Letters: France's hunting season puts the public at risk
Connexion reader voices fears over unchecked hunting activities threatening public safety in rural areas
Most hunting accidents happen at weekends
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To the Editor,
My family has given up walking our dogs in woodland during ‘hunting season’ – and not just because of the possibility of being shot. The number of hunting dogs roaming free is also a major concern.
In years past, we only felt the need to be aware on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings but that now seems to be a thing of the past; it seems any time could be dangerous and not just in ‘hunting season’.
The problem is not only in remote woods. We live in a small hamlet some 1.5km from a town and our house is regularly surrounded by hunters and their dogs.
While working in our garden, we have had several rifle shots fired well within 50 metres of the house and, on one occasion, with a boar running in our direction, been shocked as at least two shots were fired toward the animal.
The firing did stop – and the boar ran off – but only when I shouted out that there were people nearby (and in the line of fire). I could not see the hunters who fired the rifle shots, so I believe they couldn’t see us.
Read more: Briton tells how hunter’s bullet just missed her as she gardened in France
It may just be a few unthinking (uncaring?) individuals who cause these issues, but why cannot the Fédération nationale des chasseurs take greater responsibility for their sport?
I recognise that it was my choice to live in France but why should the countryside be the private domain of one group of individuals rather than all French people?
I suspect the leadership of that hunting group worry their role would be under attack from members if they made any effort to reach a compromise, but just like the gun lobby in the US it might need more action by central government.
Hunters, I fully recognise your right to hunt.
I also recognise that I am a tax-paying guest in France. However, you should respect other people’s rights and not just your own. After all, liberty and equality are a right of everyone in France.
Chris Duncan, by email
What is your experience of dealing with hunters in your area of France? Let us know at letters@connexionfrance.com
