Plans to extend deer hunting season in France
Extending by three months would help cut growing red deer numbers, government says
Environmental groups say the proposed change to hunting dates would further disturb the mating season of red deer
SanderMeertinsPhotography/Shutterstock
A proposed change to the deer hunting season in France would see it start from June rather than September. Supporters claim the measure is required to reduce the damage caused by the animals however the proposal has alarmed ecologists.
The revised dates for hunting red deer was proposed by the ministries for Regional Planning Ecological Transition on February 19, which opened a public consultation on the subject.
A total of 87,802 red deer were shot in France during the 2023-2024 season according to data from France’s environmental police the Office français de la biodiversité (OFB).
However, this was far below the quota of 121,733 that the OFB had set to fight the growing number of red deer, hence the opening of a public consultation on extending the authorised hunting period.
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Advocates say a longer hunting season would help hunters meet the difficult logistical challenges of hunting the deer.
“It involves long, arduous journeys into the mountains,” president of the Ariège hunting federation and sponsor of the reform Jean-Luc Fernandez told French media.
"Getting to the hunting areas can take one or two hours' walk after leaving your vehicle at the side of the road."
“The deer, which weighs some 150kg, then has to be transported. It is a real logistical challenge.”
However, the proposed reform has met with staunch opposition from France’s most influential animal charities.
“This amendment to the Environmental Code would expose the king of the forests to even more disturbance, despite the species being regularly hunted by hounds and shot at seven days a week, including during the mating season,” says 30 millions d’Amis.
“This proposed extension to the hunting season would disrupt wildlife at the height of the mating season and the period when birds are raising their young, while encouraging the use of firearms at a time of year when there are most walkers in the countryside,” says la Ligue de Protection des Oiseaux.
Advocates of the reform say it is required to prevent the damage the animals cause to crops.
“Young shoots and buds are eaten as soon as they emerge, preventing trees from growing and compromising any possible use,” said Mr Fernandez.
“This damage, although difficult to measure, is undeniable. It is also significant for farmers who see their corn and sunflower fields ravaged. The red deer must not become the next wild boar.”
Hunting body the Conseil National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage supports a change to the dates, with 75% of members in favour.
The public consultation, which is available here, closed on March 13 having received 24,629 comments.
While no official confirmation has been given yet as to the results, it would appear that a majority of the respondents were opposed to the proposed change.
