A day without hunting is what environmental defense associations were asking for, as is the case for example in the United Kingdom. In its plan unveiled on January 9 to better secure the practice of hunting, the government promises to gradually create an offense of alcoholism and to strengthen the training of hunters.
There will be no day prohibited from hunting: 78% of French people are however in favor of it, according to a recent Ifop poll. The Secretary of State for Biodiversity assured in October 2022 that the idea ” was not taboo “. The Élysée has, it seems, decided otherwise.
Instead, the government promises to improve security ” seven days of the week “. To do this, it will strengthen the ten-year training of hunters, adding a practical component to the already theoretical training. Compliance with the 30-degree shooting angle, generalization of fluorescent vests: safety rules will be harmonized throughout the territory. Nothing new in reality, the hunters themselves agree.
The executive also announces heavier penalties in the event of a fatal accident, and the creation of a fine and then an offense for alcoholism and use of narcotics during the practice of hunting.
Finally, an application should see the light of day in the fall to identify, in real time, hunting areas so that walkers avoid them: “ It’s the world upside down “, protest the environmental associations which denounce measures especially “ cosmetics and out of step with citizens’ expectations.
The first expectation of French people who do not feel safe when they walk around during the hunting season is to have a day without hunting. However, the government discarded this measure in favor of more cosmetic measures or things that already existed. So it is clearly below the expectations of the French…
Dominique Py, hunting expert at the NGO France Nature Environnement
Hunting accidents have been on the decline over the past 20 years in France. But the deaths, a few months ago, of a walker and a motorist, both non-hunters, caused a stir and revived the debate.
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