Molise Small Game Calendar: Year-Round Opportunities for Hare and Woodcock in Italy's Hidden Region

Regulations and Hunting Calendar in Molise The hunting season in Molise is regulated by Regional Law 11/2018, with annual updates that every hunter must consult before the start of the activity. The traditional opening of the general season falls on the third Sunday of September, while the closures vary according to the species: January 31 for migratory and wood pigeons, December 31 for ungulates and sedentary game. Exceptions are some specific ATC zones where wild boar hunting is allowed until January 31. The territory of Molise, with its characteristic conformation that ranges from the Central Apennines to the rolling hills and river areas, deeply influences the hunting periods. In the mountainous areas of Matese and Mainarde, openings are usually postponed by 7-10 days compared to flat areas, while along the main waterways such as Biferno and Trigno special calendars for hunting anatids apply. Protected areas and regional parks, on the other hand, follow specific regulations that are essential to know. Compared to neighboring regions, Molise offers 5 more days for hare hunting than Abruzzo, but applies stricter restrictions on wild boar than Puglia. It shares greater flexibility with Campania in terms of migration. For the 2024 season, important innovations have been introduced: the obligation of electronic registration of culls, the absolute ban on the use of lead ammunition in wetlands (in compliance with the EU directive), and new control plans for fox and nutria in the most problematic areas. Huntable Species and Optimal Periods in Molise As for ungulates, the wild boar represents one of the most coveted prey. Its season runs from October 1st to January 31st, with the most productive periods concentrated between November and December, when the animals are particularly active in the search for food. The roe deer, on the other hand, has a shorter season that goes from 1 ottobre October to 31 December, with withdrawal allowed only for male specimens. The fallow deer can only be hunted in some authorized reserves. Among the lesser game, the hare (hunted from October 1 to December 31) offers the best opportunities after the autumn rains, when the ground is softer and the animals move more. The same period applies to the pheasant, with moments of more intense activity at dawn. The pigeon, which opens the season already on September 15 to close it on January 31, gives unique emotions during the migratory pass of mid-October. The best times of the day vary depending on the species: sunrise is undoubtedly the ideal time for roe deer and hare, while sunset offers more possibilities for wild boar. For migrants, windy days are often the most productive. Molise also boasts a rich tradition of hunting events. In September do not miss the Hunting Fair in Campobasso, while October is the month of the Game Festival in Isernia. In November, Termoli hosts the traditional Gathering of the Following Dogs, an unmissable event for fans. Protected Species and Restrictions in Molise The region strictly protects certain symbolic species of its territory. The Apennine wolf, the Marsican brown bear 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. Documentation and Permits in Molise To hunt in Molise you need some basic documents: a valid gun port, the regional hunting license (annual cost of 150 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 20% 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 Molise, or in the authorized armories of the region. Penalties and Fines in Molise Violations are punished severely: hunting without a license can cost from 1,200 to 5,000 euros in fine, while the culling of protected species can reach up to 12,000 euros in penalty. For those who exceed the permitted garments, the fine is 50 euros for each excess kilogram. Strategies and Practical Advice in Molise The best areas for hunting in Molise are three in particular: the Matese area for wild boar and roe deer, the Upper Molise for hare and pheasant, and the river valleys for pigeons during migrations. As for the equipment, we recommend a caliber rifle suitable for the mixed soils of the region, quality optics with anti-fog treatment to deal with humid conditions, and camouflage clothing designed for wooded areas. The most effective techniques? For the wild boar there is nothing better than traditional jokes with track dogs, while for roe deer stalking in transit areas give excellent results. Migratory birds respond well to manual calls, especially in cultivated areas.