When autumn arrives and hunting in our beautiful regions, it becomes essential for any walker / hiker to be vigilant. Simple rules and knowledge of the opening and closing dates of the hunt generally allow good coexistence between hunters and walkers.
Know the hunting season calendar
The opening and closing dates for hunting in the Ardennes were set by prefectural decree dated May 17, 2023. This year, the general opening of shooting and flight hunting will take place on September 17, 2023 at 8:30 a.m. and the closing on February 29, 2024 at 18 p.m.
Hunting is authorized from 8:30 a.m. until 1 hour after sunset, no later than 18 p.m. Consult the ephemeris on the site the-hunter-ardennais.com.
For detailed information on types of hunting and hunting conditions, see the prefectural decree.
You have been warned! : as stated on the website of the Federation of Hunters, the calendar for the opening of the hunting season "does not necessarily mean that hunting is impossible before these dates". Do not hesitate to inquire with tourist offices before going hiking.
Le Ardennes Regional Nature Park website also puts online the hunting schedule.
In summary: To be consulted absolutely before going hiking
- The website of the departmental federation of hunters in the Ardennes
- The prefectural decree of 17/5/2023 on hunting seasons in the Ardennes
- The calendar of driven hunting dates on the Ardennes Regional Natural Park website
Advice to follow to walk calmly during the hunting season
1/ The calendar you will consult! (See above)
2/ Your eyes will open!
Indeed, specific signage is in place, "hunting in progress" or "beaten in progress" for example. Moreover, participants in the hunt wear fluorescent orange vests.
You have been warned! however, the presence of hunters is not necessarily indicated in certain areas. Hunters can track smaller game on their own and are not required to indicate their hunting area or wear a fluorescent vest. We must therefore remain extremely vigilant.
3/ Colorful clothes you will wear.
This will make you more easily identifiable by hunters.
4/ The marked trails you will take.
5/ If in a hunting area you find yourself or gunshots, barking dogs you hear, you will turn around and/or you will report to the hunters.
They will show you the hunted area and advise you on the paths to avoid any risk to your safety.
6/ The hiking trails located in the national forest on weekends you will favor.
Indeed, in the State Forest, the hunts generally take place in the middle of the week and it is not possible for the companies to add flying days to their calendar.
7/ Always vigilant you will be.
Undoubtedly the most important of the list!
You are now ready to go hiking in our beautiful Ardennes in complete safety. Have fun!
Roaming in the Ardennes
See our section on roaming on our website
Also see our brochure: By bike & on foot in the French Ardennes
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