Hunting is a practice that has existed since the dawn of time, having always been a means of survival without which humankind might not have progressed under certain circumstances. While it's true that we've evolved our methods of obtaining food, hunting has become a sport practised by many people in our country today.
But like all adventure sports, it must follow certain rules which in this case fall under regional government jurisdiction. Nevertheless, there are also state and even European regulations that naturally take precedence over regional legislation. An example of this is the technical hunting plan responsible for regulating game hunting activities to prevent overhunting and consequent disruption to the natural balance.
The sustainable utilisation of game species in harmony with biodiversity and conservation is one of this plan's fundamental purposes. It addresses matters such as an inventory of existing wildlife populations, demarcation of no-hunting zones, estimated captures in specific locations, etc.
This plan shouldn't be viewed as mere compulsory paperwork, but rather as an essential tool for facilitating hunting ground development and proper management. This brings benefits not only to the environment but also to members paying annual fees to practise their passion in a well-maintained and respected setting.
While this document follows national regulations, each autonomous community may impose special requirements. However, all must adhere to these core principles:
- Legal status. This section covers key formal details including the hunting ground's name and registration, ownership, management, acreage, etc. Essentially all official data providing comprehensive information about the hunting ground in question.
- Natural status. This section addresses environmental characteristics including climate, vegetation types, presence of agricultural crops...
- Socio-economic status. An important reference covering urban areas, land distribution patterns and agricultural activities as primary discussion points.
- Game management status. Must address various aspects necessary for game management planning: current population inventories, target species population trends, etc.
When preparing the plan after considering all required content, three distinct phases must be followed: 1) data collection analysing the hunting ground's current status, 2) evaluation of gathered data and establishment of plan objectives, and 3) plan formulation.
Submission of the technical hunting plan is mandatory for all landowners where hunting activities may occur, with the plan typically remaining valid for four to five years.
