Question
Hunting in Spain: I’ve had trouble getting solid information on my questions, firstly how easy is it to hunt in Spain, and secondly how difficult would it be to import my hunting firearms from the united states?
Hunting is a big part of my culture , from my ancestors coming from southern germany. Indeed.There were times when as a young child.My father was laid off for a long time.And that is how we fed ourselves.
Additionally , having worked in a slaughtered house and a farm as well, i can guarantee that hunting is far more merciful. A well managed population has a higher average population.Then naturally unmanaged one which peaks and ebbs. Trust the science.
Answers
These are the answers from Spainguru’s Facebook group members:
“Yeah I asked same question when I moved here and so many people lost there mind because I wanted to bring couple guns to hunt with. I ended up giving up on being any because people were just a bunch of b****** about it. I was asking the legal process to do it because I know people hunt here. I have found a few outfitters I use and go with. It cost a little but it’s better than not hunting. I have been in fallow hunts and red stag hunts. They lone you the gun.”
“It’s not bad, it’s just that Spain has incredible strict controls on residents owning firearms. There are many hunting clubs that you can join, but bringing your collection over will be incredible costly and you will likely be limited on the type you can bring. It isn’t simple freight.”
Read Does Spain have strict gun laws? Has anyone import their firearms there?
“Info available on Guardia Civil webpage. Would need to pass a written & practical test to obtain a license to possess firearms. Then you would need to pass another test for a hunting license. Don’t know what’s involved in importing firearms, but I believe you would have to have the possession license to take possession on this side after importation. Handguns are much more strictly regulated than long guns.”
“They only allow a bolt action or shotgun.”
“Hunting is a popular sport in some areas of Spain but you MUST be a member of a registered hunting club in order to participate. No clue about importing your firearms but first port of call would be to find a club near to where you plan to settle in Spain. Try a Google search for “asociación de caza” and your location in Spain.”
“Is this a serious question? Here is the simple answer: leave the guns at home. If you want to hunt find a guide, join a club or go through the arduous and expensive test to get firearm and hunting licenses. There are also magazine limits etc to consider. Importing will be a hassle of epic proportions. Welcome to Europe, where you actually have to be qualified to own a hunt and buy a gun.”
“So I’d ask a lawyer. You’re not gonna get great answers here. But it is very possible! Don’t listen to people poo-pooing you. People in Spain do hunt. What I am almost certain about is that you’d have to “start from zero” insofar as getting a license for firearms go.”
“There’s hunting in Spain. You can own a gun, but the process is not easy or simple (nothing here is). It would take a while. Importing your weapons…that I have no clue on. They do have hunting groups here. I see signs for hunting all the time when I drive outside of the city.”
“It is a tremendous hill to climb. We have a family heirloom worth 10s of thousands of dollars that we can’t have with us here. It’s been in the family for 150 years and is not used at all now, but the Spanish government says nope. We were going to hand it down to our son but now we’re looking for a buyer in the u.s.”
“There are definitely hunting clubs in smaller towns. I’m sure it’s possible but you’d probably need a license before importing your guns.”
“Difficult to hunt in Spain but not impossible. A friend’s father from Catalunya was an avid hunter. Used a shotgun.”
Conclusion
Based on the shared experiences, hunting in Spain is possible but highly regulated. Most contributors agree that joining a registered hunting club and obtaining the proper licenses is mandatory before participating in any hunting activity.
Importing firearms from the United States is widely described as complex, costly, and restrictive. Several members note that only certain types of firearms, such as bolt-action rifles or shotguns, may be allowed, and that all licensing requirements must usually be completed before importation.
A common takeaway is that many expats choose to hunt through outfitters who provide firearms, avoiding the difficulties of ownership and importation. For anyone seriously interested in hunting in Spain, professional legal advice and local hunting clubs are essential starting points when exploring Hunting in Spain.
This article is based on personal opinions from the Spainguru community and is not legal advice.
