Hunting has always been a relevant activity in the area, though the role it has played has varied with time. In the 18th and 19th centuries there are testimonies of both small-game (rabbits or partridges) and big-game hunting (chamois, roe and larger deer), as well as trout fishing. In the 20th century references indicate a greater importance of the wild boar and the wolf. Recent hunting regulations has been prompted by the sharp decrease of some game which has gone nearly extinct: the Cantabrian capercaillie and the brown bear.
Evidence indicates that hunting has been, in recent centuries, a complementary activity for local families. Only in the last stages of the 19th, and the 20th centuries did organized hunting take place, focusing on the chamois and the capercaillie. In the 1940s the local population of chamois, deer and bear in the area had disappeared. For that reason, in the 1960s hunting reserves were created to monitor fauna and regulate this activity, as well as to attract hunting tourism. This established limits to local hunting practices, which ended the traditional role of hunting. When the reserves were created, the protection of the species was of secondary concern, so capercaillie hunting continued until the early 1980s.
The wolf has always been perceived as a threat. Many traps were traditionally built to capture it, which can still be seen today, called cousos or wolf corrals. These were circular or oval walls made of stone, with an eave looking inward. In the middle of the enclosure bait was placed. Both the eave and the slope prevented the prey from escaping.
Today the situation has changed and specific regulations have been put in place. Fauna population is closely monitored by professionals and there are strict limitations on the number of hunting trophies that can be obtained is limited every year and auctioned out. Revenue collected by this activity reverts to municipalities, which improves their management and maintenance.