With spring in full bloom, we had the pleasure of welcoming Henrik, an experienced bowhunter, who traveled to Spain with one clear goal: to harvest a trophy Gredos ibex with his bow and arrow. The Gredos Mountains, vibrant and green, provided a breathtaking backdrop for this incredible adventure. As fresh grass began to cover the valleys, ibex descended from the peaks in search of food — creating the perfect conditions for a successful Gredos ibex bowhunt.
Why Bowhunting in Gredos Is a Unique Experience
Bowhunting in Gredos is a dream come true for any passionate bowhunter. Located in the heart of central Spain, the Gredos Natural Park offers the ideal environment for archery hunting: low pressure, abundant wildlife, and unmatched scenic beauty. This time, our friend Henrik experienced the thrill of a true mountain hunt. After an action-packed day filled with multiple encounters, close calls, and moments of pure adrenaline, he finally harvested an outstanding Gredos Ibex, a well-earned reward after a challenging and unforgettable pursuit.
What This Bowhunt for Gredos Ibex Was Like
Our bowhunting Gredos ibex adventure began early in the morning, leaving the vehicle near a remote and deep valley where hunting pressure is extremely low. This area is known for being one of the quietest places in the region, where ibex tend to feel more relaxed and natural. The rugged terrain, filled with dense shrubs and steep slopes, offers ideal conditions for bowhunting — allowing hunters to approach animals without being easily detected.
We set off fully equipped for a full day in the mountains. As the sun rose, we quickly began spotting wildlife. It was springtime, and we saw groups of female ibex, called nannies, with their newborn kids grazing peacefully across the slopes. A few roe deer also crossed our path, although they weren’t part of the plan for this particular day.
We continued our ascent, observing young ibex along the way. Then, just before noon, we finally located a promising group that included an old, mature Gredos ibex — the kind every bowhunter dreams of. After carefully analyzing the wind and terrain, Alfonso — CEO and lead guide of Top Spanish Hunting — led a meticulous stalk with the hunter.
They managed to get within 35 yards of the ibex without alerting it. The moment came, the hunter drew his bow… but nerves took over. The shot went high, missing the majestic Gredos ibex. Fortunately, the animal hadn’t detected the danger and, after running a short distance of about 1,000 yards, it resumed feeding calmly.
Alfonso quickly re-strategized and planned a second approach. With precision and patience, they closed the distance once again. This time, everything aligned perfectly — the hunter released the arrow, and we successfully harvested a Gredos ibex with the bow.
Bowhunting All Four Ibex Subspecies in Spain
While this adventure took place in Gredos, we proudly offer bowhunting opportunities for all four ibex subspecies found in Spain: Gredos, Beceite, Southeastern, and Ronda. Each presents its own unique challenge, but all promise thrilling stalks and breathtaking landscapes. At Top Spanish Hunting, we specialize in guided bowhunts and love helping archers from around the world fulfill their dream of bowhunting Spanish ibex in their natural habitat.
