Where you can hunt with thermal and night

Almost every year, the regional administration modifies hunting laws regarding the use of weapons, ammunition or scopes. This sometimes makes us doubt what the current regulations are in each Autonomous Community, which is why as a result of the new updates in the BOE, we tell you which devices can be used in each corner of our geography and in what way.

Andalusia: The latest modification of June 2023 approves the authorization of the use of thermal and night visors when waiting for wild boar as an exceptional measure due to the overpopulation of this ungulate. This comes as a result of the spread of zoonotic diseases and irreversible damage to agriculture. Furthermore, in the waiting mode, the use of attractive odorous substances is also allowed, exceptionally, as long as they are not polluting or harmful to the natural environment.

Cantabria: Since 2006, the possession and use of any type of night vision device or any light intensifier has been prohibited.

Galicia: The use of this type of device is allowed as long as they are not used for shooting. If they are attached to the weapon, they have been completely prohibited since 2013.

Asturias: As in Galicia, it is legal if they are binoculars or monoculars not attached to the weapon and not intended for shooting.

Basque Country: Article 37 of Law 2/2011, of March 17, on hunting in the Basque Country prohibits the use and possession during hunting of all "sighting devices of which a converter or an electronic image amplifier, as well as any other type of light intensifier» Therefore, it is completely prohibited.

Navarra: Allowed as long as they are not attached to the weapon.

Aragon: Among the new features of Aragon's new hunting ban order, the prohibition on the use of thermal or night devices during hunting stands out. However, it determines that the Administration responsible for the environment could issue exceptional authorizations. Although nothing is specified regarding undocked devices that would be prohibited.

Catalonia: In general terms it is prohibited, but the Generalitat can generate special permits to manage wild boars for damage. Binoculars and monoculars, as in Aragon, are allowed.

La Rioja: Prohibited.

Valencian Community: Wild boar hunting in overpopulated areas becomes control and management. In the Valencian Community, in these areas you will be able to use thermal and night scopes attached to the weapon, in addition to other devices and resources prohibited in other circumstances.

Castilla y León: Since 2021, the use of any type of thermal or night utensil is prohibited in this community.

Castilla la Mancha: On those occasions in which the night-waiting modality is practiced and as long as they are monocular or binocular devices that do not have an aiming system or remain attached to the weapon.

Extremadura: In Extremadura the use of thermal monoculars is permitted, in compliance with national regulations, as long as they are not attachable to the weapon.

Murcia: In 2022, the Region of Murcia includes in the official bulletin the order that includes measures to prevent damage caused by wild boars and feral pigs, authorizing the use of thermal and night visors in the awaits. In addition, the use of certain attractants will be allowed.

Balearic Islands: Yes, the use of night vision devices would be allowed when they are not used for shooting.

Canary Islands: devices not attached to the weapon permitted.

Madrid: devices not attached to the weapon permitted.

After this survey on where all types of thermal or night scopes can be used, we conclude that there is a debate about using them attached to the weapon or not attached, since the function is similar. What do you think? Should it be legal to attach them to the gun for use in shooting?

Check out our entire thermal and night catalog at the following link: https://www.youngwildhunters.com/collections/optica-y-visores?page=2

Author: María Balletbó