As male deer are solitary creatures, their bellowing serves to attract herds of females to their territory for mating. This sound also wards off rival males, meaning you might witness dramatic clashes between stags.
Spain boasts several prime locations to experience this unique courtship ritual. As nature enthusiasts ourselves, we understand you’ll want to consult our curated list to witness this extraordinary natural event firsthand... So without further ado, here are our top picks!
CABAÑEROS NATIONAL PARK - Ciudad Real and Toledo
Spanning two provinces of Castilla-La Mancha, this natural haven offers front-row seats to stags’ haunting mating calls. Its 40,000+ hectares make it one of Spain’s most significant rutting grounds.
SIERRA DE ANDÚJAR - Jaén
This landscape is equally famed for red deer rutting and fallow deer bellowing. Dawn and dusk may reveal Iberian lynx alongside the deer, creating unforgettable wildlife encounters. Don’t miss exploring this Andalusian mountain range if visiting the region.
MONFRAGÜE NATIONAL PARK - Cáceres
Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2003, Monfragüe is a premier destination for the rutting season. This hotspot becomes particularly busy during this period. Observing stag behaviour and their thunderous roars has become a major tourist attraction, with viewing opportunities even from the Tagus River.
IRATI FOREST - Navarra
This lesser-known wilderness shelters a unique Navarrese deer population thriving among endless beech and fir trees. Witnessing the rut here is an absolutely magnificent experience!
SAJA-BESAYA NATURAL PARK - Cantabria
Cantabria’s wild landscapes offer nearly 25,000 hectares to experience the awe-inspiring stag roars during rutting season. This biodiverse area also hosts wild boar, roe deer, wolves and hares amidst lush vegetation.
CAZORLA, SEGURA AND LAS VILLAS NATURAL PARK - Jaén
Encompassing 200,000+ hectares (also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve), this park lets you hear stags’ distinctive calls. A specially designed 16km route provides optimal rutting season observation.
Whichever location you choose as your rutting season theatre, you can observe this phenomenon during 4x4 safaris or through hiking expeditions. Always maintain respectful distance to avoid disturbing this crucial mating cycle.
For the complete experience, we recommend hiring an expert guide who’ll share fascinating insights about this annual reproductive spectacle that delivers such breathtaking natural drama.
