safe place?
The government has recently gone through changes in an effort to stabilize the economy. The efforts appear to be working. Throughout the country it is business as usual in Argentina is a Democracy. At no times on my trips have I felt unsafe.
However we always take reasonable precautions. We like to keep honest people honest.
14. Baggage limitations
The weight limit for internal Argentina flights is 40 pounds.
Excess luggage can be stored at our office in Buenos Aires if needed. Please check with your airline for current regulations.
15. What about currency?
The official currency is the Argentine PESO.
End 2018 exchange rate:
USD 1 = $37 (pesos)
Euro 1 = $43 (pesos)
Most shops in Buenos Aires will accept dollars and give you change in pesos if they do not have dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted, especially American Express, Visa, MasterCard and Diners International. Travel checks are not always accepted and when they are, banks and shops will charge approximately 4% for exchanging them. For personal checks, banks also charge between 4% for exchanging them. We suggest that you bring cash and use credit cards and/or personal checks for higher expenses. It is always a good idea to check the exchange rate before departure.
16. What about the lodges, How is the food like?
Accommodations are world class; our lodges have been totally refurnished and prepared to accommodate demanding hunters. “Poitahue Ranch” can accommodate more than 8 Hunters with companions. “El Diamante” Ranch can host 4 hunters plus some companions and our “El Monasterio” Lodge can host 6 Hunters with companions.
Come and stay in on one of our premium double based suite rooms specially geared up for hunting activities; Generous air conditioned suite rooms with comfortable beds.
Poitahue´s accommodations consist of a main lodge house with 2 private suite rooms, a living room & main dining room with fireplace, 2 fully equipped bungalows each with 2 private suite rooms and private hall room for your hunting gear & preparation, a separate club house consisting of a large living room with fireplace and a lovely bar saloon which tends to be the spot for late hours reunions and post hunt appetizers. We also have an area for gun cleaning with an office that has a wireless internet access point and patch cords access along with a desktop PC at no charge.
Our staff includes a chef fully dedicated to prepare delicious home-style and international meals & desserts. Poitahue´s Private Wine and Beer will be always available at no extra charge.
Continental breakfast, abundant and delicious international meals, also you will be able to enjoy our famous Argentinean “asado” (BBQ). Always served with our premium Poitahue wine.
17. What about tips?
A good common practice is to set aside USD 35-50 per day at our lodges for tips for the staff.
It is normal to tip city guides, restaurants on a 10% base, hotel bellboys will be ok with USD 1 per bag.
18. Is it necessary a deposit?
A deposit o is required before your trip in order to confirm your hunt reservation.
The deposit is through bank transference, we can provide bank accounts in USA and Argentina.
19. Where can I rent a car?
We can reserve a car for you, or if you prefer you can book it with one of the international car rental companies that operate in Argentina.
– Avis Rent a Car
– Hertz – Annie Millet Rent a Car
20. Do you only offer Big Game outings ?
Prime offer depends on seasons. We are very well know because of our Big game Free range Ranch but also because of our small game and wing shooting division ( Pigeons, Doves, Partridges and Ducks )
Big Game hunting High season is in March/May plus wing shooting in May/Jun.
Red Deer Rut period during March to mid May is the most wanted attraction.
Hunters look for a free range Red Deer plus other 8 big game free range species during this period.
We also receive groups of hunters during the rest of the year, mainly looking for mixed hunts.
Deer in post rut + boar, buffalo, blackbucks, Scottish or others exotics free range species plus excellent wing shooting.
When talking about Dove & Pigeon & Partridge and Ducks you should know that Pigeon High season occurs on May/Jun meanwhile Dove can be done year round in addition to a Deer package if requested. Partridges season stats in May meanwhile Duck can be hunted from April to August.
We offer both prem Big Game and small game offers. At the end it will depend on the season and Hunter hunting schedule.
A good free range Red deer trophy will require at least 6 hunting days during rut, during late or non rut period the success rate tend to be lower.
21. How big is the free-range area?
More than 50,000 acres at Poitahue Ranch plus another 25,000 acres of free range at our “El Diamante ” nearby Ranch.
We also have more than 10,000 free range acres at our “El Monasterio” Ranch. All Ranches are part of our family owned Ranches.
22. How big is your Preserve at Monasterio Hunting Ranch?
Monasterio Ranch has more than 10,000 acres of free range plus a Preserve section of 4,500
fenced acres.
23. Do I need special equipment?
When booking on a Big Game hunt, we highly recommend a good pair of binoculars, comfortable hunting boots (waterproof) and camouflage clothing… gaiters are must because of the “rosetas” that are like small rounded seeds cover by thorns which stick into your lower pants.
Sight Scopes suitable for low light might be necessary if you are thinking to hunt wild boar during night (moonlight)
A light raincoat is always welcome.
For pigeon and dove hunting, shoulder pads, earplugs, gloves and protection goggles are recommended.
24. Is the hunt guided or self-guided?
Fully guided by our experienced guides.
25. Do the guides speak English?
We have qualified interpreters in our staff, which will be with you at the ranch or by radio at the field.
26. What Big Game species may I Hunt apart from Red Deer Stags ?
– Puma ( at authorized partner Ranch )
– Buffalo
– Axis Deer
– Blackbuck Antelope
– Mouflon
– Fallow Deer
– Scottish ram
– 4 horned ram
– Wild Goat
– Dorsett Ram
– European Boar ( male )
– Hog ( female )
– Peccary
– Pigeon & Dove
– Partridge
– Ducks
28. Tell me more about Wing Shooting.
La Pampa wing shooting is the next world wing shooting hot spot to be discovered. This province offers same dove quality like Cordoba but with Premium high volume Pigeons, Partridges and premium Big Game.
We have selected a circuit of seven ranches specially prepared for Pigeon & Dove & Partridge hunting. Located in one of the most rustic places on the planet, but with all the luxuries of the great cities. All of them are part of our family owned ranches.
Ducks spot is coordinated with a Partner Lodge located in Buenos Aires Province… the world’s famous Duck Hunting spot.
Duck lodge is located at 3-4 hs drive form our Ranches.
Hunting is coordinated and conducted according to the preferences of our guests including lunch service on the field in order to minimize any disruption to the hunt. We offer personalized professional guides equipped with 4×4 vehicles, GPS and radio communications equipment.
There is always availability of shotguns and cartridges to fully enjoy the adventure.
You will easily shoot over 1,000 shells per day on Pigeons and Doves.
You will be able to go for a mixed hunt. A Pigeon, Dove, Partridges, Ducks and Big Game hunting at the same outfitter.
29. Do you hunt on other areas as well ?
We only hunt in our lodges with the exception of Duck hunt at our partner lodge in Buenos Aires
province.
Poitahue Ranch: Free Range Big Game ( 10 big game free range species ).
Monasterio Ranch: Free Range Big Game plus Preserve hunting and premium Dove shooting.
Diamante Ranch: Free Range Big Game plus Preserve hunting.
Dove & Pigeon Ranches: several ranches selected for small game or wing shooting.
We don’t organize hunts in other places. But we can connect you with referenced outfitters in Argentina if some additional specialty is needed… we are used to link Agents with fly fishing offer if needed.
30. And if we should visit. What will be the best time?
Depends on what you want to hunt !!!
31. When occurs the Red Deer Roar ?
La Pampa Red Deer Roar takes place from mid March to End April. Depending on the weather and moon can vary some few days.
Everyone that comes during Roar can’t believe what is like… this is not like a bugling elk, this is more like a heavy bass lion roar generating echoes inside the woods.
32. What does include the Std Red Deer hunting package ?
Red Deer Package includes a full week hunt with a free Range stag ( no size limit ) plus a free range bonus management stag. Other additional trophies can be harvested with extra costs as per our full price list.
33. Are there snakes at the Ranch?
No. You are not likely to find snakes on La Pampa region.
34. What is the success ratio on Big Game species?
Due to our rich fauna and our excellent PH’s and guides, we can assure you a 90- 100% average success on most of our free range species.
Red Stag in rut 95%
Fallow Deer in rut 70%
Blackbuck 95%
Wild Goat 100%
Multi-Horned Sheep 100%
Wild Boar 70%,
Water Buffalo 95%
Scottish Black Face 100%.
Dorset Ram 100%.
Puma 90%
Peccary 90%
Mouflon 95%
35. What would you consider a realistic expectation for hunters to shoot free-range Red Deer in a pre/post rut period?
Chances for red deer are good despite being in a non roaring period. Pre rut gives the chance to be one of the firsts out there so you will have plenty of opportunities. There will be not so much hunting pressure so that’s good.
Red Deer is always a tuff tuff mission but success rate is good on the pre rut. Post rut is good time despite the hunting pressure effects but chances are good cause we keep the numbers of hunters low during mid season and low season.
Clients looking for Red stags on post rut will also have the chance to go for water Buffalo, blackbucks or rams or sheep. Boar is likely to be hunted during night and chances are high if you can shot at night. Blackbuck is as tuff as the red stags because most of the time requires longer shots in open areas.
36. Approximately how much Big Game will be seen each day ?
You should have a shot opportunity at game every day. Game is very abundant.
37. You offer different types of big game hunting including Puma hunting?
Puma was forbidden since 2008 season in La Pampa province. And nowadays its only permitted to be hunt at authorized ranches.
We can offer Puma hunting in a partner ranch near Poitahue with proper legal authorization ( less than 2 hs drive form Poitahue).
Puma hunting should be done in groups of two at the most. We can receive several hunters at Poitahue and schedule their Puma on day hunt on the other ranch along the week so as to avoid overlapping.
38. I understand at any time we could elect to go inside the Preserve, and what are the odds of getting a medal class free-range stag?
As mentioned we have a Preserve area at Diamante Ranch where you will find Record class Red Deer Stags.
Also you will have the option to go to our Monasterio Preserve for 1 or two days and try big game hunting plus high volume Dove hunting.
Free range Red Deer average goes around heavy 6×6 bulls but surprises are usual with 7×7 bucks over 330 SCI points or better. We have a quality management program in order to improve free range genetics.
40. If hunters bring their wife’s will there be enough activities for them to spend 4-6
days?
We are used to organize photo safaris, horse back riding and trekking excursions.
41. Some of the companions will want to go along on the hunt sometimes, is that a problem?
No problem at all.
42. Will you assist clients with all the formalities related to trophies?
Yes, of course. We’ll be in charge of all the paperwork related to trophies, so that you can have everything ready when you return home.
43. What about the hunting schedule: number of daylight hours hunted, move to hunt site by foot or truck, tree stand or ground blind hunting, etc.?
Our hunts are mainly done by stalking on foot.
Hunters will be driven to the different section by truck and continue by foot.
A daily hunt on Poitahue consists on a Morning hunt by leaving the ranch at 6:15 just before first light and returning by 10:00hs aprox.
Having a premium lunch and a nap. Evening hunt starts at 17:00hs and lasts till lowest light conditions which will be till 20:30hs aprox.
You will walk as much as the hunt requires it… during Red Deer rut, trained and demanding hunters can walk more than 5 miles per morning or evening hunt, having several attempts to different herds is something usual when looking for a certain trophy…. you will find you stalking different roaring bucks per day. As we all know, luck
always rules so the hunt can turn into a tuff mission stalking elusive herds of does and its high rank big boys.
Some times water spot ground blind is the best choice, a spotting on a crossing, tree stands, stalking a herd detected far away from the hills, Poitahue offers different type of hunt according to the conditions.
44. How much hassle is there with locals or local officials (farmers, villagers, etc.)?
None whatsoever. You will be hunting in private property.
45. How much rain can I expect?
Few rains are to be expected since the weather is very dry, despite this, we can provide light rain “ponchos”.
46. Can I bring Pigeon & Doves back home?
We do not recommend it but yes. Customs with them can be a problem.
Sometimes resulting in having to dispose of them prior to re-entering your country.
47. What happens to the Pigeon & Doves I shoot?
As many as you like will be prepared for you to eat.
The rest are given away to the bird boys and local families. They are not wasted.
48. Can you give some information on “Diamante” ranch.
El Diamante Ranch is not a full accommodation lodge but a nearby Ranch to Poitahue which has 25,000 free range acres and a 1,500 high fenced acres with deep forest. It was the family prem hunting spot… now open to hunters looking for a very good spot & stalk hunt at an incredible price. This is a good option for 3-4 hunters that don’t want to spend extra hundred dollars for a 1st class accommodations lodge but a GOOD hunting experience at a private
house with good accommodations.
It will be like booking your private House at the woods. Good accommodations with 2 double bed rooms. Good bathroom. Kitchen and living room. Direct TV. Air conditioner. Maid and cooker services. Laundry and all that stuff. Fireplace. Outside gallery with a big table and a barbecue place. Very good food & beverage plus our premium wine all inclusive.
You will be able to Hunt free range Red Stags, wild Boar, rams, water buffalo as also the possibility to hunt blackbucks, rams, goats at nearby Poitahue Hunting Ranch ( aprox half hour drive ).
Diamante Ranch is located at 1,40 hour drive from Santa Rosa Airport.
49. Can you give some information on “El Monasterio”.
Monasterio is has a castle style lodge with prem accommodations and +10,000 acres of free range plus +4,500 acres of high fence preserve rounding the lodge containing several big game species. Its the lodge shown at the webpage.
Incredible castle style lodge with single and double bed rooms. Fully equipped bathrooms.
Incredible living room and dining room with a lovely fireplace. Indoor and outdoor barbecue section. Very good food & beverage plus our premium wine all inclusive.
Direct TV. Air conditioner. Maid and Laundry services.
We can offer fair chase free range hunts for Red Stag, wild boar, Buffaloes. The preserve sections host several Big Game exotic species like Axis deer, Mouflon, blackbucks, Fallow deer, Scottish rams, Dorset and 4 horned rams, wild goats as also medal class Red Stags, water buffaloes and wild boars.
Monasterio Ranch is located at 30 minutes drive from Santa Rosa domestic Airport.
Max capacity: 7 guests.
