What weapons are authorized for hunting in France?

According to surveys, it has been revealed that hunters have a fairly large presence in French society. However, the practice of hunting suffers from a widespread lack of knowledge among the population. This is why it faces a generally negative position in principle.

However, hunters must contribute to limiting the proliferation of wild species such as wild boars that can cause significant damage to agricultural crops or cause traffic accidents. Moreover, the practice of hunting in France is governed by strict rules in order to better respect the environment, such as the obligation to only use authorized hunting weapons.

Hunting with firearms

When talking about firearms, it is possible to differentiate several types. According to French law on firearms that hunters can acquire, we have the right to: shoulder weapons.

The shoulder weapon

This is a category C weapon that is held against the shoulder (shouldered) before firing. Unlike a handgun, weapons that are shouldered have the advantage of better shooting accuracy and often more powerful ammunition. However, they tend to be bulkier and heavier.

Technical specifications of hunting firearms

The firearm authorized for hunting must have a length greater than 80cm, with a barrel length greater than 45 or 60cm depending on the mechanism. Then, hunters can choose a hunting weapon model equipped with:

• A manual repeating feeding system whose projectile has a diameter less than 20mm, not exceeding 11 shots (10 + 1 in the chamber) without reloading or;
• A non-removable semi-automatic feeding system, whose projectile has a diameter less than 20mm and is limited to 3 shots (2 + 1 in the chamber) without reloading.

Finally, the firearm must be capable of firing a bullet or several non-metallic projectiles classified in category C by order of the Minister of the Interior and the ministers responsible for customs and industry.

Hunting with bolt weapons

Hunting bolt weapons include weapons such as bows, crossbows, slings, or slingshots.

Bows or slings and slingshots

Unlike other countries such as Canada or the United States, French law does not authorize the use of crossbows as hunting weapons on its territory.

Bows

A hunting bow is mainly composed of:

• A curved and flexible piece of wood that accumulates and releases energy like a spring and;
• A string that ensures the arming of the bow and the transmission of the impulse to the arrow during release.

There is a wide range of hunting bows available on the market (longbow, compound bow, etc.). The final choice will depend on the size and strength of the hunter, and their dominant eye.

The bow and arrows authorized for hunting must meet the following requirement:

• Arming and maintaining in armed position are due only to the hunter's strength alone;
• The bow must have a length greater than 80cm, a minimum of two arrow blades, fixed or articulated, with a diameter of at least 25mm and a cutting edge length of at least 40mm;
• Arrowheads must have a stunning or cutting effect. Avoid using target shooting tips equipped with toxic or explosive devices.

The sling or slingshot

The sling or slingshot is an ancient weapon highly esteemed by hunters, especially in Asia. It is a weapon with a pouch to hold the projectile followed by elastic straps at each end attached to two branches (traditionally in a Y shape). This weapon is perfect for launching projectiles (stones, lead balls, etc.).

The sling or slingshot can be classified into 3 categories according to its power:

• Below 2 joules: not considered a weapon;
• Between 2 and 20 joules: category D-2-H weapon (free acquisition and possession for adults);
• Above 20 joules: category C-4 weapon (acquisition and possession subject to declaration).

How to properly register your hunting weapon?

Ensure it is a category C weapon or lower

Hunting weapons must be classified among category C or D weapons. For this, you must mandatorily make a declaration to a gunsmith or a broker to acquire and possess this type of weapon. Also, a SIA account must be created to purchase and possess a weapon as a hunter.

Here are some examples of category C weapons:

• Semi-automatic repeating shoulder firearm (cf. Technical specifications of hunting firearms);
• Manual repeating shoulder firearm (cf. Technical specifications of hunting firearms);
• Firearm manufactured to fire a bullet or several non-metallic projectiles
• Weapon and launcher whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner (a hunting slingshot or sling);
• Etc.

Category D weapon:

• Hunting shotguns;
• hunting knives;
• Batons;
• Weapon and launcher whose projectile is propelled in a non-pyrotechnic manner;
• Etc.

If category C:

To be able to practice hunting according to the rules, you must ensure to respect:

Concrete provisions

• Article R312-53 of the Internal Security Code (CSI) specifies that one must "present a hunting license issued in France or abroad or any other document serving as a hunting license abroad, accompanied by an annual or provisional validation title or a validation title from the previous year.
• A category C weapon must be declared upon acquisition.
• Weapons cannot be purchased without going through a broker or a gunsmith. Note that in case of purchases between individuals, these intermediaries must handle the declaration (Article R314-19).

Weapon prohibitions

• Article L312-3 of the CSI provides for the prohibition relating to the registration of convictions on bulletin number 2 of the criminal record.
• Persons prohibited from acquiring and possessing weapons registered in the national archives.
• Not to have an attitude that raises fears of using the weapon dangerously for oneself or others (prefect's power).

The National File of Persons Prohibited from Acquiring and Possessing Weapons (FINIADA)

It includes (according to Article L312-16):

• Persons whose health condition or behavior leads the prefect to disarm them (Article L312-7).
• Persons with a criminal record No. 2 resulting from a conviction or convicted of being prohibited from possessing or carrying an authorized weapon, or convicted of having one or more weapons in their possession or at their disposal.
• Persons who are administratively prohibited due to their conduct.

Conclusion

Hunting in France is governed by strict regulations to ensure safe practice. These regulations encompass both your behavior as a hunter, but also the specifications that your hunting weapons (firearms or bolt weapons) must have.