More than 80% of Spain’s territory is officially recognized as hunting grounds. This unique feature forces residents and all visitors to devote their free time to hunting. In Spain, this activity is stimulating and straightforward in terms of organization but has several features that are not typical for other countries.
This article will only discuss the most critical nuances that all hunters should know. This information will help organize the event correctly and provide great pleasure.
Hunting laws in Spain
Thousands of hunting enthusiasts live in Spain, which has adopted several laws regulating key processes to prevent their activities from becoming chaotic game shooting. According to these laws, hunting is mainly allowed for adults who can be responsible for their actions. In some cases, this activity may be available to teenagers from 14 to 18 years old. However, they must be supervised by adults.
Only those who successfully pass the exam can receive a hunting license. The exam has two stages, each equally important for assessing the hunter’s readiness to receive the main hunting document. Also, everyone wanting a trophy should consider that each autonomous community of Spain has additional requirements. This forces candidates to carefully study the rules and regulations in a particular region.
Hunters are allowed to have only six guns in Spain. This feature of local legislation slightly limits professionals who like to use different types of weapons for each animal. Certain limits also exist for cartridges. They are installed depending on the type of weapon that is planned to be used for hunting.
Another important nuance is the absence of restrictions on using different kinds of night vision optics. This opens up new opportunities for hunters to do what they love and gives them the freedom to choose the time of day that is their priority.
Popular types of hunting
Monteria is very popular in Spain. This type of driven hunt involves tracking down potential prey and then chasing it. Most often, the game used is a wild boar or some ungulate, which is common throughout the country. Monteria is traditionally held from mid-autumn to late winter, so everyone has enough time to organize several events.
An alternative option is the so-called Rececho. It is allowed in Spain throughout almost all 12 months, which is the main factor that determines its popularity. A small animal is chosen as a game for Rececho. In this case, the hunt becomes more exciting and unpredictable.
Another popular type of hunting is Espera. It involves setting up a shelter and waiting for the animal to approach it. To speed up the process, hunters use a variety of baits or available methods of attracting game. Also, the list of popular types of hunting in Spain should include Caza en mano, Ojeo, Reclamo, and Cetreia. All of them are unique and interesting in their own way, so they are worthy of the attention of every hunting enthusiast.
Popular game species
Red deer
The red deer is a popular game among Spanish hunters and representatives of other countries. It is found in all autonomous communities of Spain, and each of them does not have the status of a species prohibited from shooting. Red deer can often be found in forests and low mountains. Also, individuals of both sexes periodically go out into the open, becoming visible to hunters.
It is in these places that this animal should be hunted. In Spain, the hunting season for red deer opens in mid-September and closes at the end of February.
Roe deer
The roe deer is a favorite of many Spaniards. This animal adapts perfectly to life in any natural location and does not have problems with the population. It can be found in deciduous and mixed forests, with dense vegetation, in open areas and at the foot of the mountains.
The legal period for hunting this animal varies for each autonomous community. In most cases, roe deer can be hunted from the first days of April to mid-October. However, in some regions, stricter restrictions apply, reducing the period when it is allowed to shoot this animal.
Partridge
Of all the birds in Spain, the partridge is considered the most popular among hunters. It easily adapts to new habitats, settling wherever possible to get food. Thanks to this, almost all hunting grounds in Spain offer the opportunity to shoot such a game. Partridges are protected species.
This has a positive effect on the choice of hunting season and makes it as long as possible. Shooting these birds from October to the end of February is allowed in most regions. This time is definitely enough to get several dozen partridges.
Best hunting places
Andalusia
Many hunting enthusiasts consider this autonomous community in southern Spain the best place to obtain prestigious trophies. Andalusia is ready to offer all visitors and locals unlimited opportunities to hold events and observe wildlife. The region has many private and public lands where many games can be played. The most popular game in Andalusia is ungulates, found in huge numbers here, which is good news for all hunting enthusiasts.
Castile and Leon
This picturesque autonomous community in northwestern Spain boasts magnificent wildlife. The region features dense forests, rolling hills, open plains and more. This diversity allows for the formation of many ecosystems with unique fauna. Castile and Leon are often visited by hunters who want to get a trophy and enjoy being in nature. There are many big and small games to shoot so that everyone will have a wide choice of priority options.
Extremadura
This autonomous community in western Spain is a favorite destination for many novice and professional hunters. The region is characterized by hilly terrain and several high peaks, making it ideal for animal hunters who prefer to live in mountainous areas.
The region also has vast savannas, where hunters can encounter some fauna at every step. In addition to getting a trophy, Extremadura allows hunters to see unique wildlife and spend time away from the bustle of large cities.
Hunting in Spain is one of the most popular forms of entertainment. This activity captivates people of different genders and ages and is considered accessible to hunters with different financial capabilities.
Everyone should know the nuances of successfully organizing and conducting this activity to hunt in Spain. This is the only way to avoid troubles and get maximum pleasure from the time spent.
