Pursuits Across the Plateaus of GAFSA: Hunting Seasons, Laws and Legislation, Demographics of Hunters

Geographic Frame and Habitat Diversity in Tunisia Gafsa, located in southwestern Tunisia, is a rugged governorate defined by its semi-arid highlands, rocky plateaus, and narrow wadis that carve through the landscape. Unlike the sandy dunes of the deep south, Gafsa offers a mix of hard ground, sparse shrubbery, and steep elevations that make it a unique, though harsh, terrain for hunting. The mountain ranges such as Djebel Orbata provide shadowed cover and higher vegetation density, supporting a range of game that relies on altitude and seasonal water availability. Though rainfall is limited, it occurs primarily in the winter, giving rise to green pockets that attract animals during critical months. Hunter Distribution and Local Activity of Gafsa Hunting in Gafsa is less commercialized than in coastal areas but remains culturally entrenched, particularly in delegations like El Ksar, El Guettar, and Métlaoui. The active hunter population numbers in the hundreds annually, with most individuals practicing the sport in family or clan-based groups. Hunting is primarily practiced by rural residents who rely on generational knowledge of the land. While some travel to neighboring regions during the season, many focus on familiar terrain where the chances of tracking wild boar or spotting partridges are historically higher. Because of the remoteness of many hunting zones, outsiders often rely on local guides or associates with access to tribal land or restricted tracks. Approach and Practical Methods in the Area In Gafsa, hunting is defined by endurance and tactical movement. The sparse vegetation and exposed topography demand accurate judgment of distance and patience in stalking. Wild boar hunting remains the most pursued activity, typically carried out using teams of beaters and dogs to flush animals out of ravines or bush-covered slopes. For smaller game such as hares and partridges, hunters often move slowly through flat zones at dawn, watching for movement in the brush or relying on dogs to point and retrieve. The terrain does not allow for quick maneuvering, and most successful hunts come from early reconnaissance and knowledge of habitual animal paths through dry creek beds and forage areas. Wildlife Presence and Game Options of the Region Gafsa’s game selection is dominated by wild boars, which find refuge in the rough terrain and avoid human settlement zones. Barbary partridge is also prevalent, often seen in pairs or small groups near rocky outcrops and foothills. Cape hares are distributed across flat plains and semi-agricultural lands where seasonal crops may attract them. Migratory birds such as doves and starlings pass through the area in winter months but are less concentrated than in northern governorates. Predatory species like jackals and foxes are present but are not typically hunted, both due to legal limitations and limited sporting interest. Timing and Seasonal Structure in Gafsa The hunting season in Gafsa follows Tunisia’s national framework, with the wild boar window opening in October and closing at the end of January. Partridge and hare seasons run from mid-autumn through the first weeks of winter, while migratory bird opportunities cluster around December and January. Hunting is restricted to Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the open season. Associations and Cooperative Hunting in the Area Hunting groups in Gafsa are mostly informal but rooted in strong local networks. In villages and rural towns, experienced hunters often lead younger members through organized weekend excursions, especially during wild boar drives that require coordination. There are also registered associations tied to regional forestry departments that facilitate licensing, organize group hunts, and mediate access to designated hunting areas. Regulations and Oversight Mechanisms Legal hunting in Gafsa is governed by the Forest Code of Tunisia, which outlines approved species, hunting tools, and designated zones. Smoothbore shotguns are the only permitted firearms, and all ammunition and methods must comply with state-mandated standards. Unauthorized hunting in protected areas such as Djebel Orbata National Park is met with significant penalties, including fines and weapon confiscation. Given the sparse population of the terrain, enforcement is typically conducted through random patrols and coordinated operations during the peak season. Checkpoints on key access roads are common during winter weekends. Cultural Continuity and Regional Practice Hunting in Gafsa is tightly woven into the local way of life, especially among nomadic and semi-nomadic communities in the southern plateau regions. It is not only a sport but a deeply respected tradition where animal tracking, environmental reading, and marksmanship are considered marks of maturity and competence. Seasonal hunts often coincide with local agricultural calendars and religious celebrations, and in some circles, the preparation and sharing of wild meat still carries ceremonial weight. Elders serve as mentors, teaching signs, scent tracking, and terrain reading, passing down practical survival knowledge embedded in every hunt. Observed Patterns and Regional Specifics in Gafsa What makes Gafsa’s hunting experience distinct is the vast silence of its terrain. With minimal infrastructure and expansive space, hunters operate in virtual isolation for hours, sometimes days, following dry wadis or scanning hilltops for movement. Wild boars here are leaner and more elusive than in the forests of the north, and the absence of thick cover makes the final approach a test of skill. Game movement is tied closely to underground springs and weather shifts, requiring not only shooting accuracy but deep familiarity with how water availability affects animal behavior in semi-desert zones.