In recent months, Tuscan hunters have been experiencing the effects of a great media confusion on their own skin, relating to the innovations introduced in the management of ungulates. The factors involved are numerous, and I was anxious to try to reflect. Last February the Objective Law was published: daughter of the 1994 Regional Law, this new law provides for some innovative and certainly valid points. First of all, it defines the purpose of the management of ungulates in suitable and non-suitable areas, promoting a possible coexistence between anthropic activities, such as crops, and the presence of ungulates in the territory.
Another interesting point is the enhancement of the meat of killed ungulates and their inclusion in a controlled and sustainable supply chain. From an operational point of view, the Objective Law introduces some innovations in hunting techniques: for the wild boar species the collection is allowed in single form for appearance and for hunting.
For the collection of cervids and bovidae, a "scaling" plan is envisaged at least until 70% of the sampling plan is reached. ATCs will be able to allocate no less than 20% of the cervids and bovids for sale. In short, the news are many, and bring with them a lot of confusion. As a first reaction there was a split of the hunters into two parties: "hunted" against "selection". Many wonder why not to enhance the containment action of the hunt (for example by anticipating the opening, or not by limiting the number of days allowed)?
And then to follow another split: "selecontrollers of the roe deer species" versus "selecontrollers of the wild boar species": will the two activities be simultaneous? Same period? Same days? Same fixed stalking? Or the selecontrollers of the wild boar in wandering form at the same time as those of the roe deer in the fixed points? What about security? The priority in the booking of the stakeouts?
There is a lot of confusion, and honestly the feeling is that the governing bodies have not had the time (and sufficient autonomy) to manage everything efficiently.
The territorial hunting areas, sub-provincial bodies according to Law 157, were declared "unconstitutional" when they were merged on the basis of the provincial territory. Until December 31st they will continue to carry out their duties, then what will happen to the current ATCs?
In the meantime, the operations carried out so far by the Provinces have become a regional competence, but it will take some time for the system to settle down and the gears to start rolling again.
The Tuscany region, which has always been a beacon in the darkness of hunting management in Italy, is experiencing a difficult time. The discontent among the hunters is palpable and ubiquitous: mistreated, betrayed, harassed by ever-increasing taxes, unrepresented… Diana's followers in Tuscany are witnessing the collapse of a tried and tested system that was the envy of many.
The discontent that winds among us all these days must not, however, have the upper hand: we must remain united! Do not give in to the temptation of polemics as an end in itself and populism. We must inform ourselves, have clear ideas and ask the hunting associations to represent our opinions.
The hunting world already has too many enemies in public opinion and the witch hunt within it will only weaken it even more. Those who manage the territory cannot fail to listen to all the voices of the choir: environmentalists, farmers and hunters. If we learn to listen before screaming, we will discover that, out of respect for Nature, we all agree more than we think.