Italy: 16 regions authorize early hunting season opening

Sixteen Italian regions have authorized the early opening of the hunting season, allowing the hunting of various species ahead of the official September 20 start date. Regions including Lombardy, Tuscany, Sicily, and Marche have implemented these derogations, which include 14 different species.

Environmental organizations, including the WWF and LIPU, have criticized the decision, arguing that the early start ignores the ongoing climate crisis, extreme heat, and severe drought. The WWF specifically noted that the inclusion of the quail—a migratory species facing habitat loss and poaching—contradicts recommendations from the European Commission.

Critics also claim that regional authorities are disregarding scientific guidance from ISPRA (the Higher Institute for Environmental Protection and Research) in favor of the National Hunting Fauna Technical Committee, which is seen as having a predominant hunting industry presence. In the Marche region, political leaders have warned that water scarcity makes wildlife particularly vulnerable by forcing animals to concentrate in limited water sources, increasing the stress on ecosystems.