Wild boar hunters in Catalonia have expressed serious doubts about the government’s ambitious plan to halve the region’s population, following a major hunt that yielded just two animals.
The first organised drive since the controversial announcement took place near Berga, where veteran members of the El Pi de Berga hunting group spent six hours in the mountains for a minimal return.
“They are beasts, but they are not stupid,” remarked one 76-year-old hunter named Max, echoing widespread scepticism within the community.
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He believes political promises are easier made than fulfilled, pointing to the animals’ intelligence and evasive behaviour as significant obstacles. Furthermore, the day’s result seemed to validate his concerns directly.
Wild Boar Hunt Reveals Scale Of Challenge
The hunt involved around twenty people, mostly men aged 50 to 60, coordinating with dog handlers to flush animals from a 100-hectare zone. Despite meticulous planning and hours of patient waiting, only two young boars were captured. Paco, the group’s leader for over 30 years, called the government’s target “impossible” under current conditions.
He argues that achieving such a drastic reduction would require daily hunts with large teams, a level of effort unsustainable without attracting new, younger participants. This recruitment challenge is compounded by the activity’s public image and the time commitment required, which many younger people are unwilling to make. Consequently, the demographic of hunters is ageing rapidly.
The hunt followed strict protocols, including safety courses and meat inspection training. Each captured boar must be tagged with an official seal detailing the hunting group and capture date before being collected by a licensed company for transport. The hunters receive €18 per animal, money that is largely reinvested into covering substantial annual veterinary costs for their dogs.
The issue of managing wildlife populations, particularly predators, is a recurring theme in Catalonia. For instance, similar tensions exist regarding the management of other species, as seen in the ongoing debate over wolf pack expansion in the region. Both situations highlight the complex balance between conservation, agriculture, and public safety.
Meanwhile, the logistical and financial pressures on managing Catalonia’s environment extend beyond wildlife. Public services face similar strains, as evidenced by the recent confirmation that the public transport fare freeze will end due to major funding pressures. These parallel challenges suggest broader systemic issues in funding and executing regional environmental and infrastructure policies.
As the hunters packed up after the long, cold day, their faces showed a mix of resignation and frustration. The meagre haul of two young boars stood in stark contrast to the government’s sweeping objective, casting a long shadow over the feasibility of the planned wild boar siege. The day proved that reducing the population is a far more complex task than simply issuing a decree.
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