Craig Boddington’s Adventure in Spain

We read this article from Safari Times from 2009 and it got us thinking a bit about hunting Spain. Here is a summary of the original article:

Craig Boddington’s article “The Last Spanish Ibex” recounts his experience hunting the fourth and final variety of Spanish ibex with Eurohunt of Spain, completing his collection of all four recognized types. The story begins with Boddington’s successful hunt for a Ronda ibex in southern Spain, describing the challenging terrain and the difficulty of retrieving the animal after the kill.

The author reflects on the changes in the hunting world over his career, noting both positive and negative developments. He highlights the remarkable conservation efforts in Spain that have led to the recovery and expansion of ibex populations, making it possible for outsiders to hunt these once-rare animals.

Boddington explains the concept of four distinct Spanish ibex varieties: Gredos, Beceite, Southeastern, and Ronda. This classification, attributed to Spanish hunting legend Ricardo Medem, is based on differences in horn configuration, pelage, size, and habitat. The author describes his journey to hunt all four types over a span of 15 years, with the Ronda ibex being his final quest.

The hunt for the Ronda ibex is portrayed as the most challenging of the four, due to the animal’s small range, limited population, and the extremely steep, brushy terrain of its habitat. Boddington recounts the difficulties faced during the hunt, including unusually warm weather and the scarcity of mature males.

The article highlights the importance of good wildlife management and the expertise of local gamekeepers in European hunting. Boddington describes a moment when his outfitter, Alvaro Villegas, made the decision to pass on a good specimen, demonstrating the careful approach to trophy selection.

The successful hunt is detailed, with Boddington describing the challenging shot and the retrieval of the ibex from the steep slope. He notes the distinct characteristics of the Ronda ibex, particularly its smaller size compared to the other varieties.

In conclusion, Boddington reflects on the debate surrounding the classification of four distinct Spanish ibex types. While he doesn’t take a strong stance on the biological validity of this classification, he appreciates the opportunity it provides to hunt in four unique and beautiful Spanish mountain ranges. The author expresses satisfaction in completing his collection of all four Spanish ibex varieties, each offering a distinct hunting experience.

Throughout the article, Boddington weaves in descriptions of the spectacular Spanish landscapes, from the Mediterranean coast to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco visible in the distance, adding depth to his hunting narrative and highlighting the natural beauty of the regions where these ibex are found.