Let's start with what's actually new — and with what lifts this report above a mere announcement of dates. In previous years, the hunting seasons on the three islands of Las Palmas province began at different times. That had an unwanted side effect: hunters travelled back and forth between the islands depending on where hunting was currently permitted. To stop precisely this "island-hopping", the cabildos of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura coordinated this time and set a common start date. A small administrative decision with a tangible effect on the ground.

The dates — when what begins

Rabbit hunting opens everywhere first: it starts on 16 August and runs until 8 November, on Gran Canaria with dog and ferret. Shotgun small game — partridge, rock dove and feral animals — follows only on 20 September and likewise ends on 8 November. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura follow the same rhythm: rabbit from 16 August, partridge from 20 September. Gran Canaria additionally has falconry (15 August to 7 November, Wednesdays and Saturdays) and bow hunting (16 August to 8 November, Thursdays and Sundays).

For the single most important question from a walker's point of view — on which weekdays should you expect hunters in the backcountry? — the answer for the main method is: Thursday and Sunday. On those days, take particular care in open, huntable terrain.

The lowdown for hikers and nature lovers Where possible, don't plan demanding tours into open mountain terrain for Thursday or Sunday, the regular hunting days. Stick to marked paths, wear bright, highly visible clothing and keep dogs on a lead. Natura 2000 protected areas are off-limits to hunting anyway and are therefore a safe choice. If you want to be certain, check the relevant cabildo's latest notices before setting off — short-notice suspensions are published there too.

Limits, species and a word on conservation

Per hunter per day, a maximum of three rabbits and three red partridges is allowed this season; rock doves and feral animals may be taken without limit. Notably, these are the same bag limits as last season, even though the environmental department's 2026 partridge counts found the populations had grown — so the authority is sticking to the cautious ceiling despite there being more birds. Only a few species are hunted in the Canaries at all; the fragile island ecosystems, with their many endemic, protected species, set tight limits. In the zones of the Natura 2000 network, hunting is completely prohibited.

Heat, wildfire and short-notice closures The hunting order contains a fire-safety clause: on an alert level for wildfire risk or adverse weather, individual hunting days can be suspended. Lost days may be made up by up to four days after 8 November — as already happened in the 2025 season. For hikers that means double vigilance: on hot, dry days hunting may pause, but the fire risk in the terrain rises. Current closures are published by the relevant cabildo on its website.

Frequently asked questions

Why do the three islands start at the same time?
The cabildos of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura coordinated to avoid hunters travelling back and forth between the islands when the dates don't coincide.
When does hunting begin?
Rabbit from 16 August; partridge, rock dove and feral animals from 20 September. The season ends on 8 November in each case, with a possible extension if days are suspended for fire risk.
On which days should I, as a hiker, take care?
In the main method, hunting takes place on Thursdays and Sundays. On those days, particular caution is advisable in open, huntable terrain.
Can hunting take place everywhere?
No. Natura 2000 protected areas are off-limits to hunting. They are the safe choice for walks.
Where do I find short-notice changes?
On the cabildos' websites. Suspensions due to wildfire risk or weather, as well as make-up days, are officially announced there.

Read on

CITA News on WhatsAppFollow the channel and keep up with the islands.Follow

As of 22/06/2026. Sources: Canarias7 and the Orden Canaria de Caza (Boletín Oficial de Canarias), plus information from the Cabildo de Gran Canaria. The dates and conditions stated may be adjusted by the 2026 regional hunting order and short-notice cabildo decisions; the official publications are what count. This article is general guidance, not legal advice.