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

The Andorran Federation of Hunting and Fishing (FACIP) has issued a more precise assessment of Chamois Week, which concluded yesterday, estimating that hunters achieved between 80% and 85% of the 220 authorised captures. FACIP president Josep Maria Cabanes described it as one of the best events in years, citing favourable weather throughout and no recorded incidents or diseased chamois.

Cabanes highlighted daily sightings across the mountains, enabled by warm temperatures and minimal high-altitude rain. He attributed the strong chamois population—now at 1,422 individuals, up from 1,408 last year—to sustained collaborative efforts by the environment ministry, game wardens, hunters, and ecologists on the oversight commission. This includes pre-event monitoring by wardens, which confirmed no illnesses; Cabanes noted that 15 years ago a disease had cut numbers by 70%, while 50 years back only two or three chamois roamed the peaks. The population also saw about 50 more kids than last count, with a 20% average rise in the youth growth index across parishes.

No kids or yearlings under two years old were harvested, reflecting hunters' selective approach that spares females with young to bolster numbers. Cabanes contrasted this with last September's wet weather, which limited captures to 169 out of 202 permits. Additional quotas remain: 17 chamois at Xixerella, Ransol, and Sorteny, plus 30 in the Enclar reserve, from 19 October to 25 December.

Youth participation was a standout, with many very young hunters ensuring generational renewal. Cabanes praised the mindset shift, where participants value time in nature and social camps amid Andorra's peaks over filling tags. Safety was impeccable, with no accidents. He thanked all partners for their consensus-driven management, calling universal involvement the event's core strength. Official figures are pending a final tally.