Garganey hunting: It is a species subject to disputes and controversies, but also of interesting hunting experiences. We are talking about the gargane, an aquatic bird also called "surface duck". Hunting the gargane, especially in recent years, can be a problem, because this game is not always huntable throughout the Italian territory.
La garganey hunting in Italy is patchy: in some regions it is possible, in others not. The reason for this condition is soon said: the specimens of this aquatic bird are increasingly reducing due to numerous episodes of illegal or indiscriminate hunting. In fact, in our country, the number of garganeys is constantly decreasing from year to year. In any case, the hunting of this magnificent migratory bird is allowed only in some areas of Italy, such as, for example, in the province of Brescia and Treviso, while it is prohibited in Veneto, Abruzzo, Tuscany and in the Cilento areas.
Many prohibitions, obviously from year to year may vary, are the result of judgments of the Tar that impose the suspension of the hunting calendar for some species considered protected, including the garganey. In areas where it is still possible to hunt this type of wild, it is necessary to be prepared to know its migratory habits and more. This is why below we present the identikit of the garganey, scientific name Anas querquedula. This aquatic bird belongs to the genus of the anseriformes and is also called "surface duck", due to the habit of immersing only the head in water in order to feed.
La garganey it is almost always found on the water surface, since it never immerses its body in the water mirror, a body which is slightly larger than that of the teal, with a weight of about 400 grams and a length between 35 and 40 centimeters. There marzaiola is recognized by its winged olive green coat. There are slight morphological differences between the male and the female. The first has a brown streak on the chest and a "characteristic" crescent-shaped white eyebrow that extends from the eye to the nape, while the female has a brown back. Both specimens have white plumage in the front and long, straight and flat beak. The winged part of the female can take on a little evident bluish gray color, while the green wings are a clear indication of the male specimen.
Garganey hunting: Garganey is widespread from Arctic to Mediterranean areas, including Siberia and the Arabian deserts.
The nesting territories of these birds are Europe, southern Scandinavia and Central Asia. The specimens that nest in Europe overwinter in Africa, crossing very long distances between the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert. The migratory flow of the gargane takes place in groups, or rather flocks, which form a cloud in the sky. The flight of this anatid is straight, linear, fast, probably due to the long distances it is forced to cover. The garganey, however, can suddenly lower until it reaches the surface of the water, a very common feature in surface ducks. The bodies of water, as it will be understood, are the ideal habitat for this bird.
The garganey, in fact, is frequently found along shallow stretches of water, with sparse or very low vegetation, while it is difficult to find it in dense and wooded areas. The aforementioned species feeds on roots and plant remains floating in the water, or on aquatic animals, such as insects, worms and molluscs. In Italy, the migratory step of the gargane takes place between August and October and between February and April.
The nesting takes place during the April break, when the pairs have already formed: the female lays 7 to 12 cream-colored eggs in the nest and looks after them for about twenty days. The chicks become independent within six weeks of birth. It is easy to recognize the gargane's nest because it is built, with fluff, grass and feathers, in a depression in the ground and near the body of water. In Italy the garganey they reproduce in the areas of the Po Valley. The presence of these birds in our country is only transitory and often aimed at nesting. When they overwinter, that is, when they rest, the garganeys spend their days sleeping, while they move around at night in search of nourishment.
Garganey hunting: This type of wild duck is suitable for both roaming and stalking hunting.
To hunt the garganey the use of the dog is not necessary. THE shotguns ideal for hunting this aquatic bird are smooth-bore, to be loaded with shot cartridges number 5, 6 and 7. In Italy, the best period for hunting garganey is from the third Sunday of September to January 31st. Of course, to make sure that these dates are included in the hunting calendar of your Region or Province, it is always better to consult it, hoping that the hunting of the garganey has not been prohibited by judgments or resolutions. If that were the case, all that would be left was to leave their “double” at home.