Capybara hunts are typically conducted along waterways in northern provinces such as Corrientes and Santa Fe. Early in the morning hunters with hounds drive capybaras out of the brush and race to intercept them before they reach deep water. On ranches where they are lightly hunted, capybaras remain calm and guides can stalk groups to within 100 yards, selecting a mature male identified by a raised nose bump. Shots are taken quickly because alarmed animals will dive into water and disappear; some hunts also use boats to access remote lagoons.

Capybaras live in family groups or packs, commonly a dozen to twenty individuals, but sometimes more than thirty. They spend much of their time partially submerged; when alarmed they splash into deeper water, so hunts must be timed carefully. Capybara hunting is allowed only on private ranches under provincial permits, and exportation is restricted. Harvests focus on mature males, and quotas are limited to ensure populations remain healthy; indigenous communities and ranchers value capybaras for meat, so sustainable use is essential.