Spanish Hunters Urge Government to Oppose EU Lead Ammunition Ban

Spanish hunters are calling on the national government to oppose a proposed restriction on lead ammunition, warning that any ban imposed without proven alternatives could threaten the future of hunting and the sectors that depend on it.

The Royal Spanish Hunting Federation (RFEC) has asked Spain’s government to defend a position before European institutions based on scientific, technical and socioeconomic criteria. The federation says any transition must offer a serious and viable alternative that safeguards hunting activity.

Next week, the European Parliament and EU member states are due to address the proposal under the REACH regulation, the European framework governing chemicals, to limit the use of lead in hunting.

Hunters say alternatives are not yet proven

The Spanish hunting sector argues that the process is moving forward without conclusive technical studies proving that available alternatives reduce toxicological risk while also guaranteeing hunter safety, the safety of hunting assistants and dogs, ammunition performance and animal welfare.

According to the RFEC, Europe has still not defined an alternative that would allow hunting to continue from an economic, social and technical standpoint.

The federation also warns that some of the materials proposed as replacements are not compatible with all existing firearms. It says a rushed transition, without the necessary scientific studies, would have a major negative impact on hunters, manufacturers, gun shops and related businesses.

Concerns over hunter participation

The RFEC points to a study by the European Shooting Sports Forum, based on more than 18,000 surveys, which found that 25% of hunters could give up hunting and 30% could reduce their participation if a general ban on lead ammunition were introduced.

“The objective must be to make environmental protection compatible with the reality of an activity that contributes to ecosystem conservation, the control of certain species populations and the prevention of problems such as agricultural damage or the spread of diseases like African swine fever,” said Josep Escandell, president of the RFEC.

Criticism of Spain’s environment ministry

The national hunting sector has also criticised the position taken by Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) during the European process. Hunters argue that the technical contributions of Spanish hunting representatives have not been sufficiently considered and that no proper dialogue has been opened to ensure an orderly transition.

The RFEC says any regulatory change should involve hunters, the firearms industry, technical experts and public administrations. It also argues that any measures should allow for gradual adaptation and a real assessment of the alternatives available.

“Ahead of the upcoming European debate, hunters are calling on the Government of Spain to defend a responsible position and not support restrictions that could compromise the future of hunting activity without technically proven, safe and viable solutions first being in place,” Escandell concluded.