# Italian regional hunting season policy disputes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/italian-regional-hunting-season-policy-disputes
> Updated: 2026-09-01T12:13:18.000Z. Sources: 15. Developments: 2.

In Tuscany, regional authorities have authorized a limited pre-opening of the 2026-2027 hunting season for September 2 and September 6. This measure, intended to protect agricultural crops, is restricted to specific species including starlings, pigeons, and collared doves, with strict daily and regional quotas in place. For starlings and pigeons, limits are set at 20 birds per day, while collared doves are limited to 10 per day. Hunting is restricted to specific areas, such as vineyards, olive groves, and orchards, or within 100 meters of such crops.

Broadening the scope to a national level, 16 Italian regions—including Tuscany, Lombardy, Sicily, and Marche—have authorized early hunting days for up to 14 different species ahead of the official September 20 start date. 

The WWF and LIPU have criticized these decisions, arguing that the early starts ignore the impacts of the climate crisis, extreme heat, and severe drought. The WWF expressed particular concern regarding the hunting of migratory species like the quail, noting that such actions may contradict European Commission recommendations. Critics further allege that regional authorities are disregarding scientific guidance from ISPRA in favor of the National Technical Hunting Fauna Committee, which is perceived as having a predominant hunting industry presence. In the Marche region, leaders have warned that water scarcity makes wildlife more vulnerable by forcing animals to concentrate in limited water sources, increasing ecosystem stress.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-01: Italy: 16 regions authorize early hunting season opening

Sixteen Italian regions have authorized early hunting season openings, drawing criticism from environmental groups like the WWF for ignoring climate-driven drought and scientific warnings.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/italy-16-regions-authorize-early-hunting-season-openings

### 2026-08-31: Tuscany announces limited hunting pre-opening for September

Tuscany has approved a limited pre-opening of the 2026-2027 hunting season on September 2 and 6, targeting starlings, pigeons, and collared doves to protect agricultural crops.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tuscany-announces-limited-hunting-pre-opening-for-september

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Cite as: Italian regional hunting season policy disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/italian-regional-hunting-season-policy-disputes