Hunting France

[D-Orcutt]

Has anyone hunted in France and brought a rifle from the states?

 

[VertigoBE]

Hunted in France yes, brought a rifle yes, but not from the US.

 

[D-Orcutt]

Hunted in France yes, brought a rifle yes, but not from the US

Was the import paperwork a hassle to bring in a rifle? Reading and I guess you have to fill out forms for each rifle and each optic?

 

[375Fox]

I’ve hunted in France, but always rented. The standard rental rifle in Europe seems to be a Blaser R8. European rental rifles are always very high quality.
I’ve flown through Paris on Air France with rifles. No issues at all.

 

[D-Orcutt]

I’ve hunted in France, but always rented. The standard rental rifle in Europe seems to be a Blaser R8. European rental rifles are always very high quality.
I’ve flown through Paris on Air France with rifles. No issues at all.

Ok thanks might end up using a rental, who did you hunt with when you went?

 

[VertigoBE]

Was the import paperwork a hassle to bring in a rifle? Reading and I guess you have to fill out forms for each rifle and each optic?

For Europeans it is very simple, hunters license + European Weapons Passport + national weapons license. For non-Europeans I cannot comment unfortunately.

In France, and elsewhere in continental Europe, it is good to ask if you need yourself to request a visiting hunters license though. It depends on the outfit.

 

[AimSmall]

Headed to France in a few months. PH said don't bring a rifle, too much hassle (especially since we will tour a bit while there)

 

[375Fox]

Ok thanks might end up using a rental, who did you hunt with when you went?

I hunted with a company called Acteon in south France in 2017 and 2018. They were both very good hunts.

 

[D-Orcutt]

Headed to France in a few months. PH said don't bring a rifle, too much hassle (especially since we will tour a bit while there)

Who will you be hunting with?

 

[AimSmall]

Hunt Trip France

 

[JES Adventures]

Headed to France in a few months. PH said don't bring a rifle, too much hassle (especially since we will tour a bit while there)

I hunted the French Alps for Mouflon and Chamois. Definitely wish I would have had my own rifle. Shots were 350+ with high winds.

I don’t think there is much hassle in bringing a sporting rifle. I spoke to another outfitter at DSC and he said no problem to bring my rifle next go around.

 

[alex90]

I’ve hunted in France, but always rented. The standard rental rifle in Europe seems to be a Blaser R8. European rental rifles are always very high quality.

I’ve flown through Paris on Air France with rifles. No issues at all.

Hello, nice to meet you. Could you let me know where did you rent it? I hunt in Spain but currently live in luxembourg and wanted to know the possibility of where to rent in france. Thanks!

 

[Kevin375]

Hello, nice to meet you. Could you let me know where did you rent it? I hunt in Spain but currently live in luxembourg and wanted to know the possibility of where to rent in france. Thanks!

Hello

Usually, the rifle is rented to the hunting guide you hunt with. Very often, you have access to a Blaser (R93 or R8) or a Tikka T3.
But if you are not a french citizen, and you don't have a french hunting permit, it's impossible to rent a rifle yourself.
Now, all French hunters should have an "information gun system" created on a special website. In that case, it's possible to rent a gun to a gunsmith who will add it on your account during the time needed. If you have to go hunting outside of the country, you can print on this website you dematerialized european fiream pass.

There is nothing left, but a short time ago, It was possible to rend several rifles on Naturabuy for the week-end or a week.

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I still have some prices for information for a week-end :
Blaser R8 Professional success with Leica Magnus 2,4-16x56 and silencer F&D : 199 €
Franchi Horizon with Burris 3-12×56 and silencer : 69 €
Savage Axis with a cheap scope : 59 €
Beretta BRX 300 WM and Steiner 2,5-10×50 with silencer : 89 €

You can also add the shippement : 34 €
And of course a deposit, in case you break it : prices range from 500 to 2000 €.

 

[Russ16]

The last time I looked into hunting in France you were required to take a test administered only in French to get a hunting license. Is that no longer the case? Admittedly it was over 20 years ago.

 

[375Fox]

The last time I looked into hunting in France you were required to take a test administered only in French to get a hunting license. Is that no longer the case? Admittedly it was over 20 years ago.

I sent outfitter my US license as proof I was legally licensed to hunt in my home country and that was converted to a French license for my hunt. That’s generally been the process for the European countries I’ve hunted.

 

[reinwood]

The last time I looked into hunting in France you were required to take a test administered only in French to get a hunting license. Is that no longer the case? Admittedly it was over 20 years ago.

No it is easier now. you just need to go on the website of the hunting association of the department/state) where you will be hunting and order the license you want (3 days or full year, 1-2-3 or nations wide).
Most likely website will be only in French, but your outfittter can do it for you.

It is mandatory to have a hunting license where you live and an insurance covering hunting accident in France.

 

[ofbiro]

I warmly suggest to ask your french agent/organisation, as laws (specially related to firearms) are changing often.
As far as insurance is concerned have a look to the BASC offer. Years ago it covered 3rd party liability, included damages due to driving under the influence. May they changed policy.
No licence is required in Europe for importing conventional scopes, while NVD are forbidden in certain areas. Just to make an example, where I live NVD are forbidden, while near Rome they legal for wildboar, but not for other game.

 

[grand veneur]

Insurance is very important if you want to hunt in France. The hunting license is only valid if you have proof of an insurance and this must have an unlimited compensation. For this reason, you should always take out this insurance in France, even if your hunting insurance at home claims it covers damage abroad. The outfitters in France take care of such things.