Basilicata Hunting Season: Exclusive September-October Hunting Windows in Pollino Forests, Hunting Tips and Secrets

Regulation and hunting calendar in Basilicata Basilicata offers hunters a varied territory that ranges from the Lucanian Apennines to the rolling hills of Vulture, up to the Ionian coastal areas. The hunting season is regulated by Regional Law 12/2011, with annual updates that every enthusiast must consult before leaving for jokes. The general season traditionally opens on the third Sunday of September, with closures differentiated according to the species: January 31 for migratory birds and pigeons, December 31 for ungulates and sedentary game. For wild boar, in some particularly infested ATC areas, it is possible to extend the hunting activity until January 31. The orography of the territory greatly influences hunting periods. In mountainous areas over 1,000 meters, openings are often delayed by 1-2 weeks compared to hilly areas, where the milder climate allows for longer seasons. Protected areas and national parks, on the other hand, follow specific calendars that are essential to know. Compared to neighboring regions, Basilicata offers 10 more days for hare hunting than Puglia, but applies stricter restrictions on wild boar than Calabria. With Campania, however, it shares a certain flexibility with regard to migrants. The 2024 introduces important news: the obligation of electronic traceability of culls, the absolute ban on the use of lead ammunition within 100 meters of any watercourse, and new control plans for fox and wild boar in the most problematic areas. Huntable species and best periods in Basilicata As for ungulates, the wild boar undoubtedly represents the most coveted prey. Its season runs from October 1st to January 31st, with the best periods in the moonless nights of November and December, when the animal is most active in the search for food. The roe deer, present above all in the magnificent scenery of the Pollino Park, has a shorter season, from October 1st to December 31st. Among the lesser game, the hare (hunted from October 1 to December 31) offers the best opportunities after the first autumn rains, when the ground is softer and the animals move more. The same period applies to the pheasant, with peaks of activity at dawn in areas of mixed cultivation. The pigeon, which opens the season already on September 15 to close on January 31, gives unique emotions during the migratory pass of mid-October. The most auspicious times of the day vary depending on the species: sunrise is undoubtedly the best time for roe deer and hare, while sunset is ideal for wild boar. For migrants, windy days are often the most productive. Basilicata also boasts a rich tradition of hunting events. In September do not miss the Hunting Fair in Matera, while October is the month of the Game Festival in Potenza. In November, Melfi hosts the traditional Gathering of the Following Dogs, an unmissable opportunity for fans. Prohibitions and protected species in Basilicata Basilicata strictly protects some symbolic species of its territory. The Apennine wolf, the wild cat and all birds of prey are absolutely forbidden to hunt, with very severe penalties for offenders. The hunting stop period runs from February 1st to August 31st, while all Sundays in November are days of hunting silence throughout the region. As for weapons, the use of magazines with more than 2 rounds when hunting ungulates is prohibited. How to obtain permits in Basilicata To hunt in Basilicata you need some basic documents: a valid gun port, the regional hunting license (annual cost of 160 euros for residents), the card of the reference ATC and an RCT insurance with a minimum coverage of 50,000 euros. Non-resident hunters must keep in mind some additional rules: they pay a 25% surcharge on licenses, are obliged to be accompanied by a guide for the first two years of activity in the region, and must register their weapons with the competent police headquarters. Permits can be obtained at the headquarters of the territorial ATC, through Federcaccia Basilicata, or in the authorized armories of the region. Penalties and fines in Basilicata Violations are punished severely: hunting without a license can cost from 1,500 to 6,000 euros in fine, while the culling of protected species can reach up to 15,000 euros in penalty. For those who exceed the permitted garments, the fine is 60 euros for each excess kilogram. Tips for successful hunt The best areas for hunting in Basilicata are three in particular: the Pollino Park for roe deer, the Forest of Gallipoli Cognato for wild boar, and the Metaponto Plain for pigeons during migration. As for the equipment, we recommend a caliber rifle suitable for the mixed soils of the region, quality optics with anti-moisture treatment to deal with the Apennine conditions, and a camouflage clothing designed for the Mediterranean maquis. The most effective techniques for hunting in Basilicata For wild boar there is nothing better than the traditional banter with dogs, while for roe deer stalking on the edge of the woods gives excellent results. Migratory birds respond well to manual calls, especially in olive groves. Known for its wild, unspoiled landscapes and rich culinary traditions, Basilicata offers unique hunting experiences throughout the year. The season begins with the Basilicata Hunting Fair in Potenza every September, where local hunters gather to showcase traditional methods and modern equipment. The nearby town of Matera, famous for its ancient cave dwellings, hosts an annual Wild Game Gastronomic Festival in October, featuring specialties like slow-cooked wild boar with local peperoncino and Aglianico del Vulture wine. The region's most distinctive event is the Lucanian Wild Boar Challenge held in the Pollino National Park, where teams compete in tracking and harvesting the abundant cinghiale population. In the dense forests of Gallipoli Cognato, hunters participat