The opening of the event
The official ceremony celebrating the 125th anniversary of the Italian Hunting Federation , Italy's leading and oldest hunting association, took place today in the prestigious Sala della Regina at Palazzo Montecitorio, seat of the Chamber of Deputies. The event opened with a welcome address from National President Massimo Buconi, who emotionally and proudly retraced the key milestones in the federation's history, emphasizing the importance of sustainable hunting, environmental protection, and the increasingly conscious role of the modern hunter, a living and vital part of society and the country.
Buconi's words
"We are here today, in what can ideally be considered the 'good living room' of every Italian home, not to celebrate Federcaccia's past, significant and worthy as it may be, but to confirm its relevance and its ability to move with the times and often be a precursor to a future that has solid and secure foundations in that past," declared President Buconi. "Hunting and hunters have a 'yesterday' and a 'today' in the history of the country, and I am certain they will have a 'tomorrow.'" This is made up not only of recreational moments, but of active participation, civic engagement, responsibility, and a fundamental role in the management and protection of the environment, landscape, and wildlife. For this reason, I consider this 125th anniversary not only a milestone to celebrate, but also a starting point from which to begin again with renewed energy and passion," he concluded. The speakers offered significant cultural and legal contributions: Professor Zeffiro Ciuffoletti – University of Florence, ISFE-Istituzione di Studi Firenze per l'Europa – illustrated the evolution of Italian hunting associations and the role the Federation played in the evolution of hunting in our country, while Professor Alfonso Celotto – University of Rome 3 –, a constitutionalist, addressed the delicate relationship between hunting and the Constitution, offering insights into rights, duties, and land protection.
National Anthem
Moderating the event was journalist and host Nicola Porro, who guided the discussion with poise and liveliness between the various speakers. The presentation of certificates and medals was particularly moving: special recognition was given to Andrea Rossitto, the youngest hunter registered with the Federation; to Emilio Rudari, the oldest; and to Rebecca D'Antoni, representing all the Federcacciatrici. During the ceremony, attendees were also presented with a brochure celebrating the 125th anniversary and a commemorative medal, tangible symbols of the association's long and rich history, created specifically for this special anniversary. The performance of the Mameli Anthem by tenor Roberto Cresca, accompanied on piano by Maurizio Colacicchi of the Associazione Culturale Accademia Canto Recitazione, followed by Giacomo Puccini's Hymn to Diana, which opened the morning, was a moving experience. In addition to being a great musician and composer, the Maestro was also a passionate hunter and was one of the founders of the Federation in 1900.
Lollobrigida's support
The meeting concluded with a speech by the Minister of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty, and Forestry, Francesco Lollobrigida, who expressed institutional support for responsible hunting practices that are integrated with environmental and biodiversity protection. "I am particularly pleased to be here on this significant day for the Federation and for Italian hunting," the Minister said in his opening remarks. He then went on to address important and sensitive issues in the hunting world: "It's time to clearly state that those who oppose hunting must, in any case, demonstrate some respect for those who practice it. Enough with violence, fake news, and verbal aggression, especially because hunters are paragons of legality and expertise in their field. Major environmental issues do not stem from hunters, farmers, and ranchers," the Minister added, emphasizing that "hunters contribute to the proper management of wild fauna, which is essential to protecting all species, including humans."
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Other notable presences
And on a hot topic like reform, "I believe that, if there is no senseless obstructionism from the opposition, we can achieve a reform of Law 157 of 1992 this fall. We will calmly continue to discuss this issue, which we wanted to bring into the fold of parliamentary debate." In addition to the members of the National Presidential Council, the regional presidents, and most of the Federation's provincial presidents, past presidents Fausto Prosperini and Gian Luca Dall'Olio, numerous political and institutional authorities demonstrated their attention and support for our Association. Among those present were: Undersecretary of State for Agriculture Patrizio Giacomo La Pietra; Gianfranco Astori, a longtime supporter of Federcaccia, whose history he witnessed firsthand for a time; Ettore De Conciliis of the secretariat of the Undersecretary for the Environment; General Donato Monaco, deputy president of the CTFVN; Members of Parliament Raffaele Nevi, Francesco Bruzzone, Stefano Vaccari, Marco Padovani, and Galeazzo Bignami; Lazio Region Councilor for Agricultural Policies Giancarlo Righini and Veneto Region Councilor for Hunting Cristiano Corazzari; Coldiretti President and Environment Director Ettore Prandini and Stefano Masini; Confagricoltura National Vice President Luca Brondelli di Brondello, who conveyed greetings from President Massimiliano Giansanti; Carabinieri Lieutenant Colonel Stefano Cazora, editor of SILVÆ, the force's professional, technical-scientific, and environmental journal; and Luigi Ricci, Head of the Department for Environmental Monitoring and Protection and Biodiversity Conservation at ISPRA.
The commemorative postcard
Also in attendance were FIDASC President Felice Buglione, who presented President Buconi with a plaque specially created for the occasion, and Arcicaccia President Christian Maffei. They were joined by Maurizio Zipponi, President of the CNCN and the UNA Foundation; ANPAM President Andrea Andreani; Marina Berlinghieri, representing Beretta; and Hon. Michl Ebner, Past President of FACE. Unable to attend, greetings were sent by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio—who was received at the same time by President Sergio Mattarella, along with the women's national football team—, FITAV President Luciano Rossi, Cia-Agricoltori Italiani President Cristiano Fini, Enalcaccia President Lamberto Cardia, and Libera Caccia President Paolo Sparvoli. To mark the historical significance of the occasion, a commemorative postcard and a dedicated postmark were produced in collaboration with Poste Italiane, affixed to the stamp dedicated to Giacomo Puccini during the ceremony. Enthusiasts and collectors will be able to receive the postmark for the next two months at the Rome Ostiense Post Office. The celebration represented a moment of unity, remembrance, and vision for the future, highlighting the active role of hunting in today's society and of Federcaccia in promoting rural culture, biodiversity, and responsible land management (Italian Hunting Federation Press Office).
