The Country of Chile

Chile is a long, narrow country located on the western edge of South America, stretching from the Atacama Desert in the north to the glacial landscapes of southern Patagonia.¹ It is bordered by Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina, with a vast Pacific Ocean coastline of over 6,000 km (3,700 miles).² The capital and largest city is Santiago, located in a valley surrounded by the Andes Mountains.³ Chile is a unitary presidential republic and has one of the most stable economies in South America.⁴ The country is known for its diverse climate zones, which range from the world’s driest desert to alpine tundra.⁵

Wildlife of Chile

Chile’s unique geography has resulted in a wide variety of ecosystems and, consequently, a diverse range of wildlife.⁶ Much of the country’s fauna is found in protected national parks and reserves.

• Mammals: Key land mammals include the puma (or cougar), the guanaco (a wild camelid and a relative of the llama), and the national animal, the huemul (a type of deer).⁷ In the south, you can find the pudú, the world’s smallest deer.⁸ The coastal waters are home to marine life such as blue whales, humpback whales, southern right whales, dolphins, sea lions, and several species of penguins, including the Magellanic penguin.
• Birds: The Andean condor, the national bird, is one of the largest flying birds in the world.⁹ Other notable birds include the Chilean flamingo and a variety of waterfowl, raptors, and seabirds.¹⁰
• Other Animals: The country is also home to various reptiles, amphibians, and a number of unique and endangered species, such as the Darwin’s fox.¹¹

Hunting in Chile

Hunting in Chile is a regulated activity, but it is not as widespread as in some other countries. The regulations are managed by the government and can be complex, often requiring hunters to work with licensed outfitters.¹²

• Legal Status: Sport hunting is permitted for certain species, primarily those that are non-native or considered pests. However, the hunting of native species is heavily restricted or outright prohibited.¹³ For example, pumas are protected by law, even though they may be present in hunting areas.¹⁴
• Key Species: The primary species for which hunting is legal and popular among both domestic and international hunters are introduced species. These include the red stag and fallow deer, particularly in the southern regions of Patagonia.¹⁵ Hunting for wild boar is also common, as they are considered an invasive species.¹⁶
• Bird Hunting: Bird hunting is also permitted for certain species, but it is not as common as big game hunting.¹⁷
• Regulations and Licensing: Hunters must obtain a license and adhere to strict rules regarding hunting seasons, bag limits, and the use of firearms.¹⁸ Bringing a personal firearm into Chile is a complex process, and most outfitters provide rifle rentals to international hunters.
• Trophy Hunting: Chile is known for trophy hunting, particularly for large, free-ranging red stags in the Andes Mountains.¹⁹ However, the export of certain trophies may be subject to additional regulations.