French hunting season safety and land use debates

At the start of the 2026 hunting season in France, authorities clarified that the reopening of forest hunting from September to March does not prohibit public outdoor activities like running, walking, or cycling. While the Office National des Forêts (ONF) advised safety precautions and the use of high-visibility clothing, it noted that ‘hunting in progress’ signs do not constitute a legal prohibition for hikers or runners.

Following a series of seasonal accidents, including a serious injury in Savoie and falls in Dordogne, debates regarding land use and safety have resurfaced. Critics have proposed prohibiting hunting on weekends to protect outdoor enthusiasts, arguing that the current sharing of natural spaces is imbalanced.

Additionally, regulatory clarifications were issued regarding firearm use; for instance, the Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs des Hautes-Pyrénées stated that adjusting firearm sights on private land is not legally classified as hunting if not intended to pursue or kill game, though strict safety and noise protocols must still be followed.