After requiring gamekeepers to wear reflective jackets - according to environmental associations a clear gift to poachers - the Lombardy region makes another concession to the hunters, giving the green light to the killing of starlings and pigeons. “These two species - declared the regional councilor for agriculture, food and green systems Fabio Rolfi - in recent years have caused 1,7 million euros in damages to Lombard crops. Unfortunately, the dissuasive methods put in place have proved to be of little effect. The exceptions to the hunting levy have been approved by Ispra ”. “The hunters will be able to collect 8 thousand starlings - as stated in a note from the Region - in the period from 1st September to 31st October 2020.
The sampling can be carried out in the orchards and vineyards in the presence of the hanging fruit as well as at a distance not exceeding 500 meters from the aforementioned crops. The collection can be carried out by expressly authorized hunters residing in Lombardy and can be made in the forms of fixed and wandering stalking, without the use of reminders or aids of any other nature ". The hunters authorized to collect will be 600. "The crops most damaged by the starling - explained the commissioner Rolfi - are the wine-growing ones for the production of Doc and Docg wines and fruit with concentration of damage in the fruit ripening period in June and between August and October. The dissuasive measures to stave off starlings were not sufficiently effective and it is essential for the Region to defend the production of fruit and wine ”.
“As for the city pigeon - continues the Region - hunting is authorized during the period 20 September 2020 - 20 January 2021. In Lombardy, the amount of damage ascertained to agricultural production by the city pigeon in the years from 2004 to 2019 is 932.000 euros. The felling must be carried out at a distance not exceeding 100 meters in correspondence with the sowing, emergence and initial development phases of the seedlings of agricultural crops. The collection can be made by hunters resident in Lombardy expressly authorized by the competent office. The sampling must be carried out from fixed posting and temporary posting, through the use of non-live laughings and attracting molds. A maximum number of 50 thousand animals that can be collected and a maximum number of 600 authorized hunters has been established ".