The season opens with some new rules

Hunting in France for the 2024-2025 season is governed by specific opening and closing dates, as well as strict new regulations, put in place to ensure the safety of hunters and other nature users.

Hunting calendar 2024-2025

The hunting season will gradually open in September in various French departments, starting on Sunday, September 8, 2024. However, in the majority of departments, the official opening is scheduled for Sunday, September 15, 2024, in accordance with prefectural decrees. Each department has specific dates, established according to Article R424-7 of the Environmental Codeto regulate the hunting season according to species and geographical areas.

New safety rules for hunting

In order to reduce accidents and harmonize hunting practices across the country, the French government has introduced a Hunting safety plan in 2023. This plan, in force for the current season, is made up of 14 measures intended to strengthen the safety of hunters and other nature users. Among the most important, we find:

1. The obligation to wear a fluorescent vest : All hunters must wear fluorescent vests to be visible to other hunters as well as walkers in the forest. This measure is particularly important, because the majority of fatal hunting accidents involve hunters themselves.
2. Respect the 30° shooting angle : This rule aims to guarantee the safety of hunters by requiring them to shoot only when an angle of 30° is respected in relation to their stalking neighbors, thus minimizing the risk of accidents.
3. Ban on non-targeting shots : Hunters using bows must now ensure that their arrows have a large fletching, designed to slow their speed and limit the risks associated with non-targeting shots.
4. Reminder of safety rules before each hunt : Before the start of each group hunt, a reminder of the safety rules is mandatory for all participants.
5. Empty Room Witness Requirement : Each weapon must now be equipped with a visible empty chamber indicator, thus making it possible to quickly check whether it is loaded or not, which further reinforces safety during times when the hunt is interrupted.
6. Ban on hunting while clearly intoxicated : Since September 2023, it is forbidden to participate in a hunting action under the influence of alcohol. Offenders are liable to a fine of 1,500 euros, or even 3,000 euros in the event of a repeat offense.

Specific regulations for hunting in wetlands

A measure introduced in 2021, and applied since February 2023, prohibits the use of lead shot in wetlands, or within 100 meters of them. This rule is intended to protect the environment, particularly water birds, which can be poisoned by lead residue left in nature.

Also read – In addition to biodiversity, lead ammunition threatens the environment and health

Hunting: towards harmonization of practices and better training

The French government also wants to improve hunter training. By the end of 2025, all hunt organisers will have to have completed training on safety rules and good practices for communicating with local residents and other nature users.

At the same time, a national database is being developed. It will allow walkers and hikers to know in real time the locations and dates of the hunts.

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Hunting: a practice less and less tolerated by the majority of French people

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