How to get through France's hunting season without being shot
The hunting season for 2023 has begun in many areas across France, so people in rural areas need to be aware of the safety precautions needed when 'la chasse' is active.
The opening date of the hunting season varies according to area, but in 2023 in most of parts it opens between September 10th and September 17th. the season continues until the end of February or the end of March, depending on the area - find the full list of dates by département here.
Hunting in France mostly means shooting, and it brings with it serious risks - over the years casualties have included a 13-year-old boy who was shot dead by his own grandfather, a Frenchwoman who was killed in her own garden after a hunter fired a shot through her hedge and a hunter who was shot dead during a wild boar hunt.
The most common victims of accidents are hunters themselves, but there is also a risk to passers-by, especially ramblers, dog-walkers and cyclists.
READ ALSO: 'It's like the Wild West': Tales of life in rural France during the hunting season
Know the hunting calendar
Hunting is more popular in France than anywhere else in Europe, with over one million people (not all of them licensed) taking part in the controversial pastime so it certainly helps to know exactly when the hunting season begins in your département and which days people are allowed to hunt.
France is divided into 94 hunting federations, and different federations have different start dates. Broadly, the season runs from September to February.
Find the full calendar HERE.
But knowing the calendar is one thing...
The real challenge is to know where exactly the hunters are going to be on a certain day and for this there is no one website to visit or person to call.
French walking associations recommend contacting the mairie although they might not have been informed, as well as local hunting associations and walking groups whose members might be in the know.
This will at least give you an idea of the places in your area you might want to avoid going for a walk in because they are regularly the scene for hunts.
It is wise to try to find out what kind of hunt is taking place in the area so you know what to expect. It could be a hunt with dogs and it could be a group of hunters or just individuals.
Also keep an eye out for signs saying la chasse - these are supposed to be prominently displayed when hunters are in the area, but some hunters are better than others at remembering to do this.
Download the apps to keep track of hunting parties near you
There are smartphone apps that exist for non-hunters to download to their smartphones. One is called “Melchone” which was launched in 2018 and partnered with the National Forestry Office (ONF).
Essentially, the app allows users to see whether a hunting party is nearby to the area they are walking, biking, or riding in. For hunters, the programme offers a separate section where they can update their hunting area and schedule.
Stay on marked pathways (and avoid venturing into unmarked areas)
While it's definitely useful to know exactly when the hunters are likely to be out and about, there are some who don't stick to the rules which means it's also a good idea to do your best to steer clear of the areas they'll be hunting altogether.
That means staying on proper paths when out walking which should minimise your chances of running into a hunt. You are also much more likely to be spotted on marked paths especially well-known ones where hunters are likely to have seen people before.
Wear bright clothing
If you are out walking the dog then make it easier for the hunters to spot you by wearing a high visibility vest and even hat. And get one for your mutt too.
This is what hunters wear themselves so they are used to looking out for it. Ramblers' associations also recommend avoiding white and neutral colours because they can be easily confused with the natural colouring of the animals that are being hunted.
What to do if you hear a gun being fired?
If you realise there is a hunt going on around you and hear gunshots, try to make your presence known to the hunters as efficiently as possible (without shouting).
Ramblers' associations say one of the ways you can do this is by moving to a clearing. Avoid hiding at all costs because your movements could look like an animal darting for cover.
Some people say to avoid shouting in this situation as this may disturb the hunt and irritate the hunters however others say to sing, shout and do whatever you need to do to be noticed.
If you get a chance to speak to hunters, do it
This will give you a chance to find out some details which could help you steer clear of the hunt when out walking.
One hiker's association recommends that you ask where the hunt is supposed to be taking place, if there are particular areas to avoid, whether there are any areas that will definitely be safe, how many hunters there are and how long the hunt will last.
While you can complain to your local mayor or local officials about la chasse, it might be better first to find out if they are involved in hunting themselves. Hunting is a long-standing rural tradition in France that thousands of people take part in, and some people can be hostile to what they perceive as attacks on their traditions by outsiders.
If you can, it's better to form cordial relations and simply ask where hunters are likely to be and where you should avoid.
What to do if you come across a sign indicating an ongoing hunt
In some places, signs are used to indicate that a hunt is in progress. This is often the case on trails that cross the hunting area which is another reason to stay on a marked path in areas where you might be at risk.
If you see one of these signs, take heed and don't go any further.
While this might be frustrating, especially since it is sometimes difficult to predict, remember that it is your safety which is at stake. If possible, find a hunter who is willing to chat to you and ask him for more information (see above).
If not, turn around or try to find an alternative path.
What does the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals have to say?
Marc Giraud, the Vice President of ASPAS (Association for the Protection of Wild Animals) who has written a book called "How to walk in the woods without being shot" told The Local France: "Hunters are armed and passionate - to put it politely.
"It's important to know your rights. Hunters are not always open people and they have a staggering level of rights themselves which are very complicated to understand.
"My general advice is to be prudent around people who choose to spend some of their time being violent. And of course, you needn't spend the whole of the hunting season avoiding the woods."
In his book Giraud goes into detail into the complex laws surrounding hunting.
And what about those living in the countryside?
"I grew up learning how not to go outdoors during hunting season, making sure to wear brightly coloured clothes and pretty much being terrified of getting shot during those times because it's something that sadly happens very regularly," Julia Kornig who grew up in the Vaucluse tells The Local.
And some fearful residents in rural France say they are forced to adjust their daily routines and miss out on beloved leisure activities.
Kene Ovenshire, a veteran of the US Airforce, who now lives in the Landes department of south west France told The Local: "My experience here in south west France during hunting season is that this is more of the Wild West than anywhere I've ever lived or visited in the US.
"I have a small 11 hectare farm, my home sits right in the middle of my property. My wife and I have eight horses and we enjoy riding on the paths that surround our home.
"But during hunting season we do not ever go out for walks, hikes, or bike rides. The hunters in our area are constantly coming within more than 150 meters of our home, on our property, and cracking off shots at the game they are hunting - pigeons, sanglier, deer, whatever."
The statistics
On average there are around 20 deaths as a result of hunting in France each year.
But, while it's important to be cautious when you're in the countryside during hunting season, the vast majority of people who are injured or killed are hunters themselves.
So, while it's true that it's unlikely you'll fall prey to a fatal hunting injury if you're out and about during France's hunting season, there's no doubt that you need to stay alert to the danger.
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See Also
The opening date of the hunting season varies according to area, but in 2023 in most of parts it opens between September 10th and September 17th. the season continues until the end of February or the end of March, depending on the area - find the full list of dates by département here.
Hunting in France mostly means shooting, and it brings with it serious risks - over the years casualties have included a 13-year-old boy who was shot dead by his own grandfather, a Frenchwoman who was killed in her own garden after a hunter fired a shot through her hedge and a hunter who was shot dead during a wild boar hunt.
The most common victims of accidents are hunters themselves, but there is also a risk to passers-by, especially ramblers, dog-walkers and cyclists.
READ ALSO: 'It's like the Wild West': Tales of life in rural France during the hunting season
Know the hunting calendar
Hunting is more popular in France than anywhere else in Europe, with over one million people (not all of them licensed) taking part in the controversial pastime so it certainly helps to know exactly when the hunting season begins in your département and which days people are allowed to hunt.
France is divided into 94 hunting federations, and different federations have different start dates. Broadly, the season runs from September to February.
Find the full calendar HERE.
But knowing the calendar is one thing...
The real challenge is to know where exactly the hunters are going to be on a certain day and for this there is no one website to visit or person to call.
French walking associations recommend contacting the mairie although they might not have been informed, as well as local hunting associations and walking groups whose members might be in the know.
This will at least give you an idea of the places in your area you might want to avoid going for a walk in because they are regularly the scene for hunts.
It is wise to try to find out what kind of hunt is taking place in the area so you know what to expect. It could be a hunt with dogs and it could be a group of hunters or just individuals.
Also keep an eye out for signs saying la chasse - these are supposed to be prominently displayed when hunters are in the area, but some hunters are better than others at remembering to do this.
Download the apps to keep track of hunting parties near you
There are smartphone apps that exist for non-hunters to download to their smartphones. One is called “Melchone” which was launched in 2018 and partnered with the National Forestry Office (ONF).
Essentially, the app allows users to see whether a hunting party is nearby to the area they are walking, biking, or riding in. For hunters, the programme offers a separate section where they can update their hunting area and schedule.
Stay on marked pathways (and avoid venturing into unmarked areas)
While it's definitely useful to know exactly when the hunters are likely to be out and about, there are some who don't stick to the rules which means it's also a good idea to do your best to steer clear of the areas they'll be hunting altogether.
That means staying on proper paths when out walking which should minimise your chances of running into a hunt. You are also much more likely to be spotted on marked paths especially well-known ones where hunters are likely to have seen people before.
Wear bright clothing
If you are out walking the dog then make it easier for the hunters to spot you by wearing a high visibility vest and even hat. And get one for your mutt too.
This is what hunters wear themselves so they are used to looking out for it. Ramblers' associations also recommend avoiding white and neutral colours because they can be easily confused with the natural colouring of the animals that are being hunted.
If you realise there is a hunt going on around you and hear gunshots, try to make your presence known to the hunters as efficiently as possible (without shouting).
Ramblers' associations say one of the ways you can do this is by moving to a clearing. Avoid hiding at all costs because your movements could look like an animal darting for cover.
Some people say to avoid shouting in this situation as this may disturb the hunt and irritate the hunters however others say to sing, shout and do whatever you need to do to be noticed.
If you get a chance to speak to hunters, do it
This will give you a chance to find out some details which could help you steer clear of the hunt when out walking.
One hiker's association recommends that you ask where the hunt is supposed to be taking place, if there are particular areas to avoid, whether there are any areas that will definitely be safe, how many hunters there are and how long the hunt will last.
While you can complain to your local mayor or local officials about la chasse, it might be better first to find out if they are involved in hunting themselves. Hunting is a long-standing rural tradition in France that thousands of people take part in, and some people can be hostile to what they perceive as attacks on their traditions by outsiders.
If you can, it's better to form cordial relations and simply ask where hunters are likely to be and where you should avoid.
What to do if you come across a sign indicating an ongoing hunt
In some places, signs are used to indicate that a hunt is in progress. This is often the case on trails that cross the hunting area which is another reason to stay on a marked path in areas where you might be at risk.
If you see one of these signs, take heed and don't go any further.
While this might be frustrating, especially since it is sometimes difficult to predict, remember that it is your safety which is at stake. If possible, find a hunter who is willing to chat to you and ask him for more information (see above).
If not, turn around or try to find an alternative path.
What does the Association for the Protection of Wild Animals have to say?
Marc Giraud, the Vice President of ASPAS (Association for the Protection of Wild Animals) who has written a book called "How to walk in the woods without being shot" told The Local France: "Hunters are armed and passionate - to put it politely.
"It's important to know your rights. Hunters are not always open people and they have a staggering level of rights themselves which are very complicated to understand.
"My general advice is to be prudent around people who choose to spend some of their time being violent. And of course, you needn't spend the whole of the hunting season avoiding the woods."
In his book Giraud goes into detail into the complex laws surrounding hunting.
And what about those living in the countryside?
"I grew up learning how not to go outdoors during hunting season, making sure to wear brightly coloured clothes and pretty much being terrified of getting shot during those times because it's something that sadly happens very regularly," Julia Kornig who grew up in the Vaucluse tells The Local.
And some fearful residents in rural France say they are forced to adjust their daily routines and miss out on beloved leisure activities.
Kene Ovenshire, a veteran of the US Airforce, who now lives in the Landes department of south west France told The Local: "My experience here in south west France during hunting season is that this is more of the Wild West than anywhere I've ever lived or visited in the US.
"I have a small 11 hectare farm, my home sits right in the middle of my property. My wife and I have eight horses and we enjoy riding on the paths that surround our home.
"But during hunting season we do not ever go out for walks, hikes, or bike rides. The hunters in our area are constantly coming within more than 150 meters of our home, on our property, and cracking off shots at the game they are hunting - pigeons, sanglier, deer, whatever."
The statistics
On average there are around 20 deaths as a result of hunting in France each year.
But, while it's important to be cautious when you're in the countryside during hunting season, the vast majority of people who are injured or killed are hunters themselves.
So, while it's true that it's unlikely you'll fall prey to a fatal hunting injury if you're out and about during France's hunting season, there's no doubt that you need to stay alert to the danger.
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