The regional resolution
Through a specific resolution of the Regional Department of Agriculture, Rural Development and Mediterranean Fisheries, the Sicilian region provided some important details regarding hunting activity on the island. What specifically should the hunters in question expect?
Wild rabbit
Here is what is provided: “In addition to DA n. 31/GAB of 26/06/2023, which is referred to and confirmed in its entirety not in conflict with this provision, in the 2023-2024 hunting season, without prejudice to the opening date, set for 17 September 2023, and without prejudice all the limitations of times and places provided for in the aforementioned DA 31/GAB of 26/06/2023, in the Sicilian Region the hunting of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is permitted in the periods defined below for the different Territorial Hunting Areas:
from 17 September to 25 October 2023: AA.TT.CC. PA1, CL1, CT1, ME1, ME2, TP1, TP2;
from 17 September to 8 November 2023: AA.TT.CC. AG1, AG2, CL2, CT2, EN1, EN2, PA2, RG1
RG2, SR1, SR2.
From 17 September to 30 September in the AA.TT.CC. AG1, AG2, PA1, PA2, TP1 and TP2
exclusively with the use of ammunition not containing lead”.
Ferret use
“The use of the ferret for wild rabbit hunting is permitted from 17 September 2023 to 22 October 2023 exclusively in the AA.TT.CC. CL2, CT1, CT2, EN2, PA2, RG1. During hunting it is mandatory to equip the ferret with a suitable and efficient muzzle. It is forbidden to bring the ferret with you in areas where its use is not permitted."
Natura 2000 sites
“The first paragraph of the art. 13 of the annex to DA n. 31/GAB of 26/06/2023 is amended as follows: “Hunting is prohibited in Natura 2000 Sites and in compliance with article 1, paragraph 5bis, of Law 157/92 and subsequent amendments, introduced by article 42 of the Law 96/2010, for a buffer zone of 150 meters contiguous to them, with the exception of those where it is expressly permitted, in the ways and times established by the Regional Wildlife Hunting Plan (PRFV) 2013-2018, as well as by decree no. 442/2012 of the General Director of the Regional Department of the Environment and subsequent amendments" (source: Sicilian Region).