shooting again.

[Tresco]

Not too far Tim. We are about half way between St Jean D'Angely and Cognac.

We've done a bit of bobbing about round St Savinen, it looks like a nice area, and easy to get to the sea too. Good luck with your move.

Re the hunters here, I'm in agreement with the whole of TU's last paragraph, and much of what Mazan says earlier.

tresco

[Dick Smith]

"Re the hunters here, I'm in agreement with the whole of TU's last paragraph, and much of what Mazan says earlier."

Yes - a rabbit for the pot (as shot by my uncle when I visited him in Somerset) was a different thing, in my opinion. I've seen quite young kids (about 10) out with rifles, and I worry a bit about that, too.

[Teamedup]

A thought strikes me that the poles on our banners will be wood, where as the poles we would be confronting are bored and have lethal bits which come out of them at a deadly rate.

I personally wouldn't start a demo here. If it is in a conversation then I will say what I believe. I would as usual get a lecture, I'm pretty sure, as I usually do, that I have to understand that France is a country of liberty and they cut their king's head off so that people could do as the nobles and hunting is the right of every french man. And boredom gets me from the hair's on my head to the end's of my toes and all that floats in my head is......... quatre vingt dix.......... soixante dix sept..........

 

[Mazan]

In order to forward the anti-hunt cause I do the following:

I donate a few hundred Euros every year to a French charity that works toward this.

I have put heavy-duty printed signs around our property forbidding hunting on it and explaining why.

I have told the local Maire and the local MP what I think about hunting on several occasions, and wouldn't hesitate to do so again.

I have also told the village police what I think and in the past they have been helpful in removing hunters from our land.

[Linnorton]

I have no strong feelings either way about rough shooting but do wonder what the rules and regs are in France. A friend has been approached by the local chasse who want to shoot over his recently acquired land next Sunday, the quarry apparently is foxes.  The land consists of lake, woods and field and there are old "reserve" signs around.  Shooting rights weren't mentioned by the notaire at any stage.  What is the situation legally?  My friend has said they can shoot next weekend but that he will be present to observe. He's put up fencing where required, taken out insurance and erected "Defence d'entree" signs as requested by the insurance company.

[Leschenauds]

I dont hunt or even wish to hunt but as much as I admire Mazan’s skill and knowledge of all things electronic and applaud the guidance which he has given me and many others, I can’t support his attitude to the ways in which others legally choose to pass their leisure time. In the UK, although I didn,t like it, I felt that hunting with hounds whilst legal was a personal choice., now that it is being banned, no one is happier than me. If one asks for information using this excellent forum, they shouldn’t expect to be subject to a dismissive tirade. It,s a small world but we all have to live in it. Most of the French hunters have been doing it long before we expats arrived so let’s live and let live. It is always difficult to get a balanced viewpoint from a high horse. (Still haven’t got the hang of this French keyboard)

[Mazan]

It's perfectly straightforward. Hunting is a pointless practice that directly affects non-hunters, both as a audible nuisance and a physical danger, not to mention via the ecological aspects. One person's hobby should not cause other people annoyance or danger and if it does it should be banned. If people want to shoot guns they should do so on a licensed and authorised shooting range under proper supervision, far away from others. They should not be permitted to stroll unsupervised across the property of others, carrying and using lethal weapons. Just as those who wish to race cars or motorbikes have to do so on a proper track and are not allowed to do so on the open road.

Hunters have absolutely no regard for anyone other than themselves, as they have all proven time and time again in this and other threads.

In case anyone has forgotten: more than 95% of French residents are non-hunters.

[Chouette]

Mazan - I'm with you all the way on this one

When I lived in Normandy, my husband and I used to take great pleasure when walking our dog in the woods in winter, to make as much bloomin noise as we could; even singing on the tops of our voices.  You should have seen the looks all those pathetic blokes, hiding behind trees in camoflage gave us!  In retrospect I guess we were lucky not to have been shot ourselves but it was a risk I was willing to take - I just see red when I see these mindless, ignorant idiots pursuing their so called sport

Just recently a woman, in the region we live in now, was taking a Sunday afternoon stroll with her husband and children in our local woods when she got shot in the neck.  Luckily she survived.  But it's not dangerous of course is it - yeah right

 

[sharkhunter]

[quote]It's perfectly straightforward. Hunting is a pointless practice that directly affects non-hunters, both as a audible nuisance and a physical danger, not to mention via the ecological aspects. One pers...[/quote]

One person's hobby should not cause other people annoyance or danger and if it does it should be banned

Your blind hatred of shooters and all things associated with hunting should not necessarily include all hunters. Do you know me?? Has anyone ever given you any reason to make you think i am a danger to anyone's safety. Do you know how difficult it is to get licensed in the UK to carry a rifle/shotgun??

As to your recent posting, people who shoot guns do so in licensed/authorised areas,it may not be fenced in but a licensed/authorised area none the less.

I do not have any interest in electronics, irrespective of how safe they are, but i do not stick my tuppence worth in if its not asked for, especially not to accuse someone of sheer stupidity and negligence when i don't know them.

This thread had died a death a few days ago and i was glad, but you and others like you just cant let go. For gods's sake man get a grip and leave it be.

[sharkhunter]

[quote]Mazan - I'm with you all the way on this one When I lived in Normandy, my husband and I used to take great pleasure when walking our dog in the woods in winter, to make as much bloomin noise as we ...[/quote]

I just see red when I see these mindless, ignorant idiots pursuing their so called sport

AS to you and your posting above, step up to the mark and tell me outright to my face that i am an mindless ignorant idiot. Firstly, you have no idea who i am and as such have no right, secondly, if you have never been involved in shooting it is you who are ignorant due to your lack of knowledge.

As in the UK on similar sites,it always amazes me how brave people are sitting behind a computer. Why dont you go to the local chasse shop and put up a banner complaining, and have a go at the true French hunters who have practised their sport for generations. You might also be decent enough to let me know where and when and i will pop along just for the entertainment, and introduce myself just for good measure.

[Mazan]

As to your recent posting, people who shoot guns do so in licensed/authorised areas,it may not be fenced in but a licensed/authorised area none the less.

Rarely have I read such nonsense. Hunters in France often do so on any land that isn't fenced off, regardless of who it belongs to. None of that land is in any way authorised or licensed. They regularly do it within just a few yards of houses, roads and telegraph poles: all of which are restricted areas. I see this every single day of the winter hunting season.

I do not have any interest in electronics, irrespective of how safe they are, but i do not stick my tuppence worth in if its not asked for, especially not to accuse someone of sheer stupidity and negligence when i don't know them.

Again, it is the hunters' "hobby" that is being forced onto those who do not want it. It is the hunters who invade other people's privacy, safety and tranquility with their noisy and dangerous activities. Not only that but apparently you also wish to prevent anyone from voicing their disapproval with you. Do you now understand why I say that all hunters think only of themselves and that they prove it at every turn?

This thread had died a death a few days ago and i was glad, but you and others like you just cant let go. For gods's sake man get a grip and leave it be.

If you took the trouble to look before leaping you would see that the thread was resurrected today by someone who is neither for nor against hunting. Another person then made a comment about my views, to which I replied as is my right.

[Mazan]

Do you know how difficult it is to get licensed in the UK to carry a rifle/shotgun??

We aren't in the UK (or Kansas) any more. Around here any pea-brained idiot can buy a shotgun and get a hunting permit. Things are harder in the UK, which probably explains why one sees far less hunters there. And a splendid thing that is too.

Why dont you go to the local chasse shop and put up a banner complaining, and have a go at the true French hunters who have practised their sport for generations.

I am not afraid of making my feelings about hunters (French or otherwise) known. There are four large signs prohibiting hunting around my property and I have a sticker on my car making a similar point. I would not socialise with anyone who hunts nor would I do business with them or work for them or employ them.
However, unlike the hunters who constantly thrust their mindless pursuit into the ears and face of others, I am not the type of person who would go out of my way to disturb them when they aren't in my backyard.

France is a democracy and, as such, it is my perfect right to bring my opinions to the attention of others by any peaceful means. And that is what I am doing. I will also continue to strive for hunting to be completely banned, along with other pointless sources of noise pollution and activities that can endanger others.

[Mazan]

And yet again we see a hunting supporter trying to deny others the right to their opinion and the right to discuss it.

It is not for you to tell others what they may or may not think or say.

[Quillan]

Interesting, this always happens when hunting is bought up as a subject although I don't think verbal abuse of others that disagree with you helps validate your argument much.

All of us that live and/or own property in France are well aware that they hunt, and they kill things. If you don't like it and feel that you can't live here because of that then you should leave. This does not of course mean you have to leave. I like others have made it known that I don't want hunters on my land. To actually stop working with or buying things from, or doing business with, people who hunt is to my mind a bit over the top but then that’s Mazans choice. This attitude may have cost him dear in the past but neither I nor others know and should not assume.

It's interesting to see yet again people who hunt try to justify the reasons why by basically telling the public that it's good to hunt and it protects the environment, well I am sorry to say this does not really wash nobody can be that stupid to believe this statement surely, not even a hunter.

I have been attached to a hunt a few years ago up in the Midlands (UK), never caught a fox and apart from the social side of the meet saw no real benefit, just a load of people that get together on horse or foot for a good old chat and a few drinks. So seeing no real benefit I left, mainly because I got bored with it all.

The problem with hunting with guns and the form of ammunition they use here in France means that accidents do happen with at least one death per year in our area. Fortunately it's always a fellow hunter and not a member of the general public. My biggest problem is that for two mornings a week I can't walk my dog in the morning which is very inconvenient to my dog and to me. Other than that as long as they don't interfere with my day to day life they can just get on with it for all I care.

My final words re hunting in France are these, irregardless of how we feel about it we are guests in this country, we wanted to live here (OK there will always be a spouse who didn't) we made the choice so it is not fair or right for us to openly criticize the country, the people or their way of life especially when so many of us move here because that is exactly what we like. What you do behind your own front door is one thing but outside is another.

[Chouette]

"if you have never been involved in shooting it is you who are ignorant due to your lack of knowledge."

Having done plenty of research on the subject and having witnessed it going on first hand, I know a great deal about shooting/hunting thank you - it would indeed be ignorant to base an opinion on something without having done so. 

In the same way as I don't know you personally, you don't know me and therefore can have no idea to what extend I protest about hunting or what form it takes.  From the threatening tone of your posting I'm afraid you have just reinforced my opinion about the mentality of the type of person who pursues hunting for pleasure

[Mazan]

All of us that live and/or own property in France are well aware that they hunt, and they kill things. If you don't like it and feel that you can't live here because of that then you should leave. This does not of course mean you have to leave.

I don't see why anyone should leave. Hunters are a very tiny but very noisy minority in France. Most French people are against hunting. I see nothing wrong with trying to further the opinions of the majority with a view to eliminating a minority evil, especially one that is so pointless and avoidable. If hunting was a majority pursuit in France I would never have stepped of the ferry.

I like others have made it known that I don't want hunters on my land. To actually stop working with or buying things from, or doing business with, people who hunt is to my mind a bit over the top but then that’s Mazans choice. This attitude may have cost him dear in the past but neither I nor others know and should not assume.

As you point out, it makes no difference to the question but in fact it has cost me nothing, apart from a little time and effort.

My final words re hunting in France are these, irregardless of how we feel about it we are guests in this country, we wanted to live here (OK there will always be a spouse who didn't) we made the choice so it is not fair or right for us to openly criticize the country, the people or their way of life especially when so many of us move here because that is exactly what we like.

I couldn't disagree more. Anyone who lives and pays taxes in a country has just as much right to complain about what they think is wrong with that country as anyone else. And just as much right to strive for change.

[Quillan]

I don't see why anyone should leave. Hunters are a very tiny but very noisy minority in France. Most French people are against hunting. I see nothing wrong with trying to further the opinions of the majority with a view to eliminating a minority evil, especially one that is so pointless and avoidable. If hunting was a majority pursuit in France I would never have stepped of the ferry.

Well I am not sure that I agree with statement that the pro hunting people are in a minority in France, well not in my area anyway or in other parts of France that I have visited. I would say that I agree with you that it is not a big sport but whenever the subject is mentioned there are not many people who have been against it that I have come across, they either appear to hunt or just don't care. Perhaps it is somewhat different where you live.

I am surprised at your other comments. The fact that you pay tax here still does not give you right to tell the French what they can and cannot do, by all means give an opinion. My feelings were the same in the UK in as much as I didn't like people from other countries telling me what to do so now I am a foreigner in in France I don't presume to tell them what they should do. Perhaps when you go back to the UK to live you will come across this and understand what I mean.

I also suspect that in reality when you 'stepped of the ferry' that the in's and out's of hunting in France were not a major reason for you coming.

[WJT]

Mazan, well said couldn't agree more. I am against hunting but a bigger problem for me at least in my part of France is animal cruelty particularly to dogs (dare I say probably inflicted upon by the same sorts that enjoy blood sports). I have been told the same, I am a foreigner and I should just accept the way things are done. Personally, I have a hard time turning a blind eye and hope in time many others may start feeling the same.  Sometimes it may take an outsider to bring things to light. The excuse used that this is the way things are done in the sticks just doesn't wash with me anymore.

[chirpy]

DEAR ALBI

AS A PERSON WHO SPENT HIS LIFE WATCHING PAINT DRY OR REGETABLY NOT DRY I MUST TAKE ISSUE WITH YOUR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE ON SUCH AN IMPORTANT TECHNOLOGYFROM WHERE THE PAINT NEARLY ALWAYS DRIES IN HAUTE VIENNE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

YOU WILL NOW START A FIGHT WITH PAINTBALL GUNS -BACK TO BACK WALK 20 PACES ,TURN AND MAY THE BEST SH*T WIN.

[sharkhunter]

[quote]All of us that live and/or own property in France are well aware that they hunt, and they kill things. If you don't like it and feel that you can't live here because of that then[/quote]

I couldn't disagree more. Anyone who lives and pays taxes in a country has just as much right to complain about what they think is wrong with that country as anyone else. And just as much right to strive for change.

I would love to see you protest for women's rights in the former Saddam hussein's ran country of Iraq???? or even go to the MIddle East and tell them that the laws abolishing alcohol are petty and the people who take part in passing these laws are idiots.

Or, go and live in Cuba and protest about drug abuse and that all cartels should be outlawed( tho i must agree with that one ) and you will take a dim view of anyone who sells drugs near your property ha ha.

Now come on Mazan, this is all getting hilariously out of touch, shall we agree to disagree and leave it at that. The olive branch has been offered.

[Mazan]

The fact that you pay tax here still does not give you right to tell the French what they can and cannot do, by all means give an opinion. My feelings were the same in the UK in as much as I didn't like people from other countries telling me what to do so now I am a foreigner in in France I don't presume to tell them what they should do.

This is defeatist to say the least. Yes, I most definitely believe that all resident taxpayers have the right to criticise the way things are done and to change them, regardless of their nationality. The EU clearly thinks so too which is why they have given the vote to all EU citizens in the place in which they live. And I would defend the right of anyone living legally in the UK to object to or agree with what happens there as they see fit, no matter what nationality they might be.
If you were English living in Wales would you also silently accept everything that the Welsh might do? And if you were Cornish living in Essex, would the same apply?

[Russethouse]

I agree with Mazan, surely the French respect you more if you state your views and the reasons for them.(as long as they are well reasoned)

Whats the point of trying to integrate if you never feel 'allowed' to have a view.

[Mazan]

I would love to see you protest for women's rights in the former Saddam hussein's ran country of Iraq???? or even go to the MIddle East and tell them that the laws abolishing alcohol are petty and the people who take part in passing these laws are idiots.

Or, go and live in Cuba and protest about drug abuse and that all cartels should be outlawed( tho i must agree with that one ) and you will take a dim view of anyone who sells drugs near your property ha ha.

No matter where I lived I would be equally loud about things that I believe in. I probably would never live in any of the countries that you mention but I don't need to go that far to see the things you describe: they all take place in France also. I am against them too and not being French certainly doesn't stop me making that clear. I think that this is far better than just to float along a river of complacency, doing nothing. There are also things that I am in favour of and I make that clear as well.

Am I to suppose that all those who maintain that they are just "guests" here would sit back quietly with a cup of tea no matter what happened locally? Anyone with that attitude deserves everything that comes to them. 
A great French leader once said that "les Français sont des veaux" or "the French are like cattle". Clearly that applies also to many non-French residents.

[Badger]

I am trying to post a reply

[Badger]

I have been reading with interest the views on this emotive topic over the last few days and whilst I personally do not agree with hunting, feel that if it is done sensibly and humanly then each to their own.

However my first encounter with the local huntsmen was when my electric fence was cut, allowing my horses to escape on to a busy road leading into our local town, this was because, unknown to me it was blocking a short cut across my land!!!! I am not an unreasonable person nor unapproachable, but was never asked...... Second encounter, one hen was killed and another badly injured by a pack of hunt dogs in the garden feet from the house, at the same time an elderly horse was so frightened she injured herself and had to be put down a few days later......no apologies.. just an offer to compensate the hen, but it was never received.  Just to add insult to injury, as the hunters were being requested to leave, and not shoot or hunt on our private property, a small deer ran from the adjacent wood literally two feet away from myself, and was promtly shot, injured, and then the petrified animal was torn to shreds by the dogs, with no regard to myself or my wishes.

Now if this is an organised sport participated by intelligent people, then I for one along with most of our French Neighbours would like to see it banned. As a foot note. In the last three years that we have lived here there are now blackbirds in the trees along with thrushes and all sorts of other hedgerow birds that were so obviously missing when we moved here.