Hunting, to be sustainable, relies on rigorous management of animal populations. This principle, known as game management, aims to maintain a balance between wildlife, natural habitats, and human activities. Far from common stereotypes, this management is based on scientific data, regulated practices, and the commitment of the hunters themselves.
In this article, let’s explore the main principles of game management in France.
What is game management?
Game management refers to all actions aimed at regulating animal specie whether huntable or not—with the goal of sustainability and biodiversity. It follows a strict legal framework and requires in-depth knowledge of the local ecosystem.
It involves:
- The regulation of abundant or invasive species (e.g. wild boar, foxes),
- The The protection of declining species,
- The preservation of natural balances (wildlife, flora, agricultural activities).
Who implements it?
Several stakeholders collaborate in game management:
- Departmental Hunting Federations, which collect data, plan actions, and train hunters.
- Offices for Biodiversity (OFB), responsible for oversight, expertise, and species monitoring.
- Natural area managers, such as farmers, foresters, or local authorities.
- Hunting associations, which apply hunting plans in the field.
The tools of game management
1. The hunting plan
Mandatory for certain species (deer, roe deer, fallow deer, mouflon…), the hunting plan sets a precise number of animals to be taken per territory each season. It is issued by the prefecture, based on proposals from the departmental federation.
Example of a useful product:
– Rifle scope for hunting – Europarm
2. The harvest booklet
This document accompanies certain types of game (hare, woodcock) and allows individual tracking, often using numbered tags.
Available at Europarm : marking accessories & official tags.
3. Land management
Game management also involves improving habitat:
- Planting hedgerows,
- Preserving wetlands,
- Practicing sustainable forestry.
Hunters often take part in this work, especially through volunteer efforts organized by their hunting association.
Sustainable and responsible hunting
Game management demonstrates that modern hunting can be compatible with nature conservation. When properly regulated, it even plays a key role in:
- The Limiting agricultural damage,
- The Preserving natural habitats,
- The Scientific monitoring of populations (via the OFB).
To hunt is also to manage —with rigor, passion, and responsibility.