Closing date, protected species, types of weapons… everything you need to know about the new hunting season which opens today ?

This Sunday, September 8, is the beginning of the hunting season in the South of France. Several things are to be known before the opening of this new season. 

End of a long wait for nearly a million hunters registered in France this Sunday, September 8. The season officially began this Sunday, September 8 in the South of France and will end on February 28. In the northern half of the country, you will have to wait another week, until Sunday, September 15, before you can indulge in this leisure activity.

Birds, hares, pheasants, wild boars, deer… for the time being, it is authorized to hunt all game, explainsLa Dépeche du MidiOnly one species cannot be hunted so that it is protected: the wood turtle dove. However, some of these animals will no longer be able to be hunted before the closing date of the season. In addition to certain species, one type of weapon is also prohibited: those containing buckshot.

Fewer hunters and accidents

New this year: the price of the national hunting permit has been revised upwards: it now costs 244.05 euros, according toLe Chasseur français. A fee that includes the federal contribution, stamp duty and insurance. Even though temporary 3-day or 9-day permits can also be issued, the number of hunters is decreasing year after year. For the 2022-23 season, 960,000 hunters were recorded.

Another figure that is decreasing: accidents. Over the last 20 years, they have decreased by 77% and fell below 100 in 2023-24. While most of these accidents occur during big game hunting, last season, six hunters lost their lives. Still according to our colleagues, three of these deaths were self-accidents. 

Finally, on the financial side, 2022 was a more than successful year financially, specifies La Dépêche. Indeed, 4.2 billion euros in economic benefits were received, according to the National Hunting Federation. An amount that includes the purchase of equipment, hunting access costs, catering, and dog feeding.