On March 18 and 19, everything unfolded at the International Center of Deauville (Calvados). The seaside resort hosted the general assembly and congress of the National Federation of Hunters (FNC), bringing together hundreds of participants from all over France. Departmental and regional federations, overseas delegations, partners, and officials showed the strong local presence and structuring of the hunting world.
In various spaces of the CID, from the Michel d’Ornano auditorium to the dedicated halls for socializing, the organization allowed for a mix of institutional sequences and exchanges.
The presence of state representatives and national and local elected officials gave the event a clear political dimension in Deauville. The debates centered on biodiversity, rural life, and land management, asserting the intention of hunting to have a say in future decisions.
Willy Schraen, president of the FNC, despite a triple leg fracture, made a strong impact. His discourse, offensive and assertive, defended hunting as a lifestyle, a commitment to nature, and a space of freedom for over a million French people. He rejected common misconceptions and highlighted the role of hunters in biodiversity management, claiming tangible results.
The direct criticism against the French Office for Biodiversity in Deauville left a lasting impression. Willy Schraen denounced a deviation in the mission and practices of the institution, particularly related to lead-related fines, which he deemed excessive, and an interpretation of laws diverging from European jurisprudence.
The FNC president also criticized some positions of the OFB at the European level, especially regarding potential moratoriums on certain species. He advocated for a science-based management approach, emphasizing the need to preserve current balances.
Another sensitive topic was the funding of the OFB. Willy Schraen criticized the support given to anti-hunting structures, pointing out the paradox as hunters significantly contribute to the institution’s budget. In Deauville, he clearly raised the issue of these finances’ return.
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