What Is Needed To Obtain A Hunting License?
In the midst of intense demonstrations demanding the prohibition of sport hunting, the requirements to obtain a hunting license in Spain have been strengthened. The main objective is to avoid accidents and certify that applicants are physically and psychologically fit to carry firearms.
Next, we will explain the procedures and requirements necessary to apply for a hunting license in Spanish territory. Likewise, we clarify that this does not reflect our position in relation to such a complex issue. We simply seek to bring useful information to the community.
Hunting in Spain: a regulated activity
The carrying and use of firearms is one of the most sensitive points in hunting. Logically, because they are very dangerous when not handled correctly, with due care and awareness. Therefore, to hunt in Spain it is necessary to obtain a weapons license that certifies the essential skills for handling firearms.
The regulation of hunting also involves not putting native species and animals at risk of extinction at risk. Therefore, people authorized to hunt will not be able to hunt anywhere or look at all species. That is, they must respect the areas enabled for hunting and only look at the allowed animals.
What to do to obtain a hunting license in Spain?
The hunting license is a permit that certifies that its bearer is authorized to practice the activity of hunting. To process it, it is necessary to go to a delegation from the Ministry of the Environment, or its representative in your region of residence.
Many autonomous communities have signed a collaboration agreement that allows hunters to process a single license that is valid throughout their territories. Madrid, Asturias, Galicia, Aragón and the Valencian Community are some of the communities that accept the inter-autonomous hunting license.
All applicants for a hunting license must present the following documents :
- Photocopy of ID.
- Proof of payment of the compulsory civil liability insurance.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding fees.
- Passing in the hunter’s exam (only in case of first qualification)
Weapons license to hunt in Spain
In addition to the hunting license, those who wish to hunt in Spain must also have a permit for the use of firearms. The Arms Regulations of the Ministry of the Interior, approved in 1993 and modified in 2011, provide for six types of license to carry weapons in Spain.
Likewise, only two of these types of licenses refer specifically to hunting, as we detail below:
- License A: allows the carrying of firearms by the personnel of the State security forces and the Spanish armed forces.
- Permit B: authorizes the carrying of small arms – such as revolvers and pistols – for private use.
- License C : regulates the use of private surveillance weapons.
- Hunting permit D: authorizes the carrying and regulates the use of long firearms, which are used mainly for hunting larger game.
- Hunting license E: allows the carrying and use of sport shooting weapons and hunting shotguns.
- Permit F : regulates the carrying of weapons used in shooting contests in galleries.
Requirements to apply for a weapons license to hunt in Spain
Those who wish to apply for a weapons license should approach a Civil Guard barracks, the one corresponding to their place of residence. At this visit, the applicant will need to present the following documentation:
- Form of Application of License of Carrying of Firearm duly completed.
- Criminal record.
- Medical Certificate of Psychophysical Aptitudes, which must be accompanied by a current photograph and issued by an authorized medical center with a validity of up to three months.
- Photocopy of ID.
- Proof of payment of the corresponding legal fees.
- Hunting license in force.
- Approval in the practical and theoretical tests carried out after the conclusion of the training in the handling of firearms (required only for those who apply for the weapons license for the first time).
Finally, it should be noted that applicants for the D gun license must also submit an affidavit, in which they agree to keep their weapon and accessories in a safe or authorized place. This document is necessary to obtain the license for the first time and to renew it.
