In Vienne, the prefect Jean-Marie Girier simplifies everything, “in the face of agricultural demands”.
The 150 meter strip prohibiting hunting around homes has just been completely removed.
In other words: “Hunting will now be authorized (…) subject, of course, to general safety rules.”
The measure explicitly aims to “increase the pressure” on wild boars and limit damage to crops.
In 2023, 756 ha were destroyed by big game, including 60% by wild boars alone, notes the Vienne Hunters' Federation.
The prefectural announcement, however, took its representatives by surprise, who do not intend to be targeted or “frighten” the populations.
“The objective is not to hunt everywhere”
“The objective is not to hunt everywhere, but only in certain well-defined areas, where the city mixes with the forest,” says Maxence Ronchi, the director of the Poitevin federation, forced into “education”.
Nearly 1,200 private hunting territories are directly affected.
For the 290 others, managed by approved municipal hunting associations (ACCA), “the hunting right belongs to the landowner of the plot”, tries to reassure Maxence Ronchi.
In short: a written agreement must systematically be issued to the hunters of these Acca to allow them to approach a dwelling and open fire nearby.
“We will have to work in harmony and support change to limit conflicts of use,” anticipates the boss of hunters.
Since June 2023, 7,800 wild boars have been slaughtered in Vienne.