Yes. Hunting and grazing are two traditional uses of the rural landscape that can coexist successfully when there is good communication and coordination between everyone involved. In fact, the legislation in Castilla y León explicitly recognises the coexistence of both activities and establishes measures to ensure safety during organised hunts.

It is sometimes assumed that sheep or guardian dogs have a negative impact on wildlife. In reality, the relationship is far more complex. Wild animals constantly adapt their movements in response to human activity, livestock and changing environmental conditions. Extensive grazing also helps maintain a diverse landscape by creating a mosaic of habitats, limiting the build-up of vegetation and promoting structural diversity, all of which can benefit many species when grazing is managed appropriately.

Like livestock, wild animals also seek out the best available pastures.

It is also important to remember that grazing does not place constant pressure on the entire hunting estate. As the flock moves between different grazing areas throughout the season, other parts of the landscape are left undisturbed, allowing vegetation to recover and providing refuge for wildlife.

Ultimately, the compatibility between hunting and grazing does not depend on the presence of sheep, but on how both activities are managed and on effective communication between shepherds, hunters and local communities.

Further reading:

• Law 4/2021 on Hunting and the Sustainable Management of Game Resources in Castile and León.
• Delibes-Mateos, M., Farfán, M.A., Olivero, J. et al. (2009). Long-Term Changes in Game Species Over a Long Period of Transformation in the Iberian Mediterranean Landscape. Environmental Management, 43, 1256–1268. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00267-009-9297-5