Dusk over the Encinarejo dehesa, the Sierra Morena ridges rising above the oak valley

Sierra de Andújar · Andalucía

Owner-run Spanish
mountain hunting

We believe in ethical, fair-chase hunting that respects the animal, the land, and the effort required in wild places.

Spain is the only country on earth where all four ibex can be taken — each in its own sierra.

A hunter taking a careful, fair-chase shot from the prone position in the Spanish mountains

Our Philosophy

At Encinarejo Outfitters, our philosophy is built on doing things properly. We believe in ethical, fair-chase hunting that respects the animal, the land, and the effort required in wild places. Every hunt is shaped by real terrain, natural conditions, and honest opportunity—never shortcuts or staged outcomes.

Encinarejo is owner-run, and we remain personally involved in every hunt. From planning and preparation to time spent in the field, our hands-on approach ensures consistency, accountability, and a standard of guiding that reflects our values rather than volume.

We deliberately operate on a low-volume, high-quality model. This allows us to focus on each client, each hunt, and each detail, rather than running numbers. Honest pricing and clear expectations are central to how we work—no hidden costs, no inflated promises, and no surprises.

Respect for the land and wildlife is fundamental to everything we do. We work closely with landowners, gamekeepers, and local communities, and we view hunting as part of a broader responsibility to conserve and protect these landscapes for the future.

Our approach is long-term. Sustainable management, careful harvest, and conservation-minded decision-making ensure that the hunting we offer today remains possible—and meaningful—tomorrow.

Family Legacy

Our Legacy

Encinarejo Outfitters was born from the merging of two families whose histories have been deeply rooted in the hunting world for generations.

On Alex’s side of the family, hunting has long been more than a profession—it has been a way of life. One branch of the family managed extensive hunting concessions across Namibia throughout the 1990s, while another has been outfitting in the Kimberley region of South Africa for more than three decades. Across both operations, lasting relationships with clients became the hallmark of their success, with many hunters returning year after year and generation after generation to hunt alongside people they trusted.

Jessica’s family brings its own distinguished hunting heritage.

Guy Murdoch, Jess’s father, on the finca in an Encinarejo Outfitters cap

Although Encinarejo Outfitters is proudly based in the mountains of Spain, the principles that define us were shaped long before we arrived here. We believe the greatest measure of a successful outfitter is not the number of trophies taken, but the number of clients who return, bring their families and friends, and become lifelong friends themselves.

Today, those same values remain at the heart of everything we do. Every hunt is guided with professionalism, honesty, and a genuine commitment to creating experiences that our guests will want to relive for years to come. Our greatest compliment is welcoming familiar faces back to Spain, season after season, and introducing a new generation of hunters to the traditions that have shaped our families for decades.

Sun breaking over the layered ridgelines of the Sierra de Andújar, oak-dotted country below

Alex Hohne, owner and professional hunter at Encinarejo Outfitters

Owner & Professional Hunter

My story – Alex Hohne

I started hunting with my dad when I was eight years old. It wasn’t anything formal — it was just what we did. Early mornings, long days, and learning as we went. From the beginning, hunting felt normal to me. It wasn’t a phase or a hobby, it was part of everyday life.

As I got older, that interest turned into something more serious. After school, I completed my Professional Hunter training in the Eastern Cape. That time confirmed what I already knew — this was the world I wanted to be in. It also showed me how demanding outfitting really is when you’re responsible for other people, not just yourself.

I’ve always enjoyed the hunting lifestyle as much as the hunting itself — the planning, the walking, the physical effort, and the problem-solving that comes with real hunts. Being in wild places, working with good people, and spending full days in the field is where I’m most at home.

Coming to Spain was a decision I made with a clear plan. I wasn’t looking to recreate Africa, and I wasn’t interested in high-volume hunting. Spain offered something different — challenging spot-and-stalk hunting, serious mountain country, and a wide range of species, all within a strong hunting culture. It was a place where I could build something long-term and do things properly.

Encinarejo Outfitters grew out of that plan. It’s not a large operation, and it’s not meant to be. I stay directly involved in the hunts, the guiding, and the day-to-day running of things. The hunts we offer are hunts I enjoy doing myself, and the way we operate is the way I believe hunting should be done — straightforward, well organised, and honest about what’s involved.

Today, I feel incredibly fortunate to live and hunt in Spain, doing what I love and sharing it with hunters from around the world. For me, this isn’t about volume or shortcuts. It’s about doing things properly, respecting the land and wildlife, and creating hunting experiences that still matter long after the hunt is over.

A red stag facing the camera in the golden dehesa grass, oaks behind

Host — Lodge & Hospitality

My Story – Jessica Hohne

I come from a long line of hunters and land stewards. I grew up on a farm and was raised within the farming and hunting community, where respect for the land, wildlife, and ethical hunting wasn’t something you were taught — it was simply how you lived.

I trained and qualified as a Professional Hunter in South Africa, which shaped not only my understanding of the field, but the responsibility that comes with it.

If you’ve hunted in the Eastern Cape, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with my family’s legacy — whether through hunting with someone connected to us, or on land where my family once professionally hunted and guided. It’s a heritage that has shaped who I am, both personally and professionally.

Alongside my professional hunting qualification, I studied lodge management and hospitality in South Africa, and over the years I’ve had the privilege of hosting and managing experiences for some of the most recognised names in international hunting, conservation, and beyond.

Today, my work blends the refined luxury of South African safari hospitality with the warmth, rhythm, and soul of Spanish hosting. At Encinarejo Outfitters, my focus is on creating a space that feels elegant, grounded, and genuinely welcoming — where people feel both cared for and completely at ease.

My menus reflect this fusion of worlds — shaped by my South African roots, my life in Spain, and a deep respect for local sourcing. We use locally grown produce and ethically raised meat, including from our own property.

For me, true luxury isn’t about excess. It’s about making sure your stay is personal and thoughtful. It’s about care, connection, and creating an experience where your hunt is more than just pulling the trigger — it’s the memories you take home, the small behind-the-scenes details, and the feeling of being truly at home with us.

Jessica Hohne, Host — Lodge & Hospitality, with a red stag on the finca

Dawn mist filling the valleys of the Sierra de Andújar

Mountain country, hunted the honest way

Finca El Encinarejo

Encinarejo Outfitters’ home base is our own privately owned finca in the mountains of southern Spain, which serves as our base for hunting our southern species and for operating across the wider regions we hunt throughout Spain. Hunting on land we own means complete control over management, standards, and long-term vision. It allows us to hunt responsibly, manage carefully, and deliver experiences rooted in continuity rather than short-term pressure.

Our finca is home to Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Mouflon, and Wild Boar, all hunted exclusively on the property. The terrain is varied and mountainous, offering everything from demanding stalks in broken ground to more accessible hunting, making it suitable for a wide range of abilities while remaining authentic. Having this level of control over the land also allows us to better accommodate bowhunters, from setting appropriate hunting pressure to creating realistic shot opportunities.

Located on the finca is our five-star lodge, designed to offer comfort and refinement without losing its connection to the land. After a day in the mountains, evenings are spent around the fire, sharing good food, conversation, and stories in a setting that feels relaxed, welcoming, and unforced.

We see ourselves not simply as owners, but as custodians of the land. Every decision—whether related to hunting, habitat, or infrastructure—is made with the long term in mind. Our goal is to protect the character of the finca, enhance its wildlife, and ensure that it remains a special place to hunt for generations to come.

Finca El Encinarejo from the air — the lodge and its dehesa amid the mountains of the Sierra de Andújar

Guiding team

Meet the guides

Alongside Alex, you hunt and stay with a small, dedicated team who know this ground and this lodge intimately — from the gamekeeper who has spent his life on the finca, to one of Spain’s foremost bowhunters, to the host who makes the lodge feel like home.

Head Gamekeeper

José Toril

José Toril is the head gamekeeper at Finca El Encinarejo and Alex’s trusted right-hand man for all hunting operations on the estate. Having spent his entire life hunting and working in the Sierra de Andújar, he possesses an exceptional understanding of the area’s wildlife, animal behaviour, movement patterns, and effective hunting strategies. His experience, instinct, and deep connection to the land make him an invaluable part of every hunt. Beyond his expertise, José is a true character whose warmth, humour, and genuine hospitality leave a lasting impression on guests. It is no surprise that many hunters return as much to spend time with José as they do to hunt the finca itself.

Principal Guide

José Manuel Reina “Chema”

José Manuel Reina, better known as “Chema,” joined Encinarejo Outfitters in 2021 after completing his studies. From the very beginning, his passion for learning and relentless drive to improve set him apart. Over the years, he has developed into an outstanding professional, earning a reputation for both his exceptional hunting ability and his natural talent for working with clients.

Today, Chema is one of our principal guides, leading hunts both on Finca El Encinarejo and throughout Spain’s mountain ranges. His enthusiasm, professionalism, and attention to detail ensure that every hunt is conducted to the highest standard. Friendly, hardworking, and always ready with a smile, Chema has a knack for making every guest feel at home. Whether you’re sharing stories around the fire or climbing the mountains in pursuit of an ibex, a memorable experience is always guaranteed when you’re hunting with Chema.

Guide — Bowhunting Specialist

Jorge Peraza “Guanche”

Jorge Peraza, better known throughout Spain as “Guanche,” is widely regarded as one of the country’s foremost bowhunters and a true authority on Spanish hunting. As the owner of the renowned Arcoguanche bow shop in Madrid, he has dedicated his life to mastering the art of bowhunting and sharing that knowledge with others.

We are incredibly fortunate to call Jorge both a friend and a valued member of the Encinarejo Outfitters team. He regularly guides our hunts both on Finca El Encinarejo and across Spain’s mountain ranges, bringing an unrivalled level of experience, patience, and fieldcraft to every hunt.

What truly sets Jorge apart is his remarkable ability to consistently bring hunters within bow range of even the wariest game. Time and again, he has proven capable of closing the distance to within 15 metres—a feat that demands exceptional skill, countless years of experience, and an intimate understanding of animal behaviour. Hunting alongside Guanche is not only an opportunity to pursue exceptional game, but also to learn from one of Spain’s finest hunters.

As impressive as his hunting credentials are, it is Jorge’s character that leaves the greatest impression. Humble, generous with his knowledge, and genuinely passionate about helping others succeed, he is an absolute pleasure to spend time with both in camp and on the mountain. Whether sharing stories around the dinner table or guiding a demanding stalk, his infectious enthusiasm and easy-going nature make every hunt as enjoyable as it is rewarding.

Host — Lodge & Hospitality

Jessica Hohne

Jess grew up in rural South Africa, on a stud farm where thoroughbred horses, hunting, game capture, and the live game trade were part of everyday life.

She was raised in a world where managing animals, caring for the land, and hunting ethically were not spoken about as a philosophy. They were simply how people lived.

Before moving fully into hunting and hospitality, Jess trained and worked as a medic in rural South Africa, driven by a love for people and a desire to serve the communities around her. That same instinct to care is reflected in the way she hosts today.

She went on to study Professional Hunting, Lodge Management, and Game Ranch Management in South Africa, bringing together the parts of her life that had shaped her most: wildlife, land, service, and hospitality.

Her family’s legacy runs deep in the Eastern Cape hunting world. If you have hunted there, there is a good chance you have crossed paths with that legacy.

Today, at Encinarejo Outfitters, Jess brings her South African roots into the Spanish landscape. Her menus reflect that same fusion, combining the hospitality South Africa is known for with Spanish produce, local sourcing, and ethically raised meat, including from the property itself.

Dusk over the hunting country at Finca El Encinarejo

Enquire

Plan your hunt

Tell us what you’re after and when. We’ll come back with an honest, all-in plan — no surprises.

Plan Your Hunt Explore the hunts

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Ask us anything

Dates, terrain, paperwork, what a week actually looks like — send the question and Alex answers it himself. No call centre, no sales sequence.

Alex Hohne Owner & Professional Hunter +34 660 71 13 38 alex@encinarejooutfitters.com

Owner-run Spanish mountain hunting