As discussions surrounding the regional hunting calendar intensify, the Umbria Region is expected to finalize a draft by mid-April 2025. This follows a recent meeting of the regional hunting consultation, which revealed significant disagreements among various hunting associations.
The meeting included representatives from several organizations, including Federcaccia, Anlc, Anuu, Italcaccia, and Cpa. They discussed a proposed calendar for the upcoming hunting season, which has sparked a debate within the hunting community. Federcaccia Umbra emphasized the importance of approaching the formulation of the regional hunting calendar with utmost seriousness, ensuring compliance with European directives and existing regulations.
According to Federcaccia, it is essential to allow hunters to pursue their passion in a regulated manner while maintaining ecological sustainability. "The formulation of the regional hunting calendar must be addressed with the utmost seriousness, in full compliance with European directives and current regulations," the organization stated.
During the consultation, Councilor Meloni reiterated the commitment to adhere to the legal deadlines for the approval of the hunting calendar. He assured that all huntable species would be included for the maximum permitted period. Moreover, regional offices are tasked with activating all permitted derogation hunts, which would preserve traditional hunting practices and provide certainty for enthusiasts.
One of the key proposals on the table is to close the hunting season for woodcock by January 31, 2026. Alternatively, there is a suggestion to allow dog training without a gun from January 20 to January 31, 2026. This would help in gathering useful data for future management of hunting practices.
Federcaccia also expressed its intention to defend the right to hunt within the confines of the law. They reject any claims that their proposals are politically motivated, stating, "Federcaccia will be in the front line to defend the right to hunt in compliance with the rules and will not be involved in political manipulations from those who improperly assert that our proposals aim solely to complicate the work of current regional administrators."
The organization also addressed concerns regarding the pre-opening hunting days. They argue that permitting one or more pre-opening days, including the culling of corvids and other harmful species, is a practical measure for damage prevention and sustainable land management. However, they also recognize that if complications arise during the discussions regarding the inclusion of certain species, it may be best to forgo pre-opening days and commence the hunting season directly with the general opening.
Meanwhile, the debate extends beyond Umbria. In Emilia Romagna, the situation is heating up as Francesco Bruzzone, a deputy from the Lega party, is considering proposing an amendment to prevent regional authorities from activating control measures for migratory birds during their nesting period. This proposal comes in light of a current plan that allows for approximately 11,000 wood pigeon culls annually over five years.
Bruzzone's potential amendment is seen as a response to growing concerns within the hunting community, particularly in light of the Italian Institute for Environmental Protection and Research (Ispra) opposing the pre-opening of hunting in the Marche region while supporting the control plan in Emilia Romagna. The hunting community is anxiously awaiting the outcome of discussions related to law 157/92, which governs hunting regulations in Italy.
On April 30, 2025, the Tar will discuss the appeal brought forth by Libera Caccia, a significant player in the hunting sector. The outcome of this discussion is expected to have far-reaching implications for hunting regulations across Italy.
As the hunting calendar debate unfolds, stakeholders are urged to consider both the ecological impacts and the traditions associated with hunting. The balance between regulation and the rights of hunters remains a contentious issue, and the upcoming weeks will be pivotal in shaping the future of hunting in the region.
In summary, the formulation of the hunting calendar is not merely a bureaucratic task; it reflects the ongoing negotiations between tradition, regulation, and ecological responsibility. The voices of hunters, environmentalists, and policymakers must converge to create a framework that respects both the rights of hunters and the need for sustainable practices.
