Councillor Pedro Bestard holds an informational meeting with the presidents of Mallorca’s hunting associations to discuss the conditions for hunting the European turtle dove.
The 2025–2026 rabbit hunting season using shotgun, bow, or birds of prey, without dogs or auxiliary elements, will begin on Sunday, June 22. Starting June 24, hunters may use the traditional Ibizan hound method.
The new 2025–2026 hunting ban order establishes that rabbit hunting is allowed until December 7 and may be extended to December 28 with the landowner’s authorisation.
TDB keeps you informed. Follow us on: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
Mallorca Island Council Opens Rabbit Hunting Season This Sunday with Shotgun and Falconry Modalities
As in previous years, hare hunting with falconry and greyhounds is permitted. This season, hunting hares with a shotgun is only allowed on August 17 and 24, with a maximum of one hare per hunter per day.
The Second Vice President and Councillor for Environment, Rural Affairs and Sports, Pedro Bestard, held an informational meeting this week with the presidents of Mallorca’s hunting associations at the Claustre de Sant Bonaventura (Llucmajor) to explain the main updates in the annual hunting resolution. A major novelty this year is the opening of the hunting season for the European turtle dove.
In his address, Councillor Bestard reiterated his opposition to the hunting conditions for the European turtle dove imposed by the European Union.
This species may be hunted on a maximum of 4 days, with a daily quota of two turtle doves per hunter. The authorised dates are August 24, 28, and 31, and September 4. For the first time, the European Commission has set a nationwide hunting quota for Spain, including Mallorca. Hunters must report turtle dove kills via a web application within 15 minutes of harvesting.
Several other topics concerning the hunting sector were discussed at the meeting, including preparations for the 2nd Hunting and Rural Life Fair, which will take place in September. Councillor Bestard also announced the intention to declare a hunting emergency for the second year in a row to control wood pigeons and rock doves, due to the widespread damage they are causing in many municipalities across the island.
During the meeting, informational booklets prepared by the Hunting Service were distributed to hunters. These guides provide a clear and accessible summary of the legal hunting periods. For the second year, they are published in both official languages.