- In the future, hunters in France will face a hefty fine if they are caught drunk while doing their work.
- According to a decree published in the official gazette on Sunday, a fine of up to 1,500 euros will be due if a hunter is caught “in a state of obvious drunkenness” – and it will be even more expensive for repeat offenders.
- There is no alcohol limit set for this.
The ban is part of a package of measures intended to reduce the number of hunting accidents. There should also be increased training and safety requirements, as well as an app that allows walkers to find out where hunting is currently taking place.
Hunting is very important in France. The French hunting association speaks of 1.1 million active hunters. According to authorities, there were 78 injuries and 6 deaths in accidents in the last hunting season, which lasted from September to March 2023.
Legend:
Anyone who has reached for a bottle is no longer allowed to use a gun in France.
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However, the numbers are declining. Compared to 20 years ago, the number of fatal hunting accidents has fallen by 80 percent and the number of accidents with injuries has fallen by 62 percent. However, there is a controversial debate about hunting in France. This is not just about accidents, but also the question of whether there should be a privilege in nature for hunters or rather for those seeking relaxation.
Zurich and Neuchâtel provide for the withdrawal of hunting permits
In Switzerland, the cantons are responsible for hunting permits. In the cantons of Neuchâtel and Zurich there is a passage in the hunting law according to which the following applies: Anyone who repeatedly goes hunting while drunk or under the influence of drugs or drugs will have their hunting permit revoked.
In the canton of Bern, a corresponding motion was rejected by the government this week. A corresponding proposal also failed in the hunting canton of Graubünden in 2016. An interpellation at the federal level was rejected by the Federal Council in 2018. This with reference to the cantonal regulations.