France: Hobby Hunters and Alcohol Ban

Hobby hunters in France face a hefty fine in future if they are caught hunting while intoxicated.

According to a decree published in the Official Gazette on Sunday, a fine of up to 1’500 euros will be imposed if a hobby hunter is caught “in a state of obvious intoxication.”

No blood alcohol limit has been specified for this. Repeat offenders will face even higher penalties. The ban is part of a package of measures intended to reduce the number of hunting accidents. There are also to be increased training and safety requirements, as well as an app on which walkers can check where hunting is currently taking place.

Hunting in France represents a deeply ingrained culture of excess. The French hunting association speaks of 1.1 million active hobby hunters. In Germany, according to the German Hunting Association, there are 384’000, and in Switzerland around 30’522.

In the most recent hunting season in the neighbouring country, which ran from September to March 2023, official figures recorded 78 injuries and 6 fatalities — numbers that are on a downward trend. Compared to 20 years ago, the number of fatal hunting accidents has fallen by 80% and the number of accidents involving injuries by 62%.

Nevertheless, there is a contentious debate about hunting in France. This revolves not only around accidents, but also around the question of whether priority in nature should lie with hobby hunters or rather with those seeking recreation.

In Germany, the law is less clear-cut than in the neighbouring country. But here too, hobby hunters can find themselves on thin ice if caught hunting while intoxicated. While the law makes no explicit mention of an alcohol ban, a landmark ruling by the Federal Administrative Court in 2014 established: “”The use of firearms under the influence of alcohol constitutes misconduct that, in itself, is sufficient to establish a presumption of unreliability.“

The case was brought by a hobby hunter whose firearms permit was revoked after he had driven to a hunt while intoxicated and was caught by the police in the process.

In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for issuing hunting permits. The cantons of Neuchâtel and Zurich, for instance, include a provision in their hunting legislation stipulating that anyone who repeatedly goes hunting while intoxicated or under the influence of narcotics or medication will have their hunting permit revoked.

Casimir von Arx, a member of the Green Liberal Party (GLP)in the Bern cantonal parliament, proposes ina motion to amend the hunting law so that alcohol regulations similar to those in road traffic law apply. This motion aims to revoke the hunting licence of persons who repeatedly hunt under the influence of alcohol or drugs. His proposal is expected to be placed on the agenda of the Grand Council during the winter session.