Hunting in Bize-Minervois

The area of the commune is relatively extensive, covering more than 20km2, and presents a varied relief: vineyards on the flat land (up to an altitude of 55 metres), limestone cliffs, the Cesse valley, as it goes through the mountains of green pines (Pech, Touleyres, Verdeyre...), the approach to Pech du Montahut, highest point in the commune (337 metres high), passing by the hamlet of La Roueyre, 8-9 kilometres from the village. Over the 1400 hectares of the hunting area, you can hunt for boar, hare, rabbit, pheasant, partridge, and thrush...

The hunters have formed an association, the ACCA (community association for registered hunting). Every year, its president, Joachim Bartoli, and the governing body present the season's accounts to the members, as well as the future outlook for the hunting.

In 2007, the prefect signed hunting bylaws, the "departmental outline for cynegetic management", which plans the management of hunting for a period of 6 years. Sections on safety, management, feeding of the animals and birds, etc. are included. Mr Bartoli gave some examples, "by the same decree, the release of rabbits is regulated, as well as pheasants and partridges (...). You will doubtless see the provision of a card for contributions. Mr Bartoli holds an up to date register of accounts, which is part of a new process mandatory since 2006, as part of the measures to combat avian flu. All the information leading to traceability in case of the death of a bird from avian flu is listed, such as the name of the breed or the precise place, where the pheasants were released."

In the management of the area, the aim of the ACCA is to maintain a rich and varied fauna. To do that, the quality of the growth of the fauna is important, as well as the control of it predators. On the other hand, so that the fauna can satisfy its need for water, a trial water point has been made in the Pech, which is proving effective. This is why the installation of several water points in the hunting area has been planned, as part of a project called "Operation Aquarium". "Today, it is necessary that there is more personal involvement in the management of the area. What's more, this will lead to a valued camaraderie", added J. Bartoli.

Concerning other ACCA activities during the year, we can mention in particular nine hectares developed for the fauna in 2007, which were sown with wheat/alfalfa, as well as game birds being released in the forests and garrigues.

Starting from the "hunters' base", 100 birds, originally from Sologne, were also taken in cars to Cascals, Martinets, La Roueyre, Portel ... As soon as they were released, the wild birds quickly flew to the tops of the trees.

The possibility of a release of a covey of partridges (9 young ones and an adult) was discussed for the end of the summer, in order to allow them time to settle in and eventually to breed.

Last Updated (Monday, 14 December 2009 13:36)