Italy is world-renowned for its culture, food, fashion, and history—but for discerning hunters, it holds another, more primal allure.
From the alpine ridges of the Dolomites to the rolling hills of Tuscany, Italy offers an incredibly rich and diverse hunting experience. Whether you’re drawn by the pursuit of the elusive roe deer, the thrill of wild boar hunting, or the refined art of bird hunting with pointing dogs, Italy is a top-tier destination for ethical, sustainable, and unforgettable hunting adventures.
This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about hunting in Italy: species, seasons, permits, traditions, regions, and the best ways to plan your trip.
WHY HUNT IN ITALY?
Unmatched Biodiversity: Italy’s varied landscapes—from mountainous terrain to Mediterranean woodlands—offer unique ecosystems teeming with game.
Historical Heritage: Hunting in Italy is deeply rooted in tradition. You’ll find centuries-old hunting lodges, noble estates, and an entire culture around the art of the hunt.
Sustainable & Regulated: Italy enforces strict wildlife laws, ensuring ethical, legal, and respectful hunting practices.
Luxury Meets Wilderness: Many experiences combine five-star hospitality with rugged adventure.
Cultural Immersion: Hunting here isn’t just a sport—it’s a way to connect with Italy’s landscape, cuisine, history, and people.
HUNTING IN ITALY: A CENTURIES-OLD TRADITION OF NOBILITY, HERITAGE, AND STYLE
Long before hunting became a codified ritual in the misty fields of the English countryside or the forests of Scotland, Italy had already developed a refined and ancient hunting tradition, deeply intertwined with the legacy of its noble families and the grandeur of its royal courts.
As early as the Middle Ages—and even more so during the Renaissance—hunting was an integral part of courtly life. It was not merely a sporting activity, but a symbolic act of power, culture, and sophistication. The great noble families—from the Medici in Florence to the Este in Ferrara, the House of Savoy in Piedmont, and the Bourbons in the Kingdom of Naples—owned vast private hunting estates, meticulously managed and cultivated for grand game drives of deer, wild boar, and partridge, often followed by lavish feasts and celebrations.
Historical chronicles recount opulent hunting scenes: noblemen and ladies on horseback, elegant packs of hunting dogs, falconers with trained birds of prey, and liveried servants attending to every detail. These hunts were grand spectacles, social and political events, and symbols of power—often immortalized in paintings, tapestries, and illuminated manuscripts. The hunting grounds themselves were conceived as idealized landscapes, dotted with pavilions, villas, and formal Italian gardens, where art, nature, and the hunt came together in perfect harmony.
Well before the rise of the British “gentleman hunter”, Italian aristocracy had already developed a sophisticated code of conduct for the hunt—rooted in etiquette, land stewardship, and respect for game. Knowledge of wildlife management, dog breeding, and the noble art of falconry was passed down through generations. In many ways, the Italian noble hunt anticipated what we now call sustainable and ethical hunting, combining passion for nature with aesthetic refinement and cultural prestige.
Many of these historic estates still exist today, transformed into high-end private reserves or agritourism hunting grounds, where visitors can experience the elegance and authenticity of traditional Italian hunting. To walk through the rolling hills of a Tuscan estate or under the ancient oaks of an Umbrian property is to tread paths once walked by dukes and princes, in woods that have echoed with the call of hunting horns for centuries.
This deep cultural and historical legacy gives Italian hunting a unique allure. It is not merely a sport—it is an immersive experience, a living tale of civilization and tradition, and the embodiment of a way of life rooted in timeless elegance.
WHAT CAN YOU HUNT IN ITALY?
- Big Game
- Roe Deer (Capriolo): Agile and elusive, hunted in summer and fall.
- Red Deer (Cervo): Best hunted during the rutting season (September–October).
- Wild Boar (Cinghiale): The most iconic species, hunted across the country.
- Chamois (Camoscio): Found in the Alps and Apennines—challenging, high-altitude hunts.
- Mouflon (Muflone): Introduced species with curved horns, often found in Sardinia and central Italy.
- Small Game and Birds
- Woodcock (Beccaccia): A prized and traditional quarry for dog lovers.
- Pheasant (Fagiano): Often managed in private preserves.
- Partridge (Starna/Rossa): Native and red-legged varieties.
- Hare and Rabbit: Common in agricultural zones.
HUNTING SEASONS IN ITALY
The Italian hunting calendar is regulated regionally, but here’s a general outline:
Roe Deer: June–September (selective hunting), October–December (general season)
Wild Boar: October–January (driven), year-round in managed areas
Red Deer & Chamois: September–December
Birds: October–January, depending on species
Always check regional regulations, as each province may vary slightly in dates and conditions.
TYPES OF HUNTING EXPERIENCES
1. Driven Wild Boar Hunting (Battuta di Cinghiale)
A communal tradition in Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. Hunters are stationed while beaters and dogs drive the boars from dense woods.
2. Stalking and High-Seat Hunts
Ideal for roe and red deer, with early morning or dusk outings.
3. Mountain Hunting
Alpine challenges for chamois or mouflon. Requires physical fitness and skilled guides.
4. Bird Hunting with Pointing Dogs
A poetic ritual. Often done with English Setters, Pointers, and Bracchi Italiani. Especially popular for woodcock and pheasant.
5. Luxury Private Estate Hunts
Managed preserves offer refined experiences with gourmet meals, villa accommodations, and curated itineraries.
HUNTING REGULATIONS AND PERMITS
Foreigners can legally hunt in Italy but must comply with certain requirements:
Temporary Hunting License: Obtained via outfitter; valid for one region.
Insurance: Mandatory liability insurance (often included in the package).
Firearm Import: EU hunters can use the European Firearms Pass. Non-EU hunters must declare firearms and obtain a temporary permit.
Species Quotas & Bag Limits: Strictly enforced. Guides will inform you in advance.
TOP REGIONS FOR HUNTING IN ITALY
TUSCANY
Game: Wild boar, roe deer, pheasant
Style: Driven hunts through oak forests, selective stalking on hilly terrain, and classic walk-up shooting in fields and woods
Bonus: Tuscany is the heartland of Italian hunting tradition, with centuries-old estates offering top-tier management and facilities. Hunt near Siena or the Val d’Orcia at dawn, then unwind with a glass of Brunello and a plate of handmade pici. Art lovers can combine the thrill of the hunt with visits to Florence’s museums, while Maremma offers a wilder, more rustic experience by the coast.
UMBRIA
Game: Woodcock, partridge, hare
Style: Walk-up hunting with pointing dogs in undisturbed woodlands and gently cultivated fields
Bonus: Known as the “Green Heart of Italy,” Umbria is less crowded than Tuscany but equally rich in beauty. Hunters are drawn to the quiet charm of its medieval hill towns like Spoleto and Gubbio. The atmosphere is contemplative, steeped in the spiritual legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi. After a hunt, enjoy hearty cuisine with black truffle and full-bodied Sagrantino wines.
THE DOLOMITES & ALPS
Game: Chamois, red deer
Style: High-altitude stalking in rocky terrain and snow-covered slopes, often requiring multi-day treks
Bonus: These are Italy’s most physically demanding hunts, perfect for experienced hunters seeking a real alpine challenge. The reward is both the pursuit of elusive mountain game and the immersion in breathtaking UNESCO-protected landscapes. Basecamps are often cozy rifugi (alpine lodges), and local game-based cuisine—like speck, polenta, and venison ragù—is the perfect end to a long day.
SARDINIA
Game: Mouflon, wild boar
Style: Intense stalking and driven hunts in remote, rugged mountains and maquis-covered hills
Bonus: Sardinia is home to unique endemic game, such as the Corsican mouflon, found only here and in parts of Corsica.
The terrain is wild and untamed, echoing ancient traditions and shepherding culture. Hunters may sleep in agriturismi or traditional “pinnettu” huts. Off the field, enjoy unforgettable beaches, Cannonau wines, and rustic dishes like roasted suckling pig and pecorino sardo.
PIEMONTE & LOMBARDIA
Game: Roe deer, pheasant, hare
Style: High-seat ambush in vineyard-draped hills, silent stalking in river valleys, and classic pointing dog hunts in autumn fields
Bonus: These northern regions offer refined rural landscapes and sophisticated cuisine. Hunt roe deer among the foggy hills of the Langhe, then visit a Barolo cellar. Lombardia’s countryside estates are perfect for pheasant shooting, and the proximity to Milan makes it ideal for combining business trips with weekend hunts. Don’t miss seasonal truffle tastings and Michelin-starred trattorie.
EMILIA-ROMAGNA (PIACENZA AND MODENA AREA)
Game: Roe deer, wild boar, pheasant
Style: Quiet morning stalks in gently rolling terrain, driven hunts for boar in forested zones, and classic dog work in game-rich estates
Bonus: A paradise for gourmets, this area offers hunting experiences steeped in local traditions. Start the day with the thrill of a roe deer encounter, and end it with aged Parmigiano Reggiano and tortellini in brodo. Centrally located and easily accessible from Milan, Parma, and Bologna, it’s a perfect mix of hunting, hospitality, and culture.
VENETO (VENETIAN LAGOON & COUNTRYSIDE)
Game: Waterfowl (ducks, coots), pheasant, hare
Style: Early morning waterfowl shooting from traditional hides and boats in the misty Lagoon; walk-up hunts in flat countryside fields with trained dogs
Bonus: The Venetian Lagoon offers one of the most atmospheric hunting settings in Europe, with its still waters and marsh islands. Hunters use flat-bottomed boats known as barchini, guided by local experts who know every inlet and channel. Inland, the fertile plains offer productive bird shooting. Venice is nearby for a post-hunt cultural escape, and the seafood-based cuisine is simply unmatched.
ETHICAL AND SUSTAINABLE HUNTING
Italian hunting is built around respect—for wildlife, habitat, and heritage. Conservation programs, restocking efforts, and population management are integral. Hunts are guided by expert wildlife managers who monitor species densities and territory health.
Many lodges and outfitters now embrace a “hunt-to-table” philosophy, integrating culinary traditions with game preparation.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM A GUIDED HUNT IN ITALY
A professional experience usually includes:
English-speaking PH (Professional Hunter) or guide
Transfers, accommodation, and meals
Permits and insurance paperwork
Firearm support or rental (if needed)
Game preparation and trophy assistance
Expect high hospitality standards, local cuisine, and a strong cultural component. Italy blends the thrill of the chase with genuine human connection.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL HUNTERS
When to Book: 3–6 months in advance
Firearms: EU pass or temporary customs procedure
Clothing: Layers for varying climates; orange gear often required
Fitness: Important for mountain hunts
Travel Insurance: Include hunting activity
Non-hunting Companions: Many programs offer wine tours, spas, or cultural excursions
SAMPLE ITINERARY: 5-DAY WILD BOAR & ROE DEER HUNT IN TUSCANY
Day 1: Arrival, lodge check-in, local dinner
Day 2: Morning roe deer stalk, afternoon tour of winery
Day 3: Driven wild boar hunt
Day 4: Morning bird hunt with dogs, truffle tasting
Day 5: Breakfast, trophy packing, departure
ITALY, LAND OF HUNTING AND FINE GUNS: THE GARDONE VAL TROMPIA DISTRICT AND BEYOND
A hunting trip to Italy is not just about experiencing diverse and breathtaking landscapes, noble game species, and centuries-old traditions. It’s also the perfect opportunity to discover one of the world’s finest expressions of craftsmanship: Italy’s renowned production of fine hunting firearms, centered in the legendary district of Gardone Val Trompia in Lombardy.
This small valley nestled in the Brescia Pre-Alps has been the beating heart of Italian gunmaking since the 15th century, when it supplied arquebuses and blades to European courts. Today, Gardone is synonymous with mechanical excellence, artisanal finesse, and stylistic innovation. It is home to legendary names such as Beretta, F.lli Piotti, Famars, Zoli, Perazzi, Rizzini, and many others—brands that are beloved and collected by hunters and sports shooters worldwide.
The firearms produced in Gardone Val Trompia are far more than tools; they are mechanical works of art, the result of a marriage between cutting-edge technology and centuries-old craftsmanship. The shotguns and over-and-unders made here are celebrated for their perfect balance, hand-engraved beauty, premium barrels, and mechanical precision. Every gun tells a story of skill, passion, and patience.
For this reason, anyone choosing Italy as a hunting destination should not miss the opportunity to visit this sacred place of gunmaking culture. Touring a fine gun factory means stepping into a world of detail and tradition: watching master craftsmen at work, hearing the sound of metal being shaped, touching perfectly polished European walnut stocks. It’s the best way to understand the deeper soul of Italian hunting: elegant, respectful, and authentic.
Several manufacturers offer guided tours by appointment, allowing visitors to customize their own firearm—choosing materials, engravings, and caliber—or to purchase a unique piece as an unforgettable memento. For many international hunters, this moment is a true highlight of the trip.
But Italy’s excellence in firearms manufacturing doesn’t stop in Gardone. In the heart of the Marche region lies Urbino, a Renaissance jewel and home to Benelli Armi, one of the world’s most advanced manufacturers of semi-automatic shotguns. Renowned for its innovation, performance, and military-grade reliability, Benelli represents the technological frontier of Italian gunmaking.
A visit to the Benelli factory in Urbino offers a fascinating contrast to the artisanal workshops of Gardone. Here, sleek modern facilities meet decades of engineering experience, and the focus is on innovation, precision manufacturing, and performance-driven design. After touring the factory, visitors can explore the historic center of Urbino, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in art, architecture, and cultural charm—the perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless Italian beauty.
Gardone Val Trompia and Urbino together represent the two souls of Italian firearms: tradition and innovation. Whether you are passionate about bespoke, hand-crafted doubles or cutting-edge semi-autos, Italy offers an unparalleled journey into the heart of gunmaking excellence.
For those who love hunting, appreciating the craft behind it is essential—and a visit to these iconic places makes any hunting journey to Italy truly complete and unforgettable.
Italy is not just a destination—it is an experience. Hunting in Italy offers the perfect blend of ancient tradition, respectful sport, culinary art, and immersive culture. For the international hunter seeking something beyond the ordinary, this country delivers on every level: from its scenic landscapes and skilled guides to its luxurious hospitality and ecological values.
Start planning your next unforgettable hunting adventure in Italy today—and discover the deeper soul of this extraordinary land, one hunt at a time.
