A fine of up to 1,500 euros for hunters "in a state of obvious intoxication"

Europe 1 with AFP / Photo credit: JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP 14:38 pm, September 17, 2023

Hunters surprised, rifle in hand, "in a state of obvious drunkenness" are now liable to a fine of up to 1,500 euros, 3,000 euros in case of recidivism, according to a decree published Sunday in the Official Journal. "Being in a state of obvious intoxication during an action of hunting or destruction while carrying a firearm or a bow" exposes to a fifth-class contravention, according to the text, so to, maximum, 1,500 euros fine or 3,000 in case of recidivism.

Six deaths in hunting accidents during the 2022-2023 season

During the presentation in January of a plan to better secure hunting for its practitioners as well as for walkers, in order to "move towards zero accidents", the government had announced that "the practice of hunting under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be prohibited". He said he wanted to create "at the beginning of 2023 a ticket to punish the act of hunting under the excessive influence of alcohol" and then work to create a blood alcohol offense for hunters, which implies a change in the law.

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According to the French Office for Biodiversity (OFB), the number of deaths and injuries related to hunting has been declining for 20 years. During the 2022-23 season, hunting accidents caused the death of six people, only hunters, "historically the lowest figure recorded". The presence of three non-hunters among the victims of the two previous seasons had put the hunt back at the heart of the public debate, voices rising to call for its ban during the weekend and holidays.

The France has nearly one million hunters.