The project seeks to promote the figure of the trained hunter and thus contribute to the conservation of necrophagous birds.

Royal Decree 1528/2012 established in Spain the conditions for the application of EU regulations on SANDACH, animal by-products not intended for human consumption. The waste generated by hunting activity can be used to feed wild animals, including endangered and protected species of necrophagous birds and others, including carnivores listed in Annex II of Directive 92/43/EEC (Habitats Directive), specifying some necrophagous or endangered birds: bearded vulture, black vulture, Egyptian vulture, griffon vulture, golden eagle, Iberian imperial eagle, black kite, red kite, as well as the species included in Annex I of Directive 2009/147/EC (Birds Directive).

The figure of the trained hunter, contemplated in Community Regulation 854/2004, of 29 April, which establishes specific rules for the organisation of official controls of products of animal origin intended for human consumption, is a solution to the problems detected in hunting for self-consumption and can help in the conservation of endangered species. main objective of this initiative.

In this context, the project seeks to develop the figure of the trained hunter, as a pilot experience at the national level, and to develop a national regulatory framework so that all the autonomous communities can follow the same model for the management and development of this figure. To this end, adequate training will be provided to hunters in terms of health and food safety in the slaughter and treatment of game meat mostly intended for self-consumption. In addition, the initiative will insist on raising awareness among hunters about the importance of the destination and the categorization of animal by-products not intended for human consumption of the animals they hunt.

The main objective of the project is to achieve the professionalization and adequate training of the sector, in order to provide it with tools that favor the conservation of necrophagous species, especially birds.

As for the training aspects of the project, the course “The Trained Hunter” will be launched. In addition, 1,500 copies of a book will be published that will collect the main contents of the course.