Wintering Woodcok Scolopax rusticola monitoring in protected areas in Italy with pointing dogs

Woodcock is almost sedentary in its wintering area. The knowledge of their density and how it varies during the year and from one year to another is important for the management of areas even without hunting activities. Based on a national protocol established in 2006 by the National Institute for Wildlife (INFS-ISPRA), with Genoa University and Club della Becaccia, a partnership between cynophile hunters and Parks Institutions has been possible. Involved hunters need to follow a specific class with their pointing dogs.