The general legal framework
In France, night hunting is generally prohibited for most species and hunting methods. The fact that the "daytime" hunting permit grants the right to hunt only during legal hours (sunset/sunrise) is mentioned in Article L. 424-4 of the Environmental Code.
In parallel, the use of devices night vision or Thermal (glasses, modules, etc.) is strictly regulated: they cannot be mounted on the weapon for shooting use without complying with the conditions.
The existing exemptions
However, there are cases where night hunting is permitted, but always under certain conditions:
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For night waterfowl hunting: certain departments allow night hunting from fixed installations ("huts," "tonnes," "gabions") when it is a local tradition. The hunting is then conducted from a fixed position.
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For big game or pests (such as wild boar): prefectural orders may authorize night shooting in "difficult" areas or under special regulations.
The departments concerned
Regarding the departments where night hunting is specifically mentioned:
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Night hunting of waterfowl is allowed in 27 departments French, subject to registered fixed installations and a hunting tradition.
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For night shooting of wild boar: for example, in the departments of Alsace-Moselle (Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin, Moselle), local law allows the use of night vision scopes and night shooting of wild boar between April 15 and February 1.
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Other departments allow strictly regulated night shooting: for example, in the Cher department, an order permits night shooting as part of wild boar regulation.
What it means for "night vision"
When we talk about " night vision"(infrared glasses, thermal vision...), one must distinguish the use:"
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Observation or spotting : Some thermal monoculars or binoculars can be used handheld to spot game or check after a shot, without being mounted on the weapon.
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Use of shooting with mounted device : it is much more restrictive. Weapon-mounted equipment (thermal scope, clip-on module) remains largely prohibited for active hunting in France.
Thus, even in departments where night hunting is permitted, the use of a night vision scope mounted on a weapon may not be legal or may require specific authorization.
In summary
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By default: night vision hunting is prohibited in France.
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Exceptions: some departments (particularly for waterfowl) allow night hunting from fixed positions.
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Night vision: the use of thermal devices or infrared is strictly regulated; mounting on a weapon remains, in most cases, prohibited.
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For a hunter interested in night vision, it is essential to Check the prefectural order of the department concerned, as the local rules vary greatly.
Practical advice
Before engaging in a hunt with night vision:
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Consult the website of the prefecture or the departmental hunting federation of the concerned department to check if there are any specific authorizations.
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Verify that the night vision equipment is used within the legal framework (handheld or authorized on a weapon according to the device).
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Ensure that night hunting is carried out in a licensed facility if it involves waterfowl, or within the framework of a well-defined prefectural decree for big game.
- Comply with security obligations, collection logs, declaration, etc.
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