Between the trails we love to walk and the forests where wildlife goes about its business in silence, hunting sometimes adds a touch of tension to our hikes. Knowing its calendar, its rules and its nuances makes life simpler… and helps you avoid crossing paths with a wild boar or a hunt drive at the wrong moment.

 

Hunting in France, a calendar that varies from region to region

Unlike the weather, which gets it wrong everywhere in the same way, hunting has different dates depending on the departments. Each prefecture publishes its annual decree: a document sometimes as dense as a Russian novel, but which fixes precisely the opening and closing dates for each species.

Generally speaking, remember this:

• the heart of the season runs from September to end of February,
• but certain species (and certain territories) play by their own rules.

It all depends on:

• the species present,
• their breeding cycles,
• the state of their populations,
• the local climate,
• and sometimes… common sense

 

In short, there's no universal date. And that's all to the good: nature isn't a spreadsheet.

 

The main hunting periods by species

It's impossible to list exact dates for each department, but we can outline the main trends.

 

Migratory birds

Woodcocks, ducks, thrushes… All these regular travellers are hunted most often between mid-September and end of January. Their management is quite strict, as they respond more readily to seasons than to decrees. Sometimes, time restrictions come to complement the dates, to give the birds a chance to breathe between two transcontinental flights.

 

Game

Deer, roe deer, wild boar: the trio that makes hunters' hearts race… and the hearts of walkers who stumble upon a hunt drive skip a beat. Their hunting periods are broad, because these species are subject to hunting plans: in other words, regulated quotas.

In practice:

• some summer hunting is authorized as early as June (particularly for buck),
• hunt drives concentrate from October to January,
• and wild boar hunts often extend until March in many departments, to prevent agricultural damage.

 

Small game

Partridge, hares, pheasants… Their hunting season most often falls between September and end of November, sometimes until December. Since populations are more fragile, departments can drastically reduce the duration or limit hunting to just a few days a week. A little breathing room for the animals, a little respite for ecosystems.

 

Special hunting methods (which have their own rules)

Hunting with hounds

It generally follows a calendar running from September to March. It has its own codes, its hunting parties and set days arranged in advance. A more ritualized way of functioning than traditional hunting.

 

Bow hunting

It follows the same period as traditional hunting, but requires specific training and highly regulated technical mastery.

 

Falconry

A centuries-old practice, poetic to some, mysterious to others: it often lasts from September to end of February, depending on the species involved.

 

Why hunting can happen even outside the season?

 Even when hunting is officially closed, you may come across hunters in the middle of summer. Don't panic: they're not illegally inclined, but rather people mandated to carry out pest control operations.

Objectives:

• limit damage to crops,
• intervene on certain overpopulated species (wild boar topping the list). 

It's regulated, authorized, and far from reopening hunting to everyone. But it's good to know before venturing into a sunflower field in July.

 

No hunting on Sundays, Wednesdays and public holidays: myth or reality?

There's no national day when hunters put away their guns to take up knitting. However, certain departments do establish no-hunting days, often once a week. This allows everyone (hikers, cyclists, families) to enjoy the area without fear of stumbling into a hunt drive. Again: check locally. Rules change so fast that you might think they've decided to migrate too.

 

How to find out if hunting is taking place during your nature outing?

Here are the reflexes to adopt to avoid turning a zen walk into a suspense series episode:

 

Always consult the annual prefectural decree

It's your compass. Go to the website of the prefecture or the Departmental Federation of Hunters (FDC) in the area you're visiting. Look for the opening and closing decree for the current year.

 

Check maps of no-hunting days

Many FDCs publish the days when hunting is forbidden in the department (often Mondays and Fridays, or Wednesdays, but this varies). It's an excellent indicator for planning your most peaceful days.

 

Pay attention to ground signage

When hunt drives are underway, they must be signalled by warning signs posted at the entrances to the forest area. These clear, often triangular signs indicate "Hunting in progress – Drive hunt". If you see these signs, do not venture onto the trail.

 

Good practices for a peaceful hike during hunting season

• Stay on marked trails: predictable = visible
• Wear bright colours: yes, even the famous hi-vis vest will do the trick.
• Avoid critical times: early morning or late afternoon is when hunts are in full swing.
• Keep your dog on a leash: even if it has grand ambitions of freedom.
• Communicate if you meet hunters: a simple exchange is enough to know which areas to avoid.

 

FAQ

Which day of the week is hunting forbidden?

Wednesday and Friday are often respite days, but this varies by department. You should always check the local prefectural decree.

 

How long does the hunting season last?

The main period runs from mid-September to end of February, but specific hunts can start as early as June 1st or mid-July.

 

Which days is hunting allowed?

The activity is most frequent on Saturdays and Sundays, especially for hunt drives. Hunting is possible every day except where specifically forbidden by the prefect.

 

When will hunting be banned?

Hunting is legally forbidden everywhere in France between March 1st and June 1st.