Improvements, poaching, and hunting plan 2025/2026 in Gredos

The advisory board of the Sierra de Gredos Hunting Reserve has announced important measures to strengthen the management and protection of this emblematic natural area, allocating a budget of €705,000 for structural improvements and enhanced surveillance. At the same meeting, the hunting management plan for the 2025-2026 period was also agreed upon, with the allocation of specific permits for each species.

Reinforcement in surveillance

In this regard, €360,000 of the total budget will be allocated exclusively to surveillance , which includes the hiring of seven new professionals equipped with advanced technology, such as drones with thermal and infrared cameras and night vision devices.

Thanks to this effort, authorities are confident they can keep illegal activities in the reserve under control, which currently represent a minimal impact compared to the area's rich game reserves.

Permits for the 2025-2026 season

The approved hunting plan includes permits for hunting:

• 167 males and 130 females of selective mountain goats.
• 6 male roe deer and 10 male deer, both non-medalable.
• 120 male deer and 120 female deer.
• Wild boar and fox with unlimited quota.

Regarding small game hunting, a maximum of six hunting days will be authorized for species such as rabbit, partridge, and quail in municipalities such as San Juan de Gredos, Navalperal de Tormes, and Hoyos del Espino.

In addition to surveillance, the budget will also cover road repairs in several municipalities, including Hoyos del Espino and Santiago de Tormes, renovation of shelters, and the purchase of equipment for security guards.

Poaching in Gredos

During the session, the successful operation of November 30th, which dismantled a poaching ring and resulted in the arrest of three people, was celebrated. Manuel Díez, director of the reserve, highlighted the effectiveness of the current measures, while María Ángeles Prieto, president of the owners' association, emphasized the need to toughen penalties for poaching , describing it as a serious crime that must be dealt with more severely.

These initiatives reflect the commitment of the Regional Government of Castile and León to the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable development of the Sierra de Gredos Hunting Reserve.

Author: María Balletbó