Spain

Spain is a model for balancing a strong national hunting heritage with modern wildlife management practices. Hunting is regulated by regional governments, each staffed by game department officials who besides being individual stewards of the game in their assigned sectors, often participate in hunts – particularly for Ibex and Chamois species on public lands.

Perhaps in sharp contrast to most game department officials worldwide who focus on law enforcement, Spain's wildlife department supports the hunting guides in the field. They regard the taking of superlative trophies in their areas as a matter of sincere professional and national pride.

This remarkable philosophy adds a unique dimension to the hunting experience, so much so that many hunters often commit to returning to Spain during their first trip as they internalize the country's larger array of attractive big game species available.

From the Pyrenees in the north to the central plateaus and further south to the Mediterranean highlands, Spain is a hunter's paradise deeply rooted in timeless traditions. Private estate-based hunts are plentiful across the country, and mountainous free-range areas present multiple species for Capra collectors especially.

Each of the four subspecies of Ibex—Gredos, Beceite, Southeastern, and Ronda—are tied to specific mountain ranges (Gredos Ibex in the granite highlands of The Gredos Mountains central Spain, Beceite Ibex in eastern Spain, and the Southeastern and Ronda Ibex in the Sierra Nevada and Rhonda Mountains in the south). Hunted by the spot and stalk method in rugged terrain, all four of the Ibex Slam present challenges of fitness and shooting ability.

Yes, physical conditioning always helps. But considering all of the various Ibex terrains across the entire country, the mountains its Ibex inhabit are generally more navigable than those where Asia's ibex are found.

Pyrenean Chamois are found in their namesake Pyrenees Mountains, and, similarly, Cantabrian Chamois are found in the Cantabrian Mountains. Agile and ultra alert, both chamois require skilled stalking due to the terrain and their elusive nature. They may have smaller horns than Ibex but are highly valued for the hunting experience they provide.

Although generally smaller than some of their European counterparts, Spanish Red Deer are genetically distinct and can produce magnificent antlers, often terminating in crown points. Large estates typically provide ideal conditions for trophy stags. Hunting methods include both spot and stalk for select trophies and driven hunts, called Monterías, a classic and frequent method of stag hunting for large groups. Monterías are a traditional way of hunting that are also used for estate game management purposes with groups essentially performing a culling operation of multiple species in a sporting way.

Originally a native of Corsica, Mouflon were introduced at the end of the 19th century and have proliferated since then. Found primarily in central and southern Spain's hilly and rocky outcroppings and forested areas with open grazing areas, these wary sheep are a noteworthy trophy.

Wild Boar are found nationwide and overabundant in some regions. They thrive in forests, scrublands, and agricultural fringes. Largely nocturnal, night hunts, driven hunts (including full blown Monterías), and using dogs to flush them are effective hunting methods.

Other species include Roe Deer, Fallow Deer, Aoudad Sheep, and the Balearean Boc. Also known as the Mallorcan wild goat, the Balearean Boc was introduced to Mallorca around 2000 B.C. by the Phoenicians as a food source. Over millennia, it adapted to the island's rugged, mountainous terrain, evolving into a distinct subspecies recognized by major hunting organizations like SCI.

Spain's hunting season naturally varies by species but overall is quite long – from September extending all the way through to June for certain species such as Roe Deer and Balearean Boc. So, hunt timing ranges over several months creating opportunities that can fit into many personal schedules.

Spain's multiple trophy species are reason enough to hunt there. But hunters will also enjoy a high standard of outfitting complete with immersion into its exceptional food, impressive sights, and cultural warmth. Caprinae Safaris has world-class outfitting capabilities in Spain, and contacting us for a consultation will provide you will all the options and finer details of each hunt.