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ENVIRONMENT

How to stay safe during this year’s hunting season in rural Spain

The hunting season is underway in Spain so this is recommended reading for anyone who likes to take a walk or lives in rural areas.

Although falling in popularity overall, hunting still forms part of traditional Spanish life. Photo: AFP
Taking a hike or bike ride accompanied by the rhythmic popping of gunfire from nearby hunters is something normal to many rural Spaniards.(Photo by ROMAIN PERROCHEAU / AFP)

You may have heard of Spain’s most notorious hunter – emeritus King Juan Carlos I – whose now infamous 2012 elephant hunting trip to Botswana caused a scandal and tipped public opinion against him. But don’t let that persuade you that hunting is a pursuit of the elite only.

The reality is that la caza (hunting) is still, relatively speaking, a somewhat popular and accepted activity in Spain.

Around 80 percent of Spanish land is home to hunting areas, with almost a million Spaniards hunting annually; they are European leaders – surpassed only by American hunters internationally.

While the popularity of hunting in Spain has decreased officially over the last three decades (down by over 60 percent in 25 years) it is estimated that the 800,000 remaining licence holders are at least matched by illegal poachers and non-licence holding hunters. 

The practice is hugely unpopular with animal rights groups and those who care about the plight of the thousands of hunting dogs that are mistreated, abandoned, or killed each season.

Madrid authorities allow archers to cull wild boars encroaching on towns. (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP)

Hunting activists also make economic justifications for the sport. Hunting, it is believed, provides 120,000 jobs across Spain if one includes the auxiliary sectors of taxidermy, customs companies, weapons and cartridges manufacturers, dog handlers, insurance companies, the leasing of reserves, management or maintenance of hunting reserves, and the hotel, restaurant and transport sectors. 

READ ALSO: What’s the law on guns in Spain?

Spain’s hunting lobby has long justified the sport as an essential element of population control, limiting numbers of species like deer, wild boar, mountain goats and rabbits.

Without any hunting for months during 2020 as a result of the pandemic, many hunters argued that these populations needed even greater control. 

Know the hunting calendar

Spain has two different hunting seasons: one in the spring, and another in autumn. The spring season runs from April through to July, with the most popular months being April, May and the beginning of June.

During this period, Spaniards hunt Ibex and Wild Boar, Pyrenean and Cantabrian Chamois, Roe Deer, and even Mouflon Sheep in some areas. 

The autumn/winter hunting season lasts from September through to mid-February, when Red and Fallow Deer hunts are most popular big game.

Licences are also issued for a huge variety of birds from pheasants, grouse and partridge to thrush, starlings and certain species of water birds. 

The exact dates of the hunting seasons are set by authorities in each of Spain’s 17 autonomous regions. You can check the dates for your region HERE.

How can you keep yourself safe during hunting season?

Taking a hike or bike ride accompanied by the rhythmic popping of gunfire from nearby hunters is something normal to many rural Spaniards.

As hunting lands cover so much of Spain, during peak season they can intrude on other outdoor activities such as hiking, horse riding, cycling, mushroom picking, beekeeping, ecotourism excursions, photography and environmental education courses, and present a risk to both the hunters themselves and other citizens.

Hunters tend to be allowed to hunt on specific days of the week, most of the time on Thursday, Saturdays and Sundays, but check what the días hábiles are in your area.

Wild boars are among the most hunted species in Spain. Photo by JOEL SAGET / AFP)
 

In the last decade alone, over three hundred hunters have died while hunting. According to Federcaza and calculations published in the portal agentsforestales.net, the yearly average fluctuates between 44 and 54.5 deaths, and the number of people injured, hunters or not, per year is somewhere between 2,585 and 5,282. 

Hunting endangers not only the animals or hunters themselves, but also other users of Spain’s fields and mountains. One way to stay safe when planning an outdoor excursion is to contact the local ayuntamiento, or local hunting or hiking groups, to check for areas to avoid. 

Stay on marked pathways (and avoid venturing into unmarked areas)

Similarly, it is advisable to stay to official, marked paths where hunters expect to see hikers or cyclists.

Many hunts are signposted, and it is advised to avoid areas where hunting is going on altogether. Try everything you can to make yourself known to local hunters, and be aware that not all hunts are officially sanctioned or signposted.

Wear bright clothing 

If you are out walking the dog, then make it easier for the hunters to spot you by wearing a high visibility vest and even hat. And get one for your mutt too.

This is what hunters wear themselves, so they are used to looking out for it. Ramblers’ associations also recommend avoiding white and neutral colours because they can be easily confused with the natural colouring of the animals that are being hunted.

What to do if you hear a gun being fired?

If you realise there is a hunt going on around you and hear gunshots, try to make your presence known to the hunters as efficiently as possible (without shouting).

Ramblers associations say one of the ways you can do this is by moving to a clearing. Avoid hiding at all costs because your movements could look like an animal darting for cover. 

Some people say to avoid shouting in this situation as this may disturb the hunt and irritate the hunters however others say to sing, shout and do whatever you need to do to be noticed. 

Keep your dog on a leash in rural parts of Spain where there tend to be hunters. Photo: Fiona Govan/The Local

Keep dogs on leads

You don’t want your pet to be mistaken for a target or to come across hunting dogs which may trained to be aggressive. If you find yourself in an area where people are hunting then immediately put your dog on the lead and head away from the shooting and to a safe area.

READ ALSO: 

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SPORT

What are the rules on fishing in Spain?

If you’re a keen fishing enthusiast, here’s everything you need to know about the rules on fishing in Spain, from whether you need a licence to where you’re allowed to fish.

What are the rules on fishing in Spain?

According to a study by the Department of Marine Ecology in Blanes, Catalonia, there are over 870,000 recreational fishers in Spain.

The most popular type of fishing is shore fishing, followed by boat fishing and then spearfishing.

If you’re interested in fishing in Spain, it’s important to be aware of the various laws that govern the sport here. Like with many things in Spain, the rules change depending on where you are in the country.

In most cases, you must obtain a fishing permit from the authorities in your region, sometimes these will also be valid for use in other regions too.

To get a permit you will need to be a resident in Spain or a citizen, however, there are areas where visitors can get permission to fish through tourism companies as well.

Madrid

In order to fish in Madrid you will need a valid fishing licence from the Community of Madrid and your ID card. 

In fishing reserves, controlled fishing areas, experimental fishing areas and in private waters, a personal fishing permit is also required for that particular place and date.

An order is published each season establishing the species that are allowed to be fished and the limitations for fishing in rivers, streams and reservoirs in the region. This order remains in force until it is replaced by the corresponding order for the following season.

The Annual Order establishes the maximum quota and minimum size you’re allowed to catch, depending on the species. 

You can apply for the licences here

Catalonia

To legally fish in Catalonia you must have a fishing licence. There’s a single licence that gives you the right to fish at sea throughout the Spanish State and in the continental waters of Catalonia. You can apply for it here.

It entitles you to fish in marine waters except in protected natural areas, in port waters or in some stretches of the coast during the summer swimming season. Remember you should check with your local town council as to the specific times you’re allowed to fish.

The recreational fishing licence is to be used for pleasure or sport (competition), without profit or commercial interest. Any catches obtained are to be used exclusively for your own consumption, and cannot be sold or traded.

Valencia

Valencia has around 542km of coastline and fishing has become very popular here. Recreational maritime fishing in the region, like in many others, is defined as any fishing activity that is carried out for pleasure or sport, without profit or commercial interest. Catches obtained are used exclusively for your own consumption. 

Fishing is allowed from land, from a boat or underwater.

In order to fish in Valencia you need a permit from the corresponding body. The regulation of recreational maritime fishing in inland waters is carried out by the General Subdirectorate of Fisheries, while fishing in other waters corresponds to the State Administration.

For more information on obtaining your licence for recreational maritime fishing click here.

To request authorisation of underwater recreational activities in the marine reserves and for the allocation of quotas click here

Andalusia

In August 2023, the Andalusian government approved a new decree that regulated recreational maritime fishing in the region. Andalusia has now granted more than 200,000 recreational fishing licences. The maximum volume of catch is now four kilos per license per day and a maximum of 25 kilos when in a boat.

Like in the other regions, a permit is needed in order to fish. Recreational fishing licences can be obtained from the age of 14 for a small fee and are free of charge from the age of 65. If you are here on holiday and want to fish for a few days you are able to apply for a simple licence.

There are four classes of licenses available:
– Class 1: Authorises the holder for recreational maritime fishing from land and is valid for three years.
– Class 2: Authorises its holder for recreational maritime fishing from a boat and is also valid for three years.
Class 3: Authorises recreational maritime fishing from a boat for several people that may not exceed the maximum number of capacity of the boat. It’s valid for one year.
– Class 4: Authorises underwater recreational maritime fishing and is also valid for one year.

You can apply here

Class 3 and 4 licences can only be obtained in person at any of the Territorial Delegations of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development and/or Regional Agrarian Offices, by presenting an application. Office hours are from 9am to 2pm.

Balearic Islands

There are 4 types of fishing licenses for recreational sea fishing.

– The first is individual for use on land or from floating devices such as canoes and kayaks.
– The second is from a 6th and 7th list vessel.
– The third is for spearfishing, which can be obtained from age 16 and above.
– The final license enables you participate in official competitions and training.

Individual and boat licenses are valid for 3 years. Children under 14 years of age can practice fishing from land without the need for a licence.

For fishing in continental waters such as lakes, lagoons and rivers, you also need authorisation from the competent body of river fishing. You can apply here

Canary Islands

To carry out recreational fishing it is mandatory to have a fishing licence. Recreational fishing permits issued in other Spanish regions are also valid in the Canary Islands. There are three types of licenses available:

– First Class Licence: is required for fishing from a boat with a handline, rod, trolling line, surface trolling line and jig.
– Second Class Licence: required for spearfishing by hand or mechanically propelled means (spearguns) and shellfishing on foot.
– Third Class Licence: required for surface, shore and boat fishing and shellfishing on foot.

You can apply for the licences here.

Accidentally caught species that are prohibited or that do not reach the authorised size or weight must be returned to the sea. You must not use unauthorised gear, tackle and or other equipment, especially those intended for professional fishing.

You are also not allowed to fish in the same area as professional vessels.

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