Red Stag
Cervus elaphus
The Roaring Deer of New Zealand and Argentine Patagonia
- Average size
- 300–400 SCI typical · 450+ SCI trophy
- Peak season
- March–May (Argentina) · March–August (New Zealand)
- Experiences
- 12
The red stag roar is one of global big-game hunting's defining experiences. During the autumn rut, mature stags vocalize deep, prehistoric bellows across the valleys — bugling their challenge, pushing cows, fighting for breeding rights. Getting within 200 yards of a 350 SCI stag roaring his head off is a moment that rewires what hunting means.
New Zealand and Argentine Patagonia are the two global destinations. New Zealand's South Island offers true free-range hunting on vast alpine stations; representative stags 300-350 SCI are achievable under $10K, with 400+ SCI trophies starting around $15-25K. Argentina produces more accessible pricing with easier terrain; hunts in Neuquén and Rio Negro run $6-12K for quality stags. Chile and some European estates (Austria, Scotland) round out the range.
Best Methods
- ● Spot-and-stalk glassing from alpine basins
- ● Calling to roaring stags in dense cover
- ● Ambushing rut routes near wallow sites
- ● Archery hunting at midday bedding areas
Gear Notes
.270 Win, .30-06, .308 Win, or 6.5 PRC are ideal calibers for typical shot ranges (200-400 yards). NZ guides recommend zeroing 2" high at 100. Bring premium optics — glassing is a 6-8 hour per day discipline.
Where to Catch Red Stag
12 vetted experiences across 2 countries.
Alumine River Lodge, Patagonia Argentina
Anglers and Hunters in the Patagonia region of Argentina will be delighted with the diverse and beautiful land, mountain and water-scapes. They will also be taken a-back and pleasantly surprised by the quiet of the area.
Chacoabuco Mountain Camp, Argentina
Located in the Neuquen Province, of Argentina in Lanin National Park, Chacabuco is a 100 percent fair- chase destination, one of the most challenging hunts in Argentina.
El Monte Lodge, Argentina
El Monte is located 3 hours southwest of Cordoba or 2 hours northeast of San Luis in the hill country as opposed to the flat plains.
Estancia Algar, Argentina
Estancia Algar is situated on and open plateau and consists of 60,000-acres of private ranchland. It is located 60 miles north of beautiful San Carlos de Bariloche.
Estancia Sihuen, Patagonia, Argentina
Estancia Sihuen is a family owned 23,000 acre ranch, located 10 miles southwest of Junin de los Andes. The land is classic high Patagonian plateau steppe and mesa country.
Four Seasons Safaris, New Zealand
Four Seasons Safari is a Professional Outdoor Guide Service throughout New Zealand offering hunting, trout and salmon fly fishing, skiing, and jet boating safaris.
Glazebrook Station, New Zealand
Glazebrook Station lies at the heart of a majestic 23,000 acre property, protected by steep faces that rise from the pristine Waihopai River valley in New Zealand's high country.
Lago Hermoso, Argentina
Lago Hermoso Lodge is located in San Martin de los Andes, a wild place with high mountains, no fences, and wild Red Stags. The waters near Hermosa are pristine with Andes Mountain backdrops.
Poronui, North New Zealand
Poronui is located in the northern part of New Zealand and offers high quality hunting, fishing and wilderness experiences. Rated in the top ten fly fishing destinations in the world by Forbes Magazine.
Red Stag Patagonia
Red Stag Patagonia offers unique and exciting hunting programs in Chile and Argentina, providing truly wild hunts in the splendor of South America with world class sporting, impeccable service and lodging.
Rincon de Luna Estancia, Argentina
Rincon de Luna is a huge ranch in the Cacamuchitas Valley near Cordoba, Argentina, specializing in trophy Red Stag hunting with numerous other species available including Fallow deer, Mouflon, and Axis deer.
Riverview Lodge, New Zealand
Riverview Lodge is situated on a plateau overlooking the beautiful Hanmer Springs valley in New Zealand. This small, personal lodge with just 5 bedrooms offers exclusivity to small groups with both fishing and hunting experiences.
Explore Other Species
Browse our full species catalog.