11.12.2024 • Travel

Proud Spaniards

Excellent game stocks, hunting traditions and the passion of the Spanish make la caza an unforgettable experience.

Text: Redaktion, Fotos: Toquero Hunting

It is easy to imagine that Spain would have been one of the favorite places of Diana, the goddess of hunting. Hardly anywhere else offers a similar selection of big and small game, with the opportunity to hunt almost all year round. Spain's hunting destinations are also easily accessible, as Spain is already one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe - appreciated for its pleasant climate and the hospitality of the Spanish. Add to this the excellent culinary delights and Spanish wine and it's high time to go hunting in Spain. However, a warning should be issued right away: There is a risk of repetition!

Ibex in Spain

Accommodation is available in hunting lodges, hotels or the typical paradors.

The latter are often located in former monasteries or castles.

A successful day's hunting among friends - Juan Toquero and his team deliberately cultivate this family atmosphere.

The quick-as-an-arrow red grouse demands a lot from the shotgun shooter.

Spanish wine and specialties, such as a refreshing gazpacho or grilled red chicken, also make the hunting trip a culinary experience.

1 / 1

Gredos, just 200 kilometers west of Madrid, is known worldwide among rifle hunters, especially those who have succumbed to the fascination of ibex. While the most famous cherries in Spain grow in the valleys, the famous ibex live in the mountains of the Sierra de Gredos, which extend up to 2600 meters. The first part of the ascent is usually done by car or on horseback - a pleasant option for those who don't want to start stalking in the valley. The views of the Sierra de Gredos become more spectacular with every meter of ascent. The bare mountains and their bizarre rock formations are a fitting backdrop for the majestic ibex. Outfitter Juan Toquero loves taking his clients here because “mountain hunting is still a real adventure. It requires a certain amount of determination, but is rewarded with unforgettable memories.” Many of his clients come back after a successful hunt to hunt another species of ibex. In total, there are four different subspecies of ibex in Spain: Gredos, Beceite, Ronda and the Sierra Nevada ibex.

Many clients also opt for one of the many other hunting options offered by Blaser Safaris' partner. “For example, we also organize monterias as social hunts or individual hunts for barbary sheep or mouflon,” says Juan Toquero. Juan also has an irresistible offer for anyone whose eyes start to sparkle with anticipation as soon as they hold a shotgun in their hands: red grouse hunting in La Mancha, just a stone's throw from Madrid. The driven hunt for the native red grouse, known as “ojeo” in Spain, came into fashion in the late 19th century when the then King Alfonso XIII was so enthusiastic about it that the noble families wanted to do the same. Since then, the hunt for these swift-as-an-arrow red-legged partridges has been unparalleled worldwide.
Juan has a typical hunting lodge right in the hunting area. There is enough space for 12 hunters and their companions. “The average daily bag is at least 500 birds,” says Juan Tuquero. He knows his hunting grounds inside out, having worked as an outfitter for more than 25 years. However, despite the company's growth, it is important to him and his wife Agueda that the atmosphere remains familiar. Juan Toquero: “Our guests should feel at home and be able to relax while experiencing fantastic hunts.” Special experiences are also offered to non-hunting companions. They can choose from a wide range of excursions to places of interest, shopping destinations or culinary exploration tours.