Galicia declares emergency, permits unrestricted wild boar hunting across region for a year

The Xunta de Galicia has declared a temporary hunting emergency for the entire autonomous community, the first such measure covering all of Galicia. Effective from 31 July 2023 and running until the same date in 2027, it authorises unlimited shooting of wild boar—especially adult and sub‑adult females—throughout the hunting season (15 August to 28 February 2027). The decree also includes the Tecores, free‑hunt zones and commercial big‑game hunting estates, marking the sixth activation of this provisional instrument after previous uses in 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The decision follows a sharp rise in crop damage, road‑traffic accidents involving boar and concerns that large boar populations could facilitate the spread of African swine fever, threatening eradication efforts in Europe. The measure may be lifted early, wholly or partially, if the underlying causes subside. Hunting days are permitted every day of the week with prior notification to the territorial department, except in designated free zones where hunting is limited to certain weekdays.