Basque-Béarnaise Dianes Invite You to Discover the World of Hunting in Castétis – La République des Pyrénées

In the rolling hills of southwestern France, a group of women is working to reshape perceptions of hunting through education and community engagement. The Dianes Basco-Béarnaises, an association of female hunting enthusiasts based in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques department, announced plans for a discovery day focused on traditional hunting practices in Castétis.

The event, scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, at La Saligue aux oiseaux near Castétis, aims to introduce the public to various aspects of hunting culture. According to the association’s announcement reported by La République des Pyrénées, the day will feature a “petit dèj à la fourchette” (fork breakfast), archery demonstrations, and introductions to trapping techniques.

Jean-Louis Gamaury, reporting for La République des Pyrénées on April 21, 2026, noted that several members of the association had recently participated in a discovery trip focused on pigeon hunting (chasse à la palombe) at the Osquich pass. This activity appears to be part of the group’s ongoing efforts to gain hands-on experience in different hunting methodologies.

The Dianes Basco-Béarnaises were formed in June 2025, as reported in earlier coverage by the same publication. The association describes itself as being attached to the departmental hunting federation and comprising women who either hold hunting licenses or are simply attracted to the hunting world.

According to the association’s stated objectives, they aim to demonstrate that hunting encompasses various practices including game regulation, big game drives, pigeon hunting, and pest control operations. Throughout the year, they organize themed meetings and supervised open days that combine pedagogy with conviviality.

The group’s leadership structure includes two co-presidents, Laure Duplé and Marine Barnetch, with Anaïs Castetbon serving as secretary and Sabrina Bodei as treasurer. Their headquarters is located at the departmental hunting federation office in Biron.

In a September 2025 feature article, Castetbon explained the association’s philosophy: “Proches de la nature, engagées, respectueuses, la chasse fait partie de notre culture, de notre patrimoine et de notre équilibre de vie” (Close to nature, committed, respectful, hunting is part of our culture, our heritage, and our life balance).

The association represents a notable presence in regional hunting demographics. During the 2025 season opening weekend, they participated alongside approximately 14,000 fellow hunters in Pyrénées-Atlantiques, of whom 350 were women holding hunting licenses.

The Dianes Basco-Béarnaises emphasize inclusivity in their recruitment efforts, welcoming women regardless of whether they possess hunting licenses, provided they share an interest in cynégétique arts (the art of hunting) or a love for nature. Their membership spans ages 17 to 70 and includes professionals from various fields such as nursing, agriculture, and tailoring.

The association seeks to challenge stereotypes about women in hunting, asserting that members have “rien de garçons manqués” (nothing of tomboys about them). They aim to demonstrate through personal example that hunting participation does not require conforming to traditional gender expectations associated with the activity.

As part of their educational mission, the group has organized visits to locations like Monein to meet potential new members and invite women from hunting families to join their ranks. They maintain an active outreach program through local media channels and community events.

The May 1 discovery day in Castétis represents one of several thematic events planned by the association throughout the year to fulfill their goal of making hunting practices accessible to a broad public while promoting what they describe as responsible and culturally significant traditions.

For those interested in attending the event or learning more about the association’s activities, information is typically shared through local Pyrénées-Atlantiques media outlets and the group’s affiliated channels with the departmental hunting federation.

The next confirmed activity for the Dianes Basco-Béarnaises following the Castétis discovery day would be determined by their annual event calendar, which typically includes various themed meetings and demonstrations throughout the hunting season.

Readers interested in similar stories about hunting traditions, wildlife management, or outdoor sports culture can follow developments through regional sporting publications that cover traditional practices in southwestern France.