Hunting in Brittany

‘La Chasse’, or hunting as we call it, is a very popular pastime in many regions of France. Depending on your point of view you will regard this piece of information with a sense of anticipation or disappointment; either way it is part of the fabric here in Brittany.

 

In the heart of the countryside where the Breton traditions are treasured; farmers keep their guns and without hesitation will bring down a fox which they consider to be threatening their chickens. A farming neighbour no longer shoots rabbits preferring to breed them in hutches for the pot and another takes the occasional pot shot at passing crows in an attempt to protect his crops. Hunting is of course no longer regarded as playing an essential role in providing the family meal, but wild game is still displayed in butchers shop windows and generally people neither endorse nor condemn the hunters who they see as practicing an ancient sport.

 

To become a hunter (chasseur, chasseuse) it is necessary to pass exams before being accredited a “permis de chasser” a hunting permit; which is organised by the National Hunting and Wildlife Agency (ONCFS, Office Nationale de Chasser et de la Faune Sauvage). Then armed with a gun and insurance cover the hunter applies himself and his dogs to following the scent of his quarry.

 

The quarry in question varies depending on the season, a decision taken by regional bodies responsible for coordinating the hunting and involves consideration of the ecological needs of the area, its animals and bird life. The open season for waterfowl begins in August with a shorter length of time for partridge, grouse and migratory birds. For all other animals generally the season spans from September to February and this includes the fascinating (and often large) wild boar and the gentle, timid deer.

 

The hunters come on foot usually working in groups of three or four with their dogs usually of the Brittany spaniel breed (Epagneul Breton) or the perky little Beagles; of which there is always a novice who loses the pack and wanders into our garden.

 

Although hunting is tolerated it is with some trepidation I view the sight and sounds of gunfire surrounding our little country haven but I have been assured by my neighbours their success rate is low. Gratifyingly a neighbouring farmer jovially confided, “Often as not they blow a hole in their own foot or shoot each other!”

 

Living in the natural environment and surrounded by all the usual wildlife that inhabit the countryside (such as the partridge that saunters past the back door occasionally) it is easy to forget other people appreciate it too; and no less than the farmers who work the land.  Although hunting is essentially a blood sport and not for the faint hearted (or the weak stomached) it plays a part in living in the country.