Partridge hunting: “I went hunting in Hungary” - The experience of partridge hunting in Hungary: the beauty of a territory and the richness of fauna in the memory of a veteran hunter.
I did not think I would ever say and write it, yet last year I was convinced: I really needed to escape from Italy, from all its regulations, all its problems and all its contradictions. The hunter's life, for some years now, has become practically unsustainable, expensive and frowned upon, but I don't give up. Giovanni, my cousin and my dearest friend, who sees her like me, was the first to put the flea in my ear: "But what if we leave for a hunting trip, me, you and Marco?".
My initial response was a blunt “No!”. I had neither desire nor time to think about all those that I thought would be the inconveniences of traveling with weapons and animals, but after the solutions proposed by Giovanni I started to think about it more seriously.
The final push was given to me by the publication of that year's hunting calendar and regulations with new and increasingly severe limitations. I really needed a breath of fresh air, albeit for a fee.
My cousin organized the trip, I practically did not even know where we would go: ok I knew about Hungary and the wonders they told me at dinner, but in order not to be too disappointed I had not informed at all. The point of arrival of our trip was the Magyar land, which has always been home to beautiful hares and roe deer, very famous for hunting pen. I remember that my first sensation as soon as I arrived at my destination was familiarity: that land not far from home immediately seemed a friend: there were the warm colors, the professionalism and hospitality of those who welcomed us and above all the extreme richness and variety of that territory. It is true that hunting tourism is one of the most important in Hungary and that therefore foreigners are always treated well, the fact remains that I fell in love with that land right away: the hunting guards and the excellent game have me really made a great impression.
To begin with, in Hungary we think about the lasting use of resources, but we do it for real, even when it comes to wild and nature respects and protects it not only the local hunters, but everyone, even foreigners and not. insiders. Furthermore, the list of birds that can be hunted is not the same one shared internationally: the hunting of protected species is severely punished for this reason, particular emphasis is placed on those that could be easily confused. Ultimately all Hungarians, it seemed to me, consider themselves protagonists in the protection of their natural heritage, their main wealth. Furthermore, the laws relating to the control of the environmental heritage are not dated and obsolete, but constantly updated, subject to control and constant improvement: in short, not as crazy as any of the neighboring countries. All this falls in favor not only of the environment, but also of those who choose to visit Hungary to practice hunting, just like myself.
Having said that, let's get back to us: after careful consideration I had decided to leave with my two dogs, two fabulous examples of roan drahthaar. The arrival was set for Friday at nine in the evening and as soon as we set foot in the hunting lodge we all allowed ourselves a very short rest: the alarm clock was set for five in the morning, meeting the entrance of the structure. That first morning of hunting was a blast from the past: I felt like I was walking as long ago, in my grandfather's vineyards. While I was advancing in the company of my two dogs, I suddenly noticed the oldest petrified, "already" I think, observing his steady statuary. Suddenly the companion had put himself to the side reproducing the same attitudes, only a little more clumsy, due to the very young age. They were only waiting for a gesture from me that did not take long: in a short time a crowd of partridges flew away with a wonderful noise. It must have been about fifteen. I remember thinking that the morning started really well.
The game bag at 11 was not one to photograph: I had captured very few partridges, but with great satisfaction. It must be said in my favor and in favor of my two dogs that the partridges that are found here, in Hungary, have little to do with those raised in the aviary: the wild ones, the real ones certainly don't get fooled too easily.
The hunting morning was followed by an excellent lunch, a nice drink, a chat with the really nice owners and an evening stroll. All this was repeated for 5 fabulous days. What do I have to tell you: money really well spent. I already have a full piggy bank for this year!