Hunting surveillance: instructions for use. The relationship between hunting vigilance and hunters is a difficult, often quarrelsome and unreasonable relationship. And as much as both sides want to put the blame all on one side, these, as usually happens, are equally divided between the parties.
It is a phenomenon of recent years, but it is spreading like wildfire: we are referring to the bad reputation enjoyed by hunters. They are often and willingly portrayed in an erroneous way, as disrespectful of nature, insensitive, poorly prepared and able to shoot anything that moves. Nothing more false and wrong. THE hunters not only do they become more and more professional figures day after day, lovers of the nature that hosts them and great connoisseurs of plant and animal species, but today they are indispensable for the management of wild populations, whether they are ungulates or not. In fact, when animals are present in an exaggerated way in a territory, they can prove to be quite harmful, creating problems even of a serious nature to those who live in the area or who own entrepreneurial and agricultural activities on site. If for any reason hunting activities all over the world were suddenly stopped, the problems for the population would be considerable and perhaps not entirely contemplated by those who propose a figure of the hunter more and more similar to the poacher. Yet, even if we overlook the somewhat fluctuating hunter's fame, the problems in everyday life are quite numerous. One of the most annoying ones is represented by the relationship, often conflicting with the hunting surveillance. To make contacts so difficult are several elements that are often underestimated. Let's find out together: this could help both parties to propose themselves in a more reasonable and proactive way.
The sanction as education. It is often forgotten: in the case of any observed violation, the sanction does not have a punitive function, but rather an educational one. It therefore serves to teach the behavior that must be held in the future, and must not necessarily be seen or designed as a punishment. In a sense, the sanction has the objective of preventing wrong attitudes: it is from this point of view that it should be observed. Professional hunting surveillance. The operators of the sector should show a professional and prepared attitude. One of the best ways to present yourself is certainly to identify yourself by showing your hunting guard card. It does not matter if you wear a uniform or if you believe that your status is unmistakable: qualifying immediately does not leave the field to any doubt and immediately informs the hunter about the figure in front of him and the situation that is about to emerge. Aggressive or argumentative attitudes will not benefit either party.
Humanity and common sense. One of the elements that should never be lacking in those who have a card and a certain authority is humanity and common sense. Sanctions should be imposed by taking a view of the general situation, and considering the situation each time with humanity and knowledge of the facts. So no to excessive punishment, and no to quarrelsome behavior: they are neither intelligent nor professional and risk creating unpleasant situations.
Reasonableness of the hunter. If professionalism is required from hunting surveillance, the same professionalism must be shown by the hunter. Meeting a vigilante doesn't necessarily mean meeting an enemy - that's why it's important to be as reasonable as possible and show your hunting documents immediately when asked. They are essential for identification and if no rules have been violated, contacts with the supervisory will close there. If, on the other hand, some infraction has been committed, it is always good to admit it, which, let's face it, hunters rarely do.
Good knowledge of the subject on both sides. One of the ways to avoid unpleasant situations is to know the subject perfectly, to know your duties as a hunter and your rights. It is important to know, for example, that neither one's home nor one's car can be searched, except with the guarantees provided by the legal system. Few hunters know the indispensable guarantees for their own defense in the event of a dispute of a violation and for this reason they become victims rather than interlocutors. In short, a series of attentions that could make the relations between hunters and hunting surveillance more pleasant and collaborative.