Success at the 6th Roe Deer Hunting Day in Burgos, organized by the ACE

Last weekend, on February 8 and 9, 2025, the 6th Roe Deer Hunting Conference, organized by the Spanish Roe Deer Association (ACE), was held in Villalmanzo, Burgos. This event brought together hunters from various regions of the country in one of the areas with the highest roe deer density in the province. Despite lower-than-expected participation, the conference left a positive outcome in terms of game management and participation.

One of the most discussed topics among attendees was the need to improve the management of roe deer populations, with particular emphasis on the importance of hunting females to balance sex ratios. However, it was evident that some hunters and game reserve managers are still reluctant to give this the importance it deserves. Among the concerns highlighted were the impact of the Cephenemyia stimulator parasite and the increase in the wolf population in the area, factors that have led some managers to reduce roe deer hunting.

A few days in good company

In terms of weather, the day enjoyed pleasant temperatures and clear skies, although the early morning hours were marked by severe frost and winter fog. However, the main challenge was the condition of the roads due to the heavy rain and snowfall the day before, which made access to some hunting areas difficult and necessitated the help of local farmers to free vehicles.

The meat gathering took place at the "Granja Tordable" estate, an ideal location for the event, where a total of 36 roe deer managed by Cárnicas Dibe were received. Although participation could have been higher, hunters' observations suggest that roe densities in the area remain stable and have even increased compared to the previous year, casting doubt on the severity of the alleged population decline attributed to Cephenemyia stimulator and the presence of wolves. Even so, the organizers insist on the need to continue cautious monitoring to accurately assess the evolution of the roe deer population.

As in previous years, the event also served as a venue for collecting samples for research on Cephenemyia stimulator, led by Néstor Martínez of INVESAGA. A total of 36 roe deer heads were collected for analysis, with the aim of studying the incidence of this disease in the animals' respiratory tract.

A great involvement of young people

After the day's hunting, attendees enjoyed a pleasant atmosphere with an impromptu aperitif, followed by a traditional meal prepared by Rosa (El Fogón de Rosa) and her team. The menu included red beans accompanied by their corresponding "companion," washed down with an excellent wine from Bodegas NABAL, and an assortment of homemade desserts. Javi Iñurrieta also delighted the participants with an exhibition of skulls, jaws, and bone rarities, reinforcing the educational component of the event.

One of the highlights of this edition was the notable presence of young hunters, reinforcing the idea that the new generations are committed to the sustainable management of roe deer and hunting.

The 6th Roe Deer Hunting Conference once again demonstrated the interest in roe deer management and its use for hunting in the province, reaffirming that hunting remains a fundamental tool for understanding and controlling this species.

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Author: María Balletbó