France: Hobby Hunter Shoots Hiker
In France, a hobby hunter shot and killed a hiker during a driven hunt. The tragic case is fuelling the debate over a hunting ban.
A 17-year-old girl accidentally shot a hiker while hunting wild boar.
This latest fatal accident calls into question the practice of hunting and has pushed the issue to the centre of the presidential campaign.
The government promises countermeasures — but probably not until after the presidential elections. «We need stronger regulation of this activity — it is urgently necessary!", emphasised presidential candidate Yannick Jadot.
Primary finalist Sandrine Rousseau and rebellious MEP France Manon Aubry have called for a ban on all forms of hunting on rest days and public holidays: “The tragedies are increasing,” said the latter. The forest should belong to hikers and walkers at the weekend. Five days a week is enough to go hunting. «We no longer want to have to enter the forest with fear in our stomachs.«
The hunting accident occurred in Cantal, a hilly region in the Massif Central known for its cheese. The 25-year-old local resident was walking with her boyfriend on a marked hiking trail on Saturday when she suddenly collapsed. A shot from the carbine of a 17-year-old resident of the local municipality of Cassaniouze had struck her on the left side of her body. All medical assistance came too late.
Dozens of fatal hunting accidents are recorded in France every year. Since 2000, there have been thousands of hunting accidents in France, in which at least 421 people have lost their lives. The victims are primarily hobby hunters, but also mountain bikers, walkers, and homeowners in their own gardens. Alcohol is frequently involved on the part of the shooters. Women are generally considered to be more cautious.
President Emmanuel Macron knows that hobby hunters, along with their families and supporters, represent a very powerful voting bloc, particularly in rural areas. During his term, he promised to halve the cost of the hunting license fee of 400 euros. That hunting in France would be banned just before the weekend elections — as is the case in Great Britain, Italy, or Portugal — is highly unlikely, writes the Luzerner Zeitung.
