Andorra Hunters Discipline Poacher for Illegal Chamois Kill

Andorra's Banders d’Andorra has opened a disciplinary proceeding against a hunter for a very serious infraction after detecting the illegal killing of a chamois outside authorised periods and without permission.

The case emerged during a routine hunting surveillance operation over the weekend. Officers confiscated the animal’s head, the rifle used in the act, and a communication device at the site. The infraction carries potential penalties of up to a €4,000 fine and a four-year ban on hunting or capturing any animals.

Banders d’Andorra shared details of the action on social media several days later, stressing that such poaching remains rare. The agency continues routine patrols to protect wild fauna and promote responsible, legal hunting.

Chamois hunting is permitted only during the annual Setmana de l’Isard in September or in controlled capture periods in designated hunting reserves such as Xixerella, Ransol, and Sorteny, where hunters must be accompanied by Banders staff. These rules follow hunting plans approved by the government last August, based on a census of 1,409 chamois—similar to the 1,375 counted in 2024.

Banders thanked the public for their role in respecting and preserving Andorra’s natural environment.