Hunts in France
Hunt with our Friends - Hunts in France
Are you looking for species not available with our BC guided hunts? Hunt with our friends in France.
Hunts in France, known as “la chasse,” is a deeply rooted tradition that dates back centuries. With over 1.3 million registered hunters, it remains a popular activity that combines sport, wildlife management, and cultural heritage.
To participate in French hunting, one must obtain a hunting license by passing an exam and completing a safety course. This license is valid for five years and must be renewed thereafter. Additionally, hunters need to validate their license annually and obtain specific permits for certain game species.
France offers a diverse range of huntable game, including big game like red deer, wild boar, and chamois, as well as small game such as rabbits, hares, and various bird species. Popular hunting locations include the Loire Valley, known for deer and wild boar, the Pyrenees for mountain game like chamois, and Normandy for small game and birds.
The hunting season in France typically runs from September to February, with specific dates varying by species and region. These dates are determined annually by government decree and published in official documents.
French hunting practices are strictly regulated to ensure wildlife conservation and hunter safety. Hunters must wear bright orange clothing for visibility and use only authorized firearms and ammunition. Certain hunting methods, such as the use of poison or shooting from moving vehicles, are prohibited.
Hunting associations, known as Associations Communales de Chasse Agréées (ACCA), play a crucial role in managing hunting activities at the local level. These organizations are responsible for implementing sustainable hunting practices and environmental protection measures.
For international hunters, France offers unique opportunities to combine hunting with cultural experiences, including sampling renowned French cuisine and exploring historical sites. Whether pursuing big game in the Alps or participating in traditional driven shoots, hunting in France provides an unforgettable experience that blends sport, nature, and rich cultural traditions.
To connect with us about our hunts in France, design your custom hunt and let us know your interest
Red Stag Hunt
The majestic Red Stag is one of the most prized big game species for hunts in France, offering an exhilarating hunting experience in diverse landscapes.
Specs: Males weigh 275-600 lbs, while females are considerably lighter. Stags grow impressive antlers that are shed annually.
Size: Shoulder height ranges from 4-5 feet, with a body length of 5 1/2 – 8 feet.
Season: The hunting season runs from the end of July until the end of February, with the rutting season from early September to late October.
Locations: Commonly hunted in the Pyrenees, Southern Alps, and various forested areas across France.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include stalking and using blinds. Challenges include navigating rough terrain and physical fitness requirements.
Behaviours: Red stag are social animals that often form family groups. Their activity patterns peak during dawn and dusk, with variations based on season.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Red stag are mixed feeders, consuming grasses in summer and shifting to coniferous trees in winter. Their diet changes seasonally based on food availability.
Management: Conservation efforts include genetic studies to inform management practices, ensuring sustainable hunting and maintaining genetic diversity.
Wild Boar Hunt
The Wild Boar is one of the most popular and widespread game species for hunts in France, offering exciting hunting opportunities throughout the country.
Specs: Adult males can weigh 175-400 lbs, with a height of 22-40 inches.
Size: Average length is 5 ft.
Season: The hunting season runs from June 1st to the last day of February.
Locations: Wild boar are found throughout France, particularly in rural areas and forests.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include driven shooting and stalking. The challenge lies in managing increasing populations and the boar’s intelligence.
Behaviours: Wild boars are social animals living in groups led by a matriarch. They are primarily nocturnal and highly adaptable to various habitats.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet includes plant matter, fruits, and grains, varying seasonally based on availability. Foraging behavior can cause significant agricultural damage.
Management: Due to their potential for crop damage and rapidly increasing populations, wild boar management often focuses on population control. Many regions encourage increased hunting to manage numbers while ensuring sustainable practices.
Roe Deer Hunt
The Roe Deer is one of the most widespread game species for hunts in France, offering excellent opportunities for both novice and experienced hunters.
Specs: Shoulder height: 23-30 inches, Weight: 22-80 lbs.
Size: Body length: 37-53 inches.
Season: The hunting season runs from June 1 to the end of October.
Locations: Roe deer are found throughout France in forests and open fields.
About the hunt: Hunting primarily involves stalking. Hunters may use calls to attract deer during the rut.
Behaviours: Roe deer are typically solitary or found in small family groups. They are most active during dawn and dusk.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet varies seasonally, with a preference for easily digestible plants. Roe deer exhibit partial migration in winter.
Management: Sustainable hunting practices and habitat management are emphasized for conservation. Quotas are carefully set to maintain ecological balance and prevent overgrazing.
Fallow Deer Hunt
The Fallow Deer, known for its distinctive palmate antlers and spotted coat, offers an attractive opportunity for hunts in France.
Specs: Males weigh 130-220 pounds, while females weigh 65-110 pounds. Bucks grow large, palmate antlers that are shed annually.
Size: Body length ranges from 4 1/2 to 5 1/2 feet, with a shoulder height of 1/2 to 3 feet.
Season: The hunting season runs from September 1 to February 28.
Locations: Fallow deer are found in deciduous or mixed woodlands with large clearings across France.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include stalking and hide hunting. The challenge lies in the fallow deer’s adaptability and seasonal behaviour.
Behaviours: Bucks and does generally remain in separate herds outside the rutting season. They are social animals that live in small herds.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Primarily herbivorous, feeding on grasses, leaves, and shrubs. Dietary habits change seasonally based on food availability.
Management: Hunting is regulated through permits. Conservation practices aim for sustainable populations while providing quality hunting experiences.
Mouflon Sheep Hunt
The Mouflon, a wild sheep species, offers a unique experience for hunts in France in diverse landscapes.
Specs: Shoulder height: 32-35 inches; Body length: 43-57 inches; Weight: 55-120 lbs.
Size: Average shoulder height: 35 inches; Average weight: 120 lbs for males.
Season: The hunting season runs from September 1 to January 31, with peak hunting from October 25 to November 15.
Locations: Commonly hunted in the South of France, particularly near Millau in the Gorges du Tarn.
About the hunt: Hunting involves hiking long distances over steep terrain. It requires good physical condition and skill.
Behaviours: Mouflon form small herds led by older ewes. Rams often form separate groups outside the rutting season.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet varies seasonally, with a preference for broad-leaved species in autumn and grasses in winter.
Management: Conservation practices include regulated hunting and habitat management to ensure sustainable populations.
Chamois Hunt
The Chamois offers an exhilarating mountain experience for hunts in France in alpine regions.
Specs: Body length: 50-60 inches (males), 40-50 inches (females); Height: 32-36 inches (males), 27-30 inches (females); Weight: 55-120 lbs.
Size: Average body length of 50-60 inches for males and 40-50 inches for females; height of 32-36 inches for males and 37-30 inches for females.
Season: The main hunting season runs from early October to the end of February, with the best period during the rut from mid-October to late November.
Locations: Commonly hunted in the Alps and the Pyrenees regions of France.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include stalking in rugged terrain, which is challenging due to the chamois’s agility and keen eyesight.
Behaviours: Chamois are mostly diurnal, living in herds of 15-30 individuals. Adult males are solitary for most of the year.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet varies seasonally: grasses and herbs in summer, conifers and bark in winter.
Management: Conservation practices include regulated hunting and habitat management to ensure sustainable hunting.
Pheasant Hunt
The Pheasant is one of the most popular game birds for hunts in France, offering exciting shooting opportunities and a longstanding hunting tradition.
Specs: Wingspan: 22-35 inches; Weight: 1 3/4 – 3 3/4 lbs.
Size: Length: 20-27 inches.
Season: The pheasant shooting season runs from the first Sunday of September to the last day of February.
Locations: Pheasants are commonly hunted in Picardie and Brittany.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include driven hunts with beaters and dogs. The challenge lies in the birds’ high-flying abilities.
Behaviours: Pheasants are social birds that live in flocks with a dominance hierarchy among males.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet changes seasonally: seeds and grains in winter, insects in summer and fall.
Management: Hunting is regulated with specific seasons and licensing requirements to ensure sustainability. Many estates engage in pheasant rearing to supplement wild populations.
Partridge Hunt
Both the native Grey Partridge and the introduced Red-legged Partridge are popular game birds for hunts in France, offering challenging and exciting shooting opportunities.
Specs: Height: 12-14 inches; Weight: 1/2 – 1 lb.
Size: Length: 11-12 inches; Wingspan: 17-19 inches.
Season: The partridge shooting season runs from the first Sunday of September to the end of February.
Locations: Partridges are commonly hunted in Picardie and various departments across France.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include driven shooting and rough shooting. Challenges include habitat management and predator control.
Behaviours: Partridges forage in groups, primarily at dawn and dusk, and are skittish, often flying away when disturbed.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet primarily consists of grains and plants, varying seasonally with the availability of seeds and insects.
Management: Conservation practices include habitat management and sustainable hunting practices to support biodiversity.
Woodcock Hunt
The Woodcock provides an exciting and challenging upland bird opportunity for hunts in France in diverse landscapes.
Specs: Length: 10 to 12 inches; Weight: 5 to 8 ounces; Wingspan: 16 to 19 inches.
Size: Length: 10 to 12 inches; standing height about 5 inches.
Season: The woodcock hunting season runs from October to February.
Locations: Woodcocks are commonly hunted in Northeastern France, Massif Central, Pyrenees, Alps, and Jura regions.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include using trained dogs to flush woodcocks from dense cover. They are known for their erratic flight patterns, making them challenging to hunt.
Behaviours: Woodcocks are crepuscular, performing courtship displays at dawn and dusk. They exhibit a rocking behavior while foraging and are known for their erratic flight patterns.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Primarily feed on earthworms (60% of diet) and insects (30%), with feeding habits changing seasonally.
Management: Hunting is regulated with a maximum take of 30 birds per year per hunter. Conservation efforts include monitoring populations and habitat management.
Mallard Duck Hunt
The Mallard Duck is a popular target for waterfowl hunts in France, offering exciting hunting opportunities in diverse wetland environments.
Specs: Length: 20-25 in; Weight: 35-46 oz.
Size: Length: 20-25 in.
Season: The duck hunting season typically runs from mid-August to January 31.
Locations: Mallards are commonly hunted in Normandy, Picardy, and Sologne.
About the hunt: Hunting methods include using decoys and calling. The challenge lies in the birds’ wariness due to hunting pressure.
Behaviours: Mallards are social, often seen in groups. They exhibit territorial displays and various courtship Behaviours.
Diet & Seasonal Range: Their diet includes seeds, aquatic plants, and insects, varying seasonally with a preference for grains in non-breeding seasons.
Management: Conservation practices include habitat management and the release of hand-reared Mallards for hunting purposes. Sustainable hunting practices ensure healthy populations while providing quality shooting opportunities.
To connect with us about hunts in France, submit our contact form and let us know your interest
5% of every hunt goes towards
conservation initiatives in the Chilcotin Ark
