The contribution of hunters
As made known by Arci Caccia, data collection is essential to improve knowledge of wild species. Hunters can do a lot by starting with the wing collection campaign promoted by the Marche Region with regards to woodcock.
The activities of the guidelines
Here is what you can read about it: “We are writing to inform you that the Marche Region with DGR 1147 of 31 July 2023 has approved the Monitoring Guidelines for the Woodcock (Scolopax rusticola) 2023-2026. The implementation of the activities envisaged in the guidelines requires the direct involvement of woodcock hunters from the Marche region. Their contribution is essential for carrying out monitoring with the pointing dog and for collecting the wings of woodcocks shot during the hunting season. The collection of the wings of the killed woodcocks is aimed at analyzing the age of the subjects killed each year, an activity that allows us to build a more structured framework of knowledge on the status of the species".
How the collection takes place
The text continues: “For each woodcock shot in the Marche in the 2023-2024 hunting season, the right wing must preferably be collected (if the plumage is too damaged, the left wing can be collected). Once cut and dried according to the methods indicated in the image below, the wing will be inserted into the collection bag (1 wing for 1 bag) inserting the required information on the title page (killing date, animal weight, hunter name and surname, etc. ). The envelopes containing the wings must be returned to the ATC of residence by 10 February 2024".