The opening of the hunting season is a moment of great anticipation and preparation for all enthusiasts.
Hunting small game, whether in the woods or on the plains, requires attention to detail and careful planning. Here are some useful tips to start off well and enjoy an unforgettable hunting experience, with a focus on the beautiful hunting reserves in Montefeltro near Rivergaro in the province of Piacenza and in Cagli in the Marche region.
1. Prepare the Right Gear
First and foremost, it is essential to adapt your clothing to the climate of the region where you will be hunting. Wearing lightweight yet reinforced pants facilitates movement and withstands thorns and dense vegetation. A breathable polyester shirt or t-shirt helps maintain comfort by effectively wicking away sweat. A compact vest with a game bag is ideal for carrying ammunition, hunting license, and accessories securely. Especially at the beginning of the season, look for an innovative, ultra-light, and ventilated vest that ensures breathability and comfort.
Don’t forget to wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun and aid in camouflage. Sturdy and comfortable boots or shoes are essential, possibly paired with gaiters to keep out the moisture from morning dew.
2. Tune Up Your Weapon
After months of inactivity, your weapon needs thorough maintenance. It’s important to grease the bolt and chokes, clean the barrels with a lightly oiled cloth, and treat the stock with linseed oil. Ensure your weapon is in perfect condition to guarantee precision and safety.
Also check your ammunition: discard any defective rounds and organize the cartridges by size and type so you have everything readily available when needed. Meticulous cleaning and organization of your gear can make a significant difference in the field.
3. Get Yourself in Shape
Hunting is a sport that requires good physical condition. Preparing physically will allow you to hunt longer and with greater enjoyment. Start by walking and running, gradually increasing the distance and duration of your workouts. A medical check-up can help assess your overall fitness, including your vision and hearing, and ensure your heart is in good health.
Practicing clay pigeon shooting is an excellent way to regain the right reflexes. Shoot at 100 targets 3 or 4 times before the season opens to improve your accuracy. Remember to protect your ears with earmuffs or earplugs to prevent irreversible hearing damage.
4. Prepare Your Dog
Your dog also needs proper preparation. After the end of the season, your four-legged companion is likely to need some exercise to awaken the muscles and get back in shape. Start with short outings and gradually increase the intensity. A balanced diet and a veterinary check-up to update vaccinations and parasite treatments are essential to ensure your dog is ready for the hunt.
Make sure to avoid the intense heat and take regular breaks in shaded areas during your first outings to prevent heatstroke.
5. Essential Accessories
At the start of the season, temperatures can be high, so it’s important to carry a water bottle to stay hydrated and to refresh your dog. A vest with pockets for carrying bottles can be very useful.
For transporting your weapon, always use a case or cover to protect it from bumps during travel. This year, the new Solognac hunting case for disassembled rifles, measuring only 83 cm with two separate compartments, is perfect for keeping your weapon secure and ready for use.
Sustainability in Hunting: Choosing Ammunition and the Importance of Cleaning the Terrain
Hunting is a passion that deeply connects us with nature, and it is our duty to do everything possible to preserve the environment in which we practice this activity. A concrete way to contribute to sustainability is to choose cartridges with cardboard casings and felt wads and to always collect the spent cartridges from your gun. Here’s why this choice is important and how we can play our part as responsible hunters.
Cardboard Cartridges and Felt Wads: The Ecological Choice
Cardboard cartridges and felt wads offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic cartridges. Here are some reasons why you should consider this option:
Biodegradability: Unlike plastic, cardboard and felt are biodegradable. This means that if accidentally left in the environment, they decompose naturally without leaving harmful residues.
Reduction of Pollution: Using biodegradable materials reduces the environmental impact of hunting. Plastic cartridges can take hundreds of years to decompose, contributing to soil and water pollution.
Supporting Good Practices: Choosing sustainable products encourages manufacturers to continue innovating and developing eco-friendly solutions. It’s a way to support the industry’s transition towards more sustainable practices.
Always Collect Spent Cartridges
Every responsible hunter should collect the spent cartridges from their gun. This simple yet significant action has a major positive impact on the environment. Here are some practical tips:
Use a Cartridge Holder: Always carry a bag or container to collect empty cartridges. This will help keep the hunting area clean and organized.
Be Mindful of the Surroundings: After each shot, take a moment to collect the cartridges. Even if hunting in dense vegetation, try to find and gather all the spent cartridges.
The Responsible Hunter Also Collects Others’ Cartridges
A truly responsible hunter not only collects their own cartridges but also makes an effort to pick up those left by others. Here’s why:
Keeping the Area Clean: Collecting cartridges abandoned by others helps maintain a clean and safe environment for everyone. Cartridges left on the ground are not only unsightly but can also be dangerous for wildlife.
Setting a Good Example: Acting responsibly inspires others to do the same. When others see your commitment to cleaning up the area, they may be encouraged to follow your example.
Protecting Nature: Every small action counts. By picking up even other people’s cartridges, you help preserve the natural beauty and biodiversity of hunting areas.
Our Commitment to Nature
Hunting can and should be practiced sustainably and with respect for the environment. Choosing cardboard cartridges and felt wads, always collecting spent cartridges, and taking care of the environment by picking up cartridges left by others are concrete steps we can take to protect nature.
As hunters, we have a responsibility to leave the environment better than we found it. Every action, no matter how small, contributes to a more sustainable future. Let’s do our part and show that the passion for hunting can go hand in hand with respect and care for our wonderful planet. Happy hunting, and remember to always be responsible and respectful of nature!
The Beautiful Hunting Reserves of Montefeltro
Rivergaro, Province of Piacenza
Nestled in the green hills of Piacenza, the Montefeltro hunting reserve in Rivergaro offers an extraordinary environment for hunting enthusiasts. This location is characterized by breathtaking landscapes, with dense forests and rolling meadows that create the perfect habitat for small game. The reserve is well-equipped and managed with great care, ensuring a safe and enjoyable hunting experience. The variety of terrains allows for different hunting techniques, from stand hunting to driven hunts, making each day unique and exciting.
Cagli, Marche
In the charming lands of the Marche region, the Montefeltro hunting reserve in Cagli stands out for its natural beauty and rich wildlife. Hunters here can immerse themselves in a lush and diverse environment, characterized by forests, hills, and open fields. The reserve provides ideal conditions for small game hunting, with careful management of natural resources ensuring sustainability and ecosystem conservation. The facilities are of high quality, providing comfort and safety for all hunters.
Properly preparing for the opening of the hunting season is crucial for having an unforgettable experience. Follow these tips to ensure that every detail is attended to and to fully enjoy every moment spent in nature. Whether you are hunting in the woods of Rivergaro or the hills of Cagli, the right preparation will guarantee success and satisfaction.
