Andorra Chamois Week Hits 80-85% of Quota in Best Event in Years

Andorra's Chamois Week concluded with 189 captures out of 221 authorised in common hunting grounds, achieving 85-86% of the quota, Environment Minister Guillem Casal reported.

The eight-day event under the ring allocation system for individual hunters or groups saw no major incidents, accidents, or serious sanctions. Casal described the results as expected and consistent with recent years, noting only minor administrative breaches, mainly delays in reporting captures. These could incur fines of €100, reduced to €60 with prompt compliance. He cited an example of a hunter who correctly ringed a capture but notified authorities the next day instead of immediately.

Casal praised the vital partnership between hunters and game wardens, essential for sound hunting practices under technical oversight. He highlighted management based on population counts to set quotas, along with updates from the new hunting law, including graduated penalties. The shift to personal, non-transferable rings has lowered hunter numbers and the chamois-per-hunter ratio, ensuring safer practices aligned with environmental standards and census data.

The summer census recorded 1,186 chamois across common grounds and the Xixerella, Ransol, and Sorteny reserves—a 26.14% increase from last year's 1,119. Andorran Federation of Hunting and Fishing (FACIP) president Josep Maria Cabanes described it as one of the strongest events in years, crediting warm weather, abundant sightings, and no diseased animals. He commended collaboration among the environment ministry, wardens, hunters, and ecologists, which has restored populations from historic lows—halved by disease 15 years ago and nearly extinct 50 years prior.

Hunters spared yearlings under two years to protect females and young, with youth numbers up by about 50 and the youth growth index rising 20% on average across parishes. Cabanes noted robust youth involvement, zero accidents, and a focus on nature connection. FACIP estimated the capture rate at 80-85%.

Hunting continues until November in reserves via biweekly draws, with slots for 17 chamois in Xixerella, Ransol, and Sorteny, plus 30 in Enclar through 25 December. Future activity will target delimited reserves for population control using suitable specimens and designated hunters.

Casal underscored the event's conservation value and links to public lands, advocating its place alongside fishing, hiking, skiing, and wildlife photography to promote awareness and sustainable habits. He called for further territory research. Last September's wet weather produced just 169 out of 202. Final figures are pending.