Autumn and winter offer magnificent landscapes in the Ardennes, perfect for hiking. But between October and February, nature is also a hunting ground. For everyone to be able to enjoy the forest safely, it is essential to be well informed and to follow a few simple instructions.

Hunting dates in the Ardennes

October 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026

Driven hunting is authorized in the Ardennes from October 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026. This period mainly concerns big game: wild boar, deer, roe deer, etc.

Some species such as pheasant or partridge have specific dates:

  • Pheasant : from September 21 to December 31, 2025
  • Partridge : from September 21 to October 30, 2025
  • Lièvre : from September 28 to November 30, 2025

To consult, two essential contacts in the Ardennes

Logo of the Ardennes Regional Natural Park

1. The Ardennes Regional Natural Park (PNRA)

The Ardennes Regional Natural Park puts the dates of the driven hunt online transmitted by voluntary hunting societies.

Interactive map

The PNR offers a very useful interactive map for planning your outings. The tool will show you an interactive map with a clear color code:

  • Red zone: hunted areas
  • Orange zone: potentially hunted areas (possibility of floating days)

Contact at the Ardennes Regional Natural Park:
Nicolas BOCK – Head of the “Valorization of Natural Resources” division and “Forest” project manager
+33 (0)3 24 42 90 57

2. The Departmental Federation of Hunters of the Ardennes

It centralizes official calendars, prefectural decrees, and practical information on hunting. She is also an actor in the dialogue between hunters and hikers.

The Departmental Federation of Hunters of the Ardennes

  • Address: 49 rue du Muguet, 08090 Saint-Laurent
  • Phone: 03 24 59 85 20

Safety instructions for hikers

Before leaving :

  • Consult the hunting calendars and the maps of the drivess (postings in town hall, in the forest, or online)
  • Wear visible clothing (orange, fluorescent yellow). This will make you more easily identifiable by hunters.
  • Check for signs that say “Hunting or beating in progress.” Please note, however, that the presence of hunters is not necessarily indicated in certain areas. Hunters may hunt smaller game alone and are not required to mark their hunting area or wear a fluorescent vest. We must therefore remain extremely vigilant.

During the hike:

  • Stay on marked trails
  • If you hear gunshots or barking, turn around or signal to the hunters. They will show you the hunted area and advise you on the paths to avoid any risk to your safety.
  • If in doubt, change the area for your walk.

An essential and imperative rule: Always remain vigilant.

💡 Safety tip

Favor state forests on weekends, where hunting is generally prohibited on these days.

You are now ready to go hiking in our beautiful Ardennes in complete safety. Enjoy!

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