Hunting Frontiers of KASSERINE: Demographics and Hunting Culture in the Region, Laws and Legislation of Tunisia

Ecological Layout and Landscape Character in Kasserine Region Kasserine, located in western Tunisia along the Algerian border, is marked by rugged mountain ranges, expansive high plateaus, and dense pine forests that contrast sharply with the flatlands of central Tunisia. The region is anchored by the Chaambi Mountain—Tunisia’s highest peak—and surrounded by woodland habitats, steep slopes, and semi-arid plains. The temperate continental climate, with cold winters and dry, hot summers, also affects animal behavior, driving game to lower elevations and shaded ravines during key hunting months. Hunting Demographics and Regional Involvement in the Area Kasserine has a longstanding hunting culture, deeply rooted in rural and mountainous communities such as Sbeitla, Fériana, and Thala. The governorate’s geographic proximity to Algeria has also historically shaped hunting patterns, with local populations skilled in navigating cross-border terrain. The majority of hunters operate in small groups, with organized wild boar drives being the most prominent social activity during autumn and winter weekends. Due to the size and density of the terrain, Kasserine also draws hunters from neighboring regions looking for a more challenging game experience. Tactics and Hunting Methods in Kasserine Region Hunting in Kasserine is shaped by the demands of mountainous terrain. Wild boar hunting dominates the scene and is typically carried out through structured drives using trained dogs and coordinated teams that encircle ravines or wooded slopes. Shooters are stationed along ridge lines or at natural funnels where game is likely to emerge. For smaller game like hares and partridge, hunters move on foot along terraced hills and rocky flats, often relying on dog assistance and local knowledge of feeding and watering spots. Game Species and Wildlife Density Kasserine supports a wide range of huntable species. Wild boars are particularly abundant and often venture close to agricultural areas, where they can damage crops. Barbary partridges thrive in open mountain clearings and scrub-covered hillsides, while hares are common across cultivated fields and plateaus. Migratory birds such as thrushes and turtle doves pass through during colder months, especially near forest edges and riverbeds. Though not legally hunted, sightings of jackals and caracals occur in more remote areas, reflecting the overall health and complexity of the region’s ecosystems. Game density is generally higher near water sources, especially in the early hours after dawn. Seasonal Schedule and Legal Windows Hunting seasons in Kasserine are regulated nationally, with wild boar legally hunted from October through the end of January. Partridge and hare seasons extend from mid-autumn through early winter, while migratory bird hunting occurs between December and February. Permitted hunting days are Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and all activity must comply with seasonal guidelines, bag limits, and permit requirements. Forestry services post annual bulletins specifying restricted zones and protected corridors, particularly around Chaambi National Park. Hunter Groups and Local Governance The hunting scene in Kasserine is structured through both formal associations and informal village networks. Active associations based in Sbeitla, Kasserine City, and Thala help facilitate permit renewals, organize group hunts, and serve as mediators between hunters and forestry authorities. Local clubs also host training sessions on safe firearm use and species identification, particularly for younger members. In some cases, association leaders work directly with agricultural cooperatives to conduct population control hunts in areas affected by boar incursions. Legal Structure and Enforcement Practices in Tunisia Kasserine hunting practices are governed by the Tunisian Forest Code, which mandates weapon registration, annual licenses, and compliance with species protections. Specific areas, including parts of the Chaambi Biosphere Reserve and military-adjacent zones, are permanently closed to hunting. Forestry officers and border patrol units are active during the season, conducting field checks and monitoring illegal activity. Violations such as unlicensed firearms, off-season hunting, or hunting of protected species can result in criminal penalties, including imprisonment for repeat offenders. Cultural Roots and Rural Traditions in Kasserine Hunting in Kasserine is more than recreation—it’s a legacy practice closely tied to survival, honor, and land familiarity. Among rural Berber-speaking populations, wild boar hunting has long served as a rite of passage and a source of food security during lean winter months. Local customs around meat distribution and community feasting persist, especially in smaller villages where a successful hunt is followed by collective butchering and cooking. Family rifles, often passed down through generations, carry symbolic value, and many of the older hunters are regarded as custodians of tracking lore and ecological memory. Field Characteristics and Tactical Realities in Kasserine The harsh beauty of Kasserine’s terrain imposes a different rhythm on the hunter. Dense pine forests, wind-exposed ridges, and narrow wadis require silence, planning, and the ability to move undetected over rocky ground. Wild boars in this region are larger and more aggressive, having adapted to harsher conditions and fewer predators. In the early mornings, animal tracks along stream beds and forest trails reveal the movement of game during the night, and experienced hunters know how to interpret these signs to select their positions. Fog, elevation, and wind direction often determine the outcome of a hunt as much as the rifle itself.