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Hunting in France can still be called Hunting. It is not a word that incites anger, defence nor controversy. It is as much a part of French Life as wine making and French bread. In fact it is thought that if hunting did not exist, the wildlife would very quickly be out of control.

There is very little anti feeling, perhaps because hunting is a way of life for all classes. Children are brought up and educated into this way of life. For a country with vast areas of countryside, where villagers are almost self sufficient, it would be considered abnormal  not to hunt. It is not for the gentry alone in France, Hunting, be it on foot with guns or mounted is for all.

From September to the end of March, hunting is almost constant. This should not be confused with 'Pest Control' which is equally accepted. This usually entails local specialists from the area who hunt foxes, pidgeon and pine martin. In fact almost anything that they may be called to deal with. If a farmer is having a particular problem with a pest, then the local 'pest control specialist' will be called in to deal with this. These are usually small groups of hunters with guns but can also be mounted if needed. It depends on the terrain involved. There is no 'season' for this, it will be undertaken at any time throughout the year.

Hunters outside of pest control are usually looking for deer, hares, rabbits and wild boar, they also will hunt game birds such as partridge and pheasant. Winter season hunting is very often hunters on foot with guns but there are also hunts of mounted riders. Hounds and dogs are always used. These can belong to the individual owners or owned by the hunt as a whole. There are specific breeds of hunt dog in France. The packs usually hunt specific type of quarry so the hounds are built specific to that task. Hare hunting will  not require the same type of hound as those used for deer hunting.

There are strict guidlines and controls in place, with limits on how many and which animals can be hunted and culled in each region. Tradition, etiquette and custom plays a huge part in the hunting day. Hunters themselves have to take exams and earn their right to a hunting gun licence.That said the mounted hunting varies in many ways to those that used to hunt in the UK.

It is advisable to take care in walking or riding in the forests or countryside of France, especially between september and March. There are accidents and it is now law to wear bright orange flourescent clothing when gun hunting. Common sense should be used if you hear the hunt in close proximity. It is not the time to ramble through the forest in greens and beiges!