Hunting and hunters in the Calanques
The hunting areas of the National Park are divided between four hunting societies. Some individual beneficiaries of hunting rights on private property are also active in the Calanques. In total, there are about 500 hunters in the Calanques.
Red-legged partridge, hare, rabbit and migratory birds (thrushes, wood pigeon, etc.) are the main species hunted. Wild boar hunting is also developing, in connection with the increase in the populations of this species, which calls for particular vigilance.
Common law regulations
In addition to the regulations governing hunting licences, hunting is governed by an order issued each year by the Bouches-du-Rhône Prefect concerning the opening and closing of the hunting season. For the 2020-2021 season, hunting is thus authorised from 13 September 2020 to 28 February 2021 in the evening.
Also note: on the decision of the President of the Republic, hunting with birdlime been suspended in 2020 throughout France.
To find out more about the common law regulations applicable to hunting, visit the website of the French National Federation of Hunters.
Special regulations for the core areas of the Park
In addition to the general provisions, hunting is also governed by specific regulations for the National Park core areas. The aim of these regulations is to allow sustainable hunting, in keeping with the potential of the environment and in harmony with other uses in the massif.
No-hunting zones
The decree creating the National Park sets out wildlife tranquillity zones where hunting is prohibited. They represent 51% of the surface area of the terrestrial core zones.
The annual regulation of the Management Board
The conditions for hunting in the heart of the Calanques National Park are also subject to annual regulations issued by the National Park's management board, which specifies:
- a ban on hunting on Fridays all day and on Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm
- the list of huntable species and management objectives
- hunting limits (maximum quantities per hunter/day and per hunter/season)
- the opening period for hunting sedentary species
Practical memo for hunters in the Calanques
Regulations
- Respect the no-hunting zones.
- Respect the hunting days and times.
- Respect the list of species authorised by the National Park for hunting
- Respect the maximum authorised kill thresholds for: red-legged partridge, European hare and European rabbit.
- Always carry your personal hunting book with you and fill it in if necessary.
- For any development needs: ask the National Park for permission.
Best practice
- Remain on the paths and keep vehicle travel to a minimum.
- Pick up your spent cartridges.
- Anticipate the closing dates for European rabbits and red-legged partridges in order to encourage their breeding.
Safety
- Do not park your vehicle in such a way as to impede access to the forest fire defence trails by the emergency services.
- Wear a high-visibility garment during all group hunting activities.
- Make sure that your shot is accurate: short trajectory, directed towards the ground and with a reduced angle.
- During hunts, do not shoot indiscrimately in the direction of and inside the hunting area.
- During the hunt, ensure that the public is informed by putting up "chasse en cours" ("hunting in progress") signs at the main access points open to the public.
- Outside the hunting season, weapons must not be loaded.
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