The hunting auction in Gredos breaks a record again

The Gredos Regional Hunting Reserve has once again exceeded all expectations with its traditional annual auction, achieving a new record of €950,000. This event, held in the town of Navacepeda de Tormes, Ávila, has established itself as a key economic driver for the area's municipalities, with the funds raised being used to improve infrastructure and services.

The 28% increase in revenue compared to last year demonstrates the growing importance of this auction, which has doubled its revenue in the last two years. With 101 lots sold, the highest price reached was €21,450, setting a new record and demonstrating the interest generated by hunting in the Sierra de Gredos.

An economic and social pillar for the region

Hunting in Gredos is not only a deeply rooted tradition in the local culture, but also represents a crucial source of income for rural populations. The profits obtained directly contribute to the conservation of the natural environment and the revitalization of the local economy, providing employment and attracting visitors, especially foreign hunters, primarily Americans, who participate through specialized companies.

The Minister of Environment, Housing, and Land Use Planning of the Regional Government of Castile and León, Juan Carlos Suárez-Quiñones, highlighted the importance of this sustainable use model. "This auction is an example of how hunting and conservation can go hand in hand. Thanks to these proceeds, improvements to roads, municipal infrastructure, and the preservation of wildlife are financed," he stated.

Furthermore, the impact of hunting is not limited to Gredos alone. Nationally, this activity generates more than €6.5 billion annually, representing approximately 0.3% of Spain's GDP. It also provides direct and indirect employment to more than 180,000 people, many of them in rural areas where job opportunities are scarce. (Image from Hunting in Spain)

Hunting as a tool for rural development

The Gredos Regional Hunting Reserve, which covers more than 30,000 hectares, is among the oldest and best-managed hunting areas in Spain. According to Suárez-Quiñones, this reserve is a clear example of the relationship between conservation and hunting, as it is "where the most wild species are found and where the most hunting takes place, which refutes the arguments against this practice."

The president of the Hunting Reserve, María Ángeles Prieto, emphasized the importance of maintaining this activity to ensure the ecological and economic balance of the region. "Hunting is in our DNA," she stated, insisting that responsible game management is key to the preservation of wildlife and the development of the local communities.

At a time when many rural regions are struggling with depopulation, hunting is emerging as an effective tool for maintaining population and keeping municipalities alive.

Author: María Balletbó