Since 30 July 2025, the rules on the transport of hunting weapons and the use of electronic aids during hunting have been significantly amended in France. The changes are important for Belgian and other foreign hunters operating on French territory. We list the most important points:
Stricter requirements for the transport of weapons
The existing rule stated that a weapon in a vehicle had to be in a case or dismantled and unloaded . An additional requirement is now added:
The weapon may also not be equipped with ammunition.
In concrete terms, this means that the warehouse must be completely empty, and that removable warehouses must not only be removed, but also completely emptied during transport.
Expansion of permitted electronic aids
The 1986 decree on the use of electronic aids during hunting was also updated. The most important novelties:
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Dog trackers for pointers were only allowed when hunting woodcock. Now they are allowed for all game species that are hunted with pointers.
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Thermal monoculars and binoculars are now allowed, as long as they cannot be used hands-free. Thermal rifle scopes or clip-ons (which are mounted on a rifle scope) remain prohibited.
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Shotkams and similar devices — which automatically record video when fired — are permitted provided they are no more than 15 cm long and are attached under the barrel.
Please note that even though these tools are now legally permitted, organisers or managers of hunting estates can still choose to prohibit them through their own internal regulations.
For those who hunt in France, it is strongly recommended to inform themselves well about these new regulations. It is binding and violations can have consequences for permits and hunting access.
