Five things they don't tell you about… hunting in France
From getting a licence to objecting to hunters on your land
The vast majority of hunters are men - only 2.2% are women
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La chasse
The average age of hunters in France is unexpectedly advanced. More than
53% are over 55 and a third of them are over 65.
Fifty years ago, there were approximately two and half million hunters in
France; today there are fewer than a million. Quand
même!
Le permis
To get their licence, hunters have to be over 15 (over 16 to actually
hunt) and must complete a training course delivered by the Fédération
Départementale des Chasseurs.
They then have to pass an exam organised by the
Office Français de la Biodiversité. The pass rate is 70%. Il faut bosser!
Les sangliers
Wild boar can devastate a vegetable patch or flower garden in just a
single night snuffling for roots and worms.
Repeated nocturnal visits can churn
the ground into a muddy wasteland.
The local hunters will often be glad to
visit and offer advice on fencing and other discouragements. Quelle catastrophe!
Read more: Farmers union calls for right to shoot wild boar in Dordogne
La vie sociale
Many men (only 2.2% of hunters are women) join the local hunters'
association to enjoy the social side of things, and the chance to spend a day
outdoors, but non-members are welcome at fêtes, soirées and repas.
Prepare to
eat wild boar and venison by the kilo. Bon appétit!
L'interdiction
By default, hunters can hunt anywhere.
To forbid them from hunting
on your land, write to the préfecture setting out your objections (security,
safeguarding biodiversity, personal choice) and ensure the local hunting
association is aware of your opposition.
Read more: How to keep hunters out of your garden in France
Get full details of the procedure from
the mairie. Pas ici!
