Hobby hunter arrested for illegal bird hunting
A hobby hunter was caught in the act near Vetulonia (municipality of Castiglione della Pescaia) in Tuscany by wildlife wardens from the animal protection organisation LAC (Lega per l'Abolizione della Caccia) and subsequently handed over to the provincial police.
The man had set himself up in a shed near a hunting lodge to shoot jays and collared doves — despite the hunting season having expired.
According to the LAC, the hobby hunter was carrying a small-calibre rifle and had entered the shed to wait for the birds. A chair had been specifically set up for this purpose. Without realising it, he was already being observed by the wildlife wardens who had positioned themselves in the surrounding area.
When the inspectors intervened, the man initially attempted to flee and hide his weapon. He was, however, overpowered, apprehended with the loaded rifle in hand, and identified.
Police seize weapons and quarry
Shortly afterwards, the provincial police of Grosseto arrived at the scene. The officers confiscated the rifle, the accompanying ammunition, and the animals already killed. Although the man was in possession of a valid hunting licence and a recently renewed firearms licence, he now faces proceedings for poaching.
LAC announces formal complaint
The national president of the LAC, Raimondo Silveri, thanked his own wildlife wardens in a statement “for the professionalism shown” and the provincial police for their swift intervention. He also announced that a separate formal complaint would be filed against the hunter.
Poaching remains a recurring problem in parts of Tuscany despite strict regulations. Particularly affected are migratory birds such as thrushes, jays, and turtle doves, which are frequently hunted illegally by poachers. Officially, hunting in Italy is regulated, with clear closed seasons and restricted hunting areas.
Anyone who violates the regulations must expect severe penalties: In addition to heavy fines, the loss of hunting and firearms licenses is threatened, and in serious cases, imprisonment.
According to nature conservation organizations, numerous illegal killings are nevertheless recorded every year, especially in the Maremma, which is a popular but also sensitive area due to its biodiversity.
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