By Woody Fox (Carolinas SC Chapter)
Published on The Primer, April '99.

On my latest donated hunt adventure, I journeyed to the beautiful country of Spain to hunt with Hunt Trip Spain and Francisco Rosich. A guide picked me up at the airport in Barcelona, while Jillian and her mother were exploring Lisbon, Barcelona and Palma de Mallorca, an island in the Mediterranean. I would rendezvous with Jillian after the hunt to visit Marbella on the southern coast of Spain, the Canary Islands and Seville. On the three hour drive from Barcelona to El Carrascal de Bastaras (my hunting lodge for the next five days), I was impressed with the natural beauty of Spain.

It would only get more beautiful throughout the hunt and travels to Southern Spain. The town of Bastaras dates from the 16th century and on this hunting estate they continue to hunt the very same species referred to in the famous "Códice sobre la Montería" (The Hunting Code) which King Alfonso X commissioned in year 1080. I was after Red Stag, Mouflon, Wild Boar and Beceite Ibex. Once in "camp" (a beautiful, old restored village with all the modern conveniences), Francisco, my P.H., joined us along with his girlfriend, Merlijn. They served as my primary English speaking host and hostess, as most everyone else spoke little English. In addition to the beautiful species of animals I was pursuing. I can think of four additional items that stick out most in my memory:

The beautiful mountain vistas and views throughout the hunt;
The fantastic food prepared by Rosa;
The 4-wheel drive Mercedes "jeeps" from which we hunted and
The wonderful personalities of Francisco and
Merlijn, who id everything possible o make my stay a memorable one.

This young outfitter (age 38), is a hunter that you can talk to, not just about hunting, and get to know personally. When I left, I felt like I had truly made new friends. Francisco's girlfriend, Merlijn, also extended every kindness and served as my dinner translator during the many animated Spanish conversations. This was truly one of the most hospitable hunts I've been on in quite some time. My trophies included an excellent Mouflon, a bronze Ibex (with only one day left to hunt that specie) and two Wild Boars (one table size and one trophy size with fantastic tusks). The Red Stag had rutted earlier than normal that year and we were unable to find a trophy animal worth taking. And given the wonderful experience I enjoyed, I hope to return to this beautiful spot and wonderful people. On behalf of the Carolinas Chapter of SCI, I thank Hunt Trip Spain for donating this hunt to our auction and encourage all members to explore this wonderful hunting opportunity with Hunt Trip Spain.

You can contact Francisco Rosich at
contact@hunttripspain.com by email,
or write them at Hunt Trip Spain,
Masia Ca l'Andreu, s/n - 08719 Rubió (Barcelona) - SPAIN.