Safety at the hunt

[Quiksilver]

A battue is exactly that, Char...a closely controlled cull, whether foxes, deer or sanglier. They're the exception to the limited season hunting and can be done throughout the year on application to the Préfecture for permission. Certainly, round here, they're properly conducted, very visibly signed and there's never been a hint of drunkenness or irresponsible behaviour.
As far as hunting deer goes, not many folks seem to realise what's involved if a hunter wants one of those! They have to apply to the official chasse for a tag (very expensive) to prove that the animal has been hunted and not poached. The penalties for being caught with an untagged animal are immense. That's why, when a deer (or sanglier) is injured or killed by a vehicule, it disappears within minutes Can you imagine what the accident rate is, and what the roads will look like if and when the younger generations aren't interested any more?
I hope your daughter isn't too shaken up and that you get the car sorted without hassle

[Blaze]

@Char I hope your daughter's okay, it must have been very scary for her.

I've always been against killing animals for pleasure/entertainment, but agree with professional culling not only for the good of the farmers, but for the animals themselves. Overpopulation can lead to animals searching and scavenging for food in towns and villages, and sanglier can be incredibly destructive.
Round here the farmers have ripped up hedges and trees leaving no habitat or shelter for wildlife. Apparently sanglier have been venturing into the outskirts of Saint Malo .... I was surprised that the local chasse didn't kick up a fuss about all the hedges, trees and little copses being destroyed, but as a result, we see lone men and their dogs wandering around, not wearing orange, which is far more of a danger to the public than any sort of organised battue.

[Wilbro]

I read some of the descriptions of hunting with incredulity. some seem to live in a part of France quite different to ours. In 15 years we have seen hunt in progress signs out about 3 or 4 times locally. Once this year and once last year as a nod to the adverse publicity that's been going on. Both at the beginning of the hunting season then afterwards nothing. There are supposedly two midweek days when no hunting of deer or sanglier is allowed but tell that to the marines!

I see a comment that hunter's would object to a day when it is not allowed at the weekends because some hunters work Monday to Friday. Well believe it or not some working families are in the same boat inasmuch the weekend is their only family leisure time. The fact they are the vast majority means nothing.

Culling is necessary and I look to Scotland where professional and qualified stalkers keep deer numbers under control and contrast this to the lunatic charging around the lanes in their 4X4s as Pierre rings on the mobile that he has seen something two fields away. That is almost as dangerous as the woods as walkers limited to "safe" roads and lanes can suddenly be confronted by two or three vehicles hammering round bends. My wife almost got hit by one who should have had a clear sight of her but his eyes were riveted on the roadside wood looking for prey.

It's time for major change.

[DominicBest]

Talking of foxes.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-d ... e-64165953