French hunting federations prepare for September 20 season opening

Hunting federations in France are preparing for the general season opening on September 20. In the Nord region, officials are urging hunters to rely on field data rather than social media rumors regarding wildlife numbers. Data indicates that while pheasant and hare populations show positive trends, the grey partridge remains fragile, with a reproduction index of 3.6 young per hen and 55% of observed hens having no young.

In the Vosges region, despite a summer of extreme heat and drought, wildlife populations such as roe deer and cervids remain stable. However, the rising wild boar population remains a primary concern for hunters, who aim to manage numbers to support the agricultural sector. Officials emphasize the importance of ethical hunting practices to prevent animal displacement and damage.