The bow is the only hunting weapon authorized to shoot other than firearms. The use of other weapons or propulsion instruments for shooting hunting is prohibited by Article 1 of the ministerial decree of August 1, 1986, which particularly targets crossbows, slingshots and slingshots.
In France, regulated since 1995, bow hunting is still dynamic and highly modern. Both by its numerous uses and by its technological innovations. Let’s come back to this framework here.
The mandatory preliminary training day for bowhunting
In application of article L424-4 of the Environmental Code, the practice of bow hunting is currently regulated by the ministerial decree of August 18, 2008(1).
Among the prior obligations, bow hunters must demonstrate participation in training which leads to the acquisition of practical knowledge allowing them to handle and use a hunting bow in optimal safety conditions. This training can be followed before or after obtaining the hunting license. It includes a theoretical part and a practical part, and is delivered by the departmental hunter federations (FDC), with which candidates can register(2).
« Bow hunters must provide proof of participation in training allowing them to use a hunting bow. »
The certificate of participation in a bowhunting training session, conforming to the model set by the decree, is issued by the president of the organizing FDC. This certificate must be presented at any inspection by the agents responsible for the hunting police. Only certain people may not follow this training: people who have sufficient experience in bow hunting as of January 1, 1995, attested by a certificate issued by the president of the FDC before December 31, 1995, and the model of which is fixed by the aforementioned decree.
You can also discover archery hunting in accompanied hunting
Likewise, accompanied hunters who also want to learn to hunt with a bow and who have not yet obtained their hunting license must simply be accompanied by a sponsor who will have followed the training and will hold the certificate. bowhunting certificate issued by the FDC.
Finally, foreigners not residing in France who take temporary validation for three or nine consecutive days are exempt from bowhunting training and do not have to carry the certificate. On the other hand, if they take an annual validation, their participation in a bowhunting training session will be compulsory.
Authorized equipment and arrows
With regard to the bow, arming and maintaining an armed position must be due solely to the strength of the archer. Furthermore, the arrow can only be nocked during a hunting action.
Generally speaking, only:
- broadheads with a stunning effect without cutting or drilling. Including those equipped with multiple claws or points;
- cutting broadheads (these points can only be used in sharpshooting);
- for non-firing shots, arrows equipped with a large fletching intended to slow down the speed of the arrow (the widest part must not be able to fit into a circle of 6 cm in diameter without deformation).
The following are therefore prohibited:
- target shooting points;
- points or arrows equipped with toxic or explosive devices.
For big game hunting, only…
Cutting broadheads having at least two blades, which must have:
- either a cutting diameter greater than or equal to 25 mm;
- i.e. a cutting length of each blade greater than or equal to 40 mm.
Indelible marking of equipment
The bow hunter is required to mark all arrows taken indelibly. Either the hunting license number for hunters holding a French license. Or at the license validation number for hunters holding a license issued abroad. Generally, the archer marks arrows on the body of the shaft. In the free space between the feathers. This is to avoid too rapid disappearance “by friction” on the arc mat.
Transportation
Hunting arrows should be transported in a quiver. It must enclose the blades of the broadhead in a protection. The latter is generally made of leather or similar. It protects the bi-blades mounted on the barrel from any danger for others and for the shooter.
Likewise, bows can only be transported unstrapped or placed in a case. On this point, the covers marketed or processes which do not allow rapid and direct use of the weapon comply with the decree of August 1, 1986. Finally, as written above, for bow hunting, the arrow can only be nocked in hunting action.
Bow hunting: if you are in violation
The practice of bow hunting without proof of participation in a bow hunting training session is punishable by two fines provided for 5th class contraventions (i.e. twice €1,500 maximum) (art. R428 -8 3° and 6° of the Environmental Code). The use of arrows or bows that do not comply with technical requirements is punishable by a 5th class fine (i.e. €1,500 maximum) (art. R428-8 6° of the Environmental Code).
If you transport a bow on board a vehicle that is not drawn or without it being placed in a case, you are liable to a 4th class criminal offense (art. R428-9 of the Environmental Code), paid by by way of a fine stamp in the amount of €135 (€750 maximum).
Learn more
By Philippe Landelle, legal expert from the Police, Knowledge, Expertise department of the French Biodiversity Office
2024-05-20 05:30:54
#rules #govern #bowhunting
