I hunted in southern Argentina near the Chilean border just north of the resort area of Bariloche. Here, a company named Four Seasons operates Estancia Baguales, which encompasses 10,000 acres of the Peninsula Huemul, a mountainous sliver of land that juts out into Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is one of the most spectacular places in the world to chase a red stag. The hunting is up in the Andes Mountains at elevations around 4,300 feet, with panoramic views of surrounding snow-capped peaks that drop into the deep blue water of the lake below. Although the tract of land Four Seasons hunts is private property, it is completely surrounded by Nahuel Huapi National Park. The whole area is reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.
The hunting here is done on foot from the lodge, or by driving for a way and then stalking on foot. Alternately, you can hunt from horseback. I did all three. The horses are very tame and study-footed animals that don't require more than basic riding skills. Hunters in moderate shape should be able to walk up most of the slopes, although there are some places that are quite steep and rugged. Some areas require climbing or riding up on horseback to a vantage point overlooking open, grassy valleys and hillsides where the stags feed. Other areas involve stalking through thick, old-growth forests where you find deer herds of up to 20 animals. Because the woods are so thick, it is possible to get very close to a deer if you can walk quietly. The flip side, of course, is that it also can be tough to get a clear shot in the thick brush. I know that because I got within 30 yards of a herd of........(continued)
