Hunting in CALABRIA: Clubs, Laws and Legislation, Communities and Demographics.

Wildcats Tracking Guide Calabria, located in southern Italy, is a region of rugged mountains, rolling hills, and a narrow coastal strip along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian Seas. Known for its wild and unspoiled landscapes, Calabria offers a unique hunting experience. This article provides a comprehensive guide to hunting in Calabria, covering its geographical features, hunting traditions, regulations, and interesting facts. Geographical and Natural Features for Hunting Calabria’s diverse landscapes make it an ideal hunting destination: Mountains: The Calabrian Apennines and Aspromonte provide habitats for wild boar, roe deer, and hares. Hills and Plains: These areas are rich in pheasants, partridges, and foxes. Mediterranean Scrubland: This typical vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife. Wetlands: Areas like the Sila National Park attract waterfowl, making them ideal for bird hunting. Hunters and Demographics According to data from the National Hunters Association (Federcaccia), there are approximately 25,000 registered hunters in Calabria. Most hunters are men aged between 40 and 70, with a strong presence in rural and mountainous areas. Hunting is a deeply rooted tradition in the region, reflecting its cultural heritage. Types of Hunting and Game Species Calabria offers a variety of hunting experiences: Wild Boar Hunting: Widely practiced across the region. Tracking wildcats in Calabria is a rewarding experience for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the life of one of Europe’s most elusive predators. Wildcats can be primarily found in the region’s mountainous and forested areas, including: Sila National Park, Aspromonte National Park, Pollino National Park. Tracking wildcats requires patience, skill, and respect for their habitat. Here are some techniques used by wildlife enthusiasts and researchers: Footprint Identification, Scat Analysis, Camera Traps, Vocalizations, Signs of Prey Roe Deer Hunting: Common in mountainous and hilly areas. Hare and Pheasant Hunting: Popular in agricultural and hilly zones. Fox Hunting: Allowed in specific areas with restrictions. Waterfowl Hunting: Ducks and coots in wetlands. The main game species include: wild boar, roe deer, hare, pheasant, partridge, fox, duck, and coot. Hunting Seasons Hunting seasons in Calabria are regulated by regional laws and vary by species. Key periods include: Wild Boar: October to January. Roe Deer: September to December. Hare and Pheasant: Third Sunday of September to late December. Fox: Allowed only during specific periods with special permits. Waterfowl: Third Sunday of September to late January. Exact dates may change annually, so hunters should consult the regional hunting calendar. Hunting Associations and Clubs Several hunting associations operate in Calabria, including Federcaccia Calabria, Arcicaccia, and Libera Caccia. These organizations promote environmental conservation, hunter education, and the preservation of hunting traditions. They also organize events and shooting competitions for members. Hunting Regulations Key regulations in Calabria include: Prohibition of Hunting in National Parks: Hunting is banned in protected areas like Sila National Park and Aspromonte National Park. The wildcat is a protected species in Italy under: National Law 157/1992, which prohibits hunting, capturing, or killing wildcats. The European Union’s Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC), which lists the wildcat as a species of community interest requiring strict protection. Despite these protections, wildcats face several challenges: Habitat Loss: Deforestation and human encroachment reduce their natural habitat. Hybridization: Interbreeding with domestic cats threatens the genetic purity of wildcats. Road Accidents: Wildcats are often victims of vehicle collisions in rural areas. Annual Quotas: For example, 3,000 wild boars and 1,000 deer. Prohibition of Night Hunting: The use of electronic bird calls is also banned. Hunting Traditions Hunting in Calabria is deeply tied to local culture and traditions: Festa del Cinghiale (Wild Boar Festival): Held in Taverna in November, this festival celebrates wild boar dishes like nduja and spicy sausages. Grecanica Area Traditions: The ritual of "hunting thrushes with traditional nets" has been replaced by ethical methods but is still remembered in local culture. Community Hunts: Driven hunts are often community events, bringing together hunters and locals. Interesting Facts Sila Mouflon: Calabria is home to the Sila mouflon, an endemic subspecies reintroduced in the 1980s. Wolf Conservation: The Life Wolfnet project in Aspromonte National Park aims to mitigate conflicts between wolves and hunting activities. Drone Monitoring: Calabria was a pioneer in using drones for wildlife monitoring in remote areas. Waterfowl Hunting Competitions: Events like those at Lake Ampollino are highly popular among local hunters. Hunting in Calabria offers a unique blend of tradition, adventure, and respect for nature. With its diverse landscapes, rich wildlife, and strong hunting culture, the region provides an authentic experience for hunters. #HuntingInCalabria #WildcatTracking #SilaNationalPark #Aspromonte #ItalianHuntingTraditions #WildBoarHunting #FedercacciaCalabria #Italy #MouflonConservation #WolfProtection #WaterfowlHunting #HuntingSeasons #GameMeatFestivals #NatureAndCulture #WildlifeMonitoring #CalabrianWildlife