Barbary sheep and ibex in southeastern Spain
Spain's free-ranging Barbary sheep lives in the southeast and is hunted on the stalk at long range. It shares ground and season with the local ibex.
- Species
- Arrui (Barbary Sheep) · Sierra Nevada Ibex
- Months
- October · November · December · January · February
- Ranges
- Southeast (Murcia and Almería) · Sierra Nevada
- Airports
- Valencia · Málaga · Madrid
- Duration
- 5 to 7 days
Indicative windows derived from the catalogue: firm dates are published each year by each region in its orden de vedas. Rates on request.
Barbary sheep is the species an international hunter least expects when thinking about Spain, and the one that most surprises him when he sees it: an African-looking mountain sheep living free in the most arid landscape in Europe.
How it is hunted
On the stalk, with shots that usually open out to 300 or 400 metres. The southeastern ground — Murcia and Almería — is open, dry and without cover, so the approach is long and the shot is set up calmly. Arrival through Valencia.
Why it pairs with the southeastern ibex
Because they are close together and share a calendar. The southeastern ibex subspecies is hunted in the Sierra Nevada, in the same southern half of the country, and its season overlaps with the Barbary sheep's in the months above. Two very different mountain animals — a goat and a sheep — on a trip of under a week.
Who it is for
For the hunter who already has an ibex and wants something different, and for the shooter who enjoys distance. Also for the collector building a sheep list, not only a goat one.
The hunts in this program
Arrui (Barbary Sheep)
High-mountain hunting in its purest form: the arrui, with curved horns and mane, in southeastern Spain.
Sierra Nevada Ibex
High-mountain hunting at its finest, with mild temperatures and clear skies.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the Spanish Barbary sheep free-ranging?
- Yes, the southeastern population lives free across open ground of tens of thousands of hectares.
- What shooting distance should I expect?
- Typically 300 to 400 metres. Come with a rifle you know well at that range.
- Does it count toward any slam?
- Barbary sheep appears in the sheep listings, not the goat ones. It is a separate entry from the ibex.
Secure your dates
Quota and the best dates are allocated months in advance. Tell us your travel window and we send confirmed availability.