Doubs chamois hunting quota fuels wildlife and ethical debate

The French National Council of Hunting and Wildlife (CNCFS) examined a proposal to amend the 1986 hunting decree, published on 9 July 2026, that would relax restrictions on battue hunting of chamois, isard and mouflon in several departments. The draft sparked strong reactions from hunters and conservationists who argue that mountain hunting should prioritize observation and selective shooting rather than mass drives.

In the Doubs department, the prefectural authority plans to permit the harvest of up to 330 chamois from September 2026 to January 2027. The wildlife‑protection group Aspas denounced the plan as “a scandalous ecological and ethical affront,” calling for an immediate stop to recreational chamois hunting and the ongoing summer deer cull, citing biodiversity concerns and the limited public interest in such hunting activities.