The Federation of Hunters of the Valencian Community has welcomed the decree. Credit: Scott Bauer / Creative Commons
Hunters on the Costa Blanca are in for a treat — the region has just opened up fresh opportunities to take part in vital wildlife management, thanks to new regulations targeting deer, roe deer and mountain goats.
The Valencian government has declared new “overabundance zones” to help control growing populations of wild ungulates — extending the measures already in place for wild boar. The move turns hunting from a purely sporting pursuit into an essential wildlife management activity, and local hunting clubs will play a key role.
The decree, published on Monday October 12 in the Diari Oficial de la Generalitat Valenciana, allows the regional government to identify areas where species such as deer, roe deer and wild goats have become too numerous, threatening crops, biodiversity and even road safety. Once designated, these zones will benefit from far more flexible hunting rules, mirroring those applied to wild boar control.
Easier access to permits
That means easier access to permits, extended hunting seasons and, for the first time, permission to use thermal and night-vision scopes, spotlights, and eco-friendly attractants. Hunters will even be able to operate without strict quotas when needed to restore population balance.
Local councils are also stepping into the field. They will now have authority to manage wild ungulates that wander into urban areas — using traps, dart guns, bows, or firearms under police supervision. In short, hunters may find themselves called upon not only for sport but also for essential conservation and safety work.
The Federation of Hunters of the Valencian Community has welcomed the decree, with president Lorena Martínez describing it as “a positive step that finally listens to the sector.” The new rules extend the season for drives and hunts by two weeks, until March 15, and trim much of the red tape that previously bogged down hunting clubs.
Wild boar
In Denia, the town council has set up trap cages in key areas such as Plana d’Elies and around Montgó, capturing 72 wild boar between October and December 2024. A third trap is planned for Les Marines, between the Regatxo and L’Alberca ravines, to strengthen the control effort and keep local populations in check.
Across the Marina Alta, including towns like Javea, Pego, El Verger, Benissa, Pedreguer, Llíber, Xaló, La Vall d’Alcalà and Benitatxell, local councils have received grants to support wild boar management. For example, Denia was awarded €4,500 specifically for controlling boar in public hunting areas. These funds also cover hunting estates and the removal of carcasses, helping municipalities implement sustainable strategies in coordination with hunting clubs and regional authorities.
For hunting enthusiasts, this could make the Costa Blanca one of the most active and engaging regions in Spain — where passion for the outdoors meets the practical task of keeping nature in balance.