Big game hunting seasons in Spain: a complete guide

Big game hunting in Spain has been a deeply rooted practice since time immemorial. This activity not only provides a deep connection with nature, but also contributes to the conservation of ecosystems and the control of wildlife populations. However, in order to practice hunting in an ethical and sustainable manner, it is essential to know the hunting periods established by the competent authorities.  

In Spain, big game hunting periods vary according to the autonomous community and the species in question. These periods are designed to ensure that hunting takes place at times when animal populations can withstand extraction without jeopardizing their survival. Moreover, respecting these periods is crucial to maintain the ecological balance and ensure that future generations can enjoy this activity.  

Next, we will delve into the big game hunting periods, the animals that can be hunted and the territories where this practice is allowed in Spain. We will also explore the main big game species, providing information on each of them.  

Big game hunting periods, animals and territories in Spain

In Spain, big game hunting periods are regulated by the hunting bans of each autonomous community. These orders specify the dates and conditions under which each species can be hunted. Below, we tell you about the big game hunting periods in the different autonomous communities:  

  • Andalucía: The big game hunting season for species such as deer, fallow deer, mouflon and wild boar generally begins in mid-October and runs until mid-February. The ibex, on the other hand, has a longer hunting period, running from October to the end of April. And roe deer, from July to August.  
  • Aragón: In Aragón, the big game hunting period for deer, fallow deer, mouflon, wild boar and roe deer is from September to October. The ibex has a hunting period that extends until the end of April. Roe deer can be hunted from July to August.  
  • Asturias: In this community, big game hunting includes chamois from the beginning of November until the end of the same month. Roe deer and red deer from the beginning of September to the end of October. Fallow deer, from October to March. And finally, wild boar from October to February.  
  • Cantabria: In Cantabria, the big game hunting periods for deer and wild boar begin at the beginning of September and end in December. Roe deer has a specific hunting period from the beginning of September to the end of the same month.  
  • Castilla-La Mancha: This region is known for its rich hunting tradition. The big game hunting periods for red deer, fallow deer, mouflon and wild boar are usually similar to those of Andalusia, starting in October and ending in February. Roe deer, however, has a specific hunting period from April to July. And the ibex starts in October and ends in January.  
  • Castilla y León: In Castilla y León, the big game hunting periods for deer, fallow deer, mouflon and wild boar extend from October to February. Roe deer can be hunted from October to February. The ibex can be hunted from November to July. And finally, the wolf, until the end of February.  
  • Cataluña: In Cataluña, big game hunting periods for mouflon, fallow deer and wild boar begin in October and end in March. The ibex and chamois have a shorter hunting period from October to January.   
  • Comunidad Valenciana: In this community, wild boar can only be hunted from October to the end of February.  
  • Extremadura: In Extremadura, big game hunting periods also vary according to the species. For example, wild boar from October to February 20. And then in open stalking, fallow deer until the end of October and wild boar until December, ibex until March. And in the case of stalking in enclosed areas, it would be until February 20.  
  • Galicia: In Galicia, big game hunting periods for fallow deer and mouflon are from October to January. While roe deer can only be hunted until October.  
  • Islas Baleares: boc every day of the year.  
  • Islas Canarias: no species.  
  • La Rioja: wild boar until February 13, deer until October 8, and roe deer until December.  
  • Madrid: In the Community of Madrid, the big game hunting periods for deer, fallow deer and mouflon on stalking begin in September until February. Wild boar jumping from October to January.  
  • Murcia: big game hunting periods for deer, fallow deer, mouflon and wild boar extend from February to July 
  • Navarra: In Navarra, big game hunting periods for wild boar are until February, fallow deer in driven hunt from October to February, red deer from October to February, and roe deer from April to July.  
  •  País Vasco: wild boar, deer and roe deer until March. While in Vizcaya, roe deer and wild boar until April.  

These periods are designed to coincide with the biological cycles of the species, ensuring that hunting is carried out at times when the populations can support extraction. In addition, the closed hunting seasons also specify the hunting days, which may vary according to the autonomous community and the species.

 

Main big game species in Spain

Spain is home to a wide variety of big game species, each with its own characteristics and habitats. Here are some of the main big game species in the country:  

  • Deer (Cervus elaphus): The deer is one of Spain's most emblematic big game species. It is found in various regions of the country, including Castilla y León, Extremadura and Andalusia. Deer are known for their impressive antlers and elusive behavior, making them an exciting challenge for hunters.  
  • Wild boar (Sus scrofa): The wild boar is another very popular species among Spanish hunters. These animals are known for their strength and aggressiveness, which makes them difficult to hunt. Wild boars are found in almost all regions of Spain, from the forests of the north to the dehesas of the south.  
  • Fallow deer (Dama dama): Fallow deer are a big game species found mainly in the regions of Castilla-La Mancha and Extremadura. These animals are known for their webbed antlers and their gregarious behavior. 
  • Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus): The roe deer is a smaller species compared to the red deer and fallow deer, but no less challenging to hunt. It is found in various regions of Spain, including Galicia, Asturias and Castilla y León. Roe deer are known for their agility and ability to move quickly through dense foliage.  
  • Mountain goat (Capra pyrenaica): The mountain goat is a big game species found in the mountainous regions of Spain, such as the Pyrenees and the Sierra de Gredos. These animals are known for their ability to climb steep terrain and their territorial behavior.  
  • Chamois (Rupicarpa rupicapra): The chamois, also known as sarrio in some regions, is a big game species that inhabits the mountainous areas of northern Spain, such as the Pyrenees and the Cantabrian Mountains. They are known for their agility and ability to move in steep terrain.  
  • Arruí: (Ammotragus lervia): The Arruí is a species introduced in Spain and is found mainly in the regions of Murcia and Alicante. These animals are known for their endurance and their ability to survive in arid environments. 
  • Boc Balear: Capra aegagrus hircus): The Balearic boz is a species of wild goat found in the Balearic Islands. They are known for their long, curved horns and their ability to move in rocky terrain.  
  • Mouflon (Ovis orientalis musimon): The mouflon is a big game species found in several regions of Spain, including Castilla y León and Extremadura. They are known for their spiral horns and their gregarious behavior.  
Each of these species offers a unique hunting experience, and knowing their habits and habitats is essential for successful hunting. In addition, it is important to respect established hunting seasons and regulations to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations.

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