Tradition of bird hunting in Etxalar faces modern challenges

Gerardo Danboriena, a veteran hunter in Etxalar, Navarre, continues to participate in the traditional bird hunting and trapping of usos, a species of bird.

Danboriena began working in the hunting grounds at age 15 and now serves as the primary hunter for the town. Although he stopped using the traditional paddle at age 77, he still visits the Iarmendi mountain daily from October 1 to November 20 to maintain the tradition that dates back to at least 1378.

The hunting process involves eight specific posts, including Larrekua and Trapagibela, which form a funnel to guide the birds toward nets. Hunters must remain alert and patient, as the birds do not signal their arrival. Once the birds are caught, the hunters release some and keep others to share among the community. While the tradition remains a cultural staple, Danboriena notes that the birds have become faster and more dangerous due to modern hunting methods like shotguns and cartridges.

The community has also seen changes in its social structure and participation. While the tradition was once dominated by men, women now participate in the hunting groups. Furthermore, the local government and community have worked to preserve the tradition through cultural events, including a festival in 2013 that gathered 250 people.

Despite the decline in the number of birds caught over the years, the community continues to balance the preservation of their heritage with the realities of modern ecology and rural life.