Field Tracking in GABÈS: Hunting Legislation, Laws, Demographics and Hunting Seasons in Tunisia

Terrain Profile and Ecological Scope of Gabès Region Gabès lies in southeastern Tunisia where arid steppes, low mountain ridges, and desert fringes converge, creating a challenging and distinct hunting environment. The region transitions from coastal Mediterranean zones near the Gulf of Gabès into drier, rocky terrain as one moves inland toward Matmata and El Hamma. Vegetation is sparse and largely limited to drought-resistant shrubs, scattered acacias, and semi-arid scrubland, making the landscape highly open with minimal cover for wildlife. However, this very openness favors specific types of game and offers clear sightlines, particularly for those hunting small terrestrial species and birds adapted to desert conditions. Hunter Base and Regional Involvement of Tunisia The hunting community in Gabès is modest but active, especially in the interior delegations where traditional practices still persist. Licensed hunters tend to be older, with a strong familial culture surrounding hunting passed down from generations. The number of active participants varies seasonally, with local estimates placing several hundred hunters per year within the governorate. Much of the activity is recreational, although some rural households maintain hunting as part of a broader subsistence strategy. Hunters from other regions often travel to Gabès in winter to take advantage of its wide-open terrain during migratory seasons. Operational Methods and Hunting Style of the Region Due to the arid landscape and limited forest cover, hunting in Gabès relies heavily on patience, tracking ability, and understanding animal behavior in exposed habitats. Hunters often walk long distances across plains or set up ambush positions near water points or migratory corridors. Small game such as hares and wild birds are pursued using smoothbore shotguns. Wild boar hunting is present, though limited to narrow strips of brush near Oued El Hamma or in the hills closer to Matmata. Hunts are often conducted alone or in small units, with dogs used selectively based on the terrain and target species. Game Diversity and Target Animals in the Area Gabès supports game species adapted to heat, drought, and open ground. These include the Cape hare, which is common in sandy and shrubby areas, and desert partridge found along rocky slopes. Migratory birds such as starlings, doves, and thrushes pass through in cooler months and provide viable targets. In remote valleys and dense ravines, wild boars are occasionally encountered, though their population is lower than in northern Tunisia. Annual Schedule and Legal Seasons The hunting calendar in Gabès aligns with national regulations issued by the Tunisian Forest Department. Migratory bird hunting typically occurs from December to February, while small game seasons—such as hares and partridges—open in the autumn. Wild boar, where found, can be hunted from October through January. Only licensed hunters with approved weapons may participate, and legal hunting days are restricted to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during active periods. Affiliated Groups and Local Structures Hunting associations in Gabès are smaller than in northern regions but play a key role in coordinating activities, managing licenses, and interfacing with forestry authorities. These organizations are concentrated around Gabès City, Matmata, and El Hamma, where hunters gather to plan excursions and receive updates on legal changes. Although large private clubs are rare, informal networks of experienced hunters help newer participants understand the unique challenges of desert-based hunting. Some groups organize seasonal events, especially wild boar drives, which require more coordination and manpower than solitary bird or hare hunting. Legal Rules and Monitoring Framework All hunting activity in Gabès is governed by the Tunisian Forest Code, which mandates weapon registration, license renewal, and strict adherence to seasonal limits. Hunting is prohibited in national parks, military zones, and near water infrastructure. Checkpoints and ranger patrols increase during the winter months to monitor license compliance and species limits. The semi-desert landscape makes illegal activity easier to detect from aerial surveillance or long-distance observation. Infractions such as hunting protected species, using unlicensed firearms, or exceeding bag limits are met with fines, weapon confiscation, and in some cases, criminal charges. Cultural Ties and Traditional Elements Inland areas of Gabès maintain older, more utilitarian traditions of hunting tied to seasonal rhythm and local ecology. Among Amazigh-speaking communities in Matmata and neighboring zones, hunting was historically linked to subsistence and defense against crop pests. While today’s hunters are mostly recreational, the cultural symbolism of hunting as a masculine rite of passage remains, especially in older families. The autumn and winter months often see multi-generational hunts, where knowledge about animal tracks, movement patterns, and terrain navigation is passed from elders to youth. Field Notes and Unique Observations in Gabès Gabès is one of the few Tunisian regions where the contrast between coastal moisture and desert dryness creates microhabitats that shift hunting dynamics within short distances. Hunters report greater success in pre-dawn hours when game is more active and temperatures are tolerable. The wind patterns near the coast also influence bird movement, with starlings often flying low over cultivated zones before retreating inland. Wild boars, when encountered, tend to move at night and seek shelter in deep ravines, making tracking during daylight hours a calculated effort. The isolation of certain hunting areas also offers a quiet, undisturbed experience rarely found in more populated governorates.