Chamois

DescriptionSubspeciesCharacteristicsHuntingBook

Chamois

The chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra) is a bovid of the subfamily Caprinae present in some mountain ranges of Europe, such as the Carpathians, the Alps, the Caucasus, and certain mountainous areas of the Balkans, Slovakia, and Turkey.

Adapted to vertiginous heights and steep terrain, its hunting is a test of endurance and skill. The beauty of the high mountains combines with the excitement of hunting in an adventure that tests physical prowess and the spirit of overcoming, offering a pure and traditional hunting experience.

Subspecies in Spain

Different subspecies of chamois exist. In Spain, we can find two of them, each adapted to its particular mountainous environment:

Pyrenean Chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica
In the Aragonese Pyrenees it is also known as "sarrio"
Cantabrian Chamois Probably the smallest in size of all the subspecies

Physical Characteristics

The body length in adult specimens ranges from 110 to 130 cm, to which must be added the 3 or 4 cm contributed by the short tail. The height at the withers is 70-80 cm. Males are larger than females, with darker and more pronounced colors and longer horns. These grow upward and curve strongly backward like a pair of hooks.

Body length110-130 cm
Tail3-4 cm
Height at withers70-80 cm
Sexual dimorphismMales larger and darker
HornsGrow upward, curve backward like hooks
Horn lengthGreater length in males

Hunting the Chamois

Stalking chamois is the king of high mountain hunting modalities, due to its great difficulty and the landscapes of incredible beauty. The hunter can enjoy an authentic stalk in areas with high density and quality specimens.

The chamois hunting season varies depending on the autonomous community where the hunt takes place. Generally, the hunting season extends from September to December, although these periods may vary slightly in each region.

It is important to consult the specific regulations for each area before planning the hunt.

Chamois enter the rut between November and the first weeks of December. During this time, groups of males follow those of females and join them, resulting in strong confrontations between males, who fight head to head for the right to reproduce.

This period is especially interesting for observing the natural behavior of the species and for locating trophy males.

Stalking chamois requires:

  • Excellent physical condition: High mountain and steep terrain demand optimal physical fitness
  • Endurance: The days are long and physically demanding
  • Skill and ability: Vertiginous terrain requires mountain experience
  • Patience and stealth: Chamois have very acute senses and are extremely cautious
  • Mountain equipment: Technical footwear, appropriate clothing, and safety gear
  • Quality optics: Powerful binoculars and scope for spotting at long distances

Chamois hunting is considered one of the most rewarding and traditional hunting experiences in Europe, combining physical challenge with the incomparable beauty of high mountain landscapes.

In Spain, the main chamois hunting areas are:

  • Pyrenees: Both on the Aragonese and Catalan sides, with the Pyrenean chamois or "sarrio"
  • Cantabrian Mountains: Home of the Cantabrian chamois in provinces such as León, Asturias, and Cantabria

Both areas offer healthy populations with high-quality specimens and spectacular natural environments.

Book Your Chamois Hunt

We offer chamois hunting experiences in the best areas of Spain, with guides specialized in high mountain hunting and quality guarantees. Contact us to learn about availability, prices, and plan your next mountain adventure.

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