Red Deer Rut in Catalonia

Come witness the mating season of the red deer and listen to its famous call—known as the rut or bellowing—in Catalonia. The adventure begins in Pobla de Segur with a 4×4 ride to various restricted areas within the reserve. Once at the observation points, we’ll enjoy the spectacular calls used by males to attract females, and the clashing of antlers between rival stags.

This experience is all about reconnecting with nature during one of its most intense moments: the mating ritual of the forest’s king, the red deer.

The rutting season is when deer are in heat. It’s named after the fascinating vocalizations that males emit to attract females. Besides bellowing, mating rituals include ritual combat between stags.

These battles can last for hours until one male yields, and the victor wins mating rights. To show their strength, males choose spots where females gather to drink or feed. Females, seeking the best genetic traits for their offspring, wait patiently through the battles. The strongest males can gather harems of up to 50 females.
Gestation lasts about 235 days and usually results in a single calf.
The antlers are the main weapons of male deer. They fall off in March and regrow so that males can show off new antlers during the rut.

How long does the rut last in Catalonia?

It usually begins in late September and continues through mid or even late October. Deer are most vocal at dawn and dusk to signal their presence to both females and rival males.

Where can I see the rut?

The deer rut is a stunning natural event that draws many tourists each autumn. The most popular places in Spain to observe it include:

• Alt Pirineu Natural Park and Boumort Mountain Range (Catalonia),
• Cabañeros (Ciudad Real),
• Sierra de la Culebra (Zamora),
• Palentina Mountain (Palencia),
• Monfragüe and Saja-Besaya (Cantabria),
• Albarracín Mountains (Teruel),
• Los Alcornocales (Cádiz).

Deer Rut in Boumort, Lleida

Boumort Mountain Range is located in the Pallars Jussà region (Lleida), between the Noguera Pallaresa and Segre rivers. It is a National Reserve and Protected Natural Area with a pre-Pyrenean landscape. It hosts one of the most significant populations of Iberian red deer (Cervus elaphus).

Boumort is among the top spots in Spain to witness the magical rutting spectacle, which takes place from mid-September to mid-October.

Since this is a crucial period for deer reproduction, it is essential to respect their space.

The best option is to hire an experienced guide who knows the safest, most respectful ways to observe the rut. These guides are equipped with professional gear like binoculars and spotting scopes for optimal viewing.

Technical Info

• Departure time: 6:00 AM (flexible, earlier is better)

• Duration: 4–5 hours

Includes:

• 4×4 vehicle

• Binoculars

• Spotting scope

• Mountain guide (also your driver)

Optional:

• Picnic with barbecue: +€20, including a stop at Boumort refuge

What to bring:

• Mountain clothing

• Warm jacket

• Backpack with water and snacks

Price:

€65 per person