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Hunting in Emilia-Romagna: From the Comacchio Valleys to the Apennines – The Hunting Calendar, Seasons, and Rules to Know
General Regulations and Hunting Periods in Emilia-Romagna
Hunting in Emilia-Romagna is governed by a series of provisions that take into account local territorial and wildlife characteristics. The official hunting calendar runs from September 15 to January 31, 2025, with some important variations depending on the species. The wild boar season starts earlier, on September 1, in areas with agricultural damage issues, while the European hare and pheasant follow the general calendar, closing at the end of the year. Among migratory birds, woodcock can be hunted from October 15 to December 31, whereas waterfowl such as ducks and geese are permitted from November 1 to January 15. Each ATC (Territorial Hunting Area) applies specific rules, considering crop rotations, bird movements, and typical climatic conditions of the territory.
Seasonal Hunting Calendar in Emilia-Romagna
The regional hunting calendar reflects local needs and the biological requirements of animal populations. In lowland provinces like Ferrara, factors such as rice fields and fog influence waterfowl activity. In the Apennines, the focus is on the reproductive cycles and mountain habitat availability for ungulates like roe deer and red deer. Compared to neighboring regions, Emilia-Romagna has a longer wild boar season than Tuscany but imposes stricter restrictions on waterfowl than Veneto. Small game hunting dates are similar to those in Lombardy.
Bans and Restrictions in Emilia-Romagna
Many species in Emilia-Romagna are protected or subject to strict regulations. Prohibited species include all herons, kingfishers, hoopoes, and—starting in 2024—the European roller and little owl in vineyards. There are territorial bans in protected areas and temporal restrictions, such as a complete hunting ban during nesting season. Hunting is prohibited within 500 meters of nests, and females cannot be hunted in October. The absolute hunting ban runs from February 1 to August 31, except for authorized wildlife control interventions.
How to Obtain a Hunting Permit in Emilia-Romagna
To hunt in Emilia-Romagna, hunters must have all required documentation. In addition to a valid firearms license and a national hunting card, a regional permit issued by the local ATC is mandatory. Starting in 2024, lead-free ammunition is required for certain types of hunting. Non-resident hunters must obtain a temporary permit (€250 fee) and register with the local ATC. Liability insurance with minimum coverage of €10 million is also compulsory.
Tips for Choosing the Right Time, Location, Equipment, and Techniques Depending on the Hunting Season in Emilia-Romagna
The best hunting times vary depending on the target species:
Dawn and dusk are ideal for ungulates like roe deer and wild boar.
Cloudy days increase wildlife activity.
Post-harvest fields improve visibility and animal movement.
Top hunting areas include:
Ferrara: Waterfowl and rice fields
Bologna and Modena: Wild boar and hare in hilly terrain
Ravenna and Rimini: Small game and organized hunts
Events and Useful Contacts in Emilia-Romagna
During the hunting season, several notable events take place across the region. The Ferrara Waterfowl Festival runs from November 10 to 12, offering enthusiasts a chance to explore waterfowl hunting techniques and gear.
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.
Hunting in Apulia: Calendar, Permits and Strategies for a Successful Season
Main hunting periods in the region Apulia
Apulia offers hunters a rich and varied territory, with hunting seasons that generally extend from September to January. The Apulia Region carefully regulates hunting periods according to National Law 157/1992 and EU directives, with annual updates that take into account wildlife monitoring. The climatic and territorial peculiarities greatly influence the hunting activity: the coastal areas of Salento are ideal for migratory birds, while the hilly areas of Gargano and Murge offer excellent opportunities for wild boar hunting.
Compared to neighboring regions, Apulia has some significant differences. While in Basilicata there are more restrictions on the hare, more freedom is enjoyed here. On the contrary, for the woodcock the opening period is later than in Campania. Major regulatory changes have taken place in recent years, such as the 2021 restrictions on protected wetlands and the 2023 extension for boar control in overpopulated areas.
Seasonal Hunting calendar in Apulia
The Apulian hunting calendar provides for large game wild boar hunting from October 1st to January 31st and fox hunting from September 15th to December 31st. As for small game, the hare can be hunted from October 1 to November 30, the pheasant until December 31, and the woodcock from November 1 to January 31. The best months are October-November for wild boar and December-January for aquatic. There is no shortage of traditional events such as the Hunting Fair in September in Bari and the Wild Boar Festival in October in Foggia.
Prohibitions and Restrictions in Apulia
The Apulian regulation absolutely prohibits the hunting of protected species such as wolf, otter and red kite, while imposing limitations for wild boar females with young. The closing period is from February 1st to August 31st, with possible temporary suspensions during the spring migration. To exercise the hunting activity it is necessary to have the gun port for hunting use, the regional card (with costs between 50 and 200 euros) and a compulsory RC insurance. The local ATC and Federcaccia Puglia are fundamental reference points for information and updates.
Penalties and Liability for Non-Compliance with Hunting Terms in Apulia
Penalties for those who transgress the rules can be severe: up to 5,000 euros for those who hunt without a license and up to 15,000 euros plus the seizure of weapons for the killing of protected species. For those who want to get the best results, Gargano is the ideal area for wild boar, while Salento is perfect for aquatic. The equipment must be appropriate to the territory, with particular attention to waterproof boots for wetlands.
Tips for Choosing Times, Places, Equipment and Techniques depending on the Seasons and Hunting Periods in Apulia
To maximize hunting success in Apulia, it is essential to adapt strategies and equipment to the characteristics of the territory. In the wooded areas of Gargano and Murge, where the wild boar is particularly active, silent approaches with good night optics are recommended for the twilight hours, when the animals are more mobile. For aquatic hunting in the wetlands of Salento, quality molds, effective decoys and camouflage clothing suitable for marsh environments are essential. Fundamental high waterproof boots, considering the frequent flooded areas. The mid-season requires abstract clothing to face the typical Apulian temperature changes, while in winter you should not underestimate the cold wind that blows from the Murge. For hare hunting in hilly areas, well-trained follower dogs make all the difference. It is always recommended to check the weather forecast and to inquire with the local ATC about the specific conditions of the individual reserves. Do not neglect the importance of good binoculars for remote sighting, especially in the open expanses of the Murgia of Bari.
