Defense shootings simple and reinforced have been removed and replaced by a single type of shooting.
TRUE. Simple defense shootings and reinforced defense shootings have been merged into a single device: the defense shooting, with different modalities depending on the predation circles (0, 1, 2, 3 – see list of municipalities in Puy-de-Dôme).
In circle 2, an authorization from the prefecture must be obtained to carry out a defense shooting.
FALSE. In circles 0, 1, and 2, the defense shooting is declarative (no need for prior authorization). Only circle 3 requires authorization from the prefect, conditional to the prior implementation of frightening shots.
Cattle and horses, regardless of the circle and having implemented at least one protective measure, can also benefit from a shooting authorization.
To make a defense shooting declaration in circle 2, it must be proven that the herd is protected.
FALSE. The defense shooting declaration is no longer conditioned to the implementation of protective means for sheep and goats. The FNO, however, recommends to farmers in circle 2 to make a declaration, without waiting for an act of predation, to be reactive in case of an attack.
In circle 3, it is now possible to obtain a defense shooting, which was not the case before.
TRUE. Livestock in circle 3 can now obtain a defense shooting, provided they justify predation pressure on the herd and have carried out frightening shots beforehand.
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The defense shooting declaration must include the farmer’s coordinates, the nature of the herd, and the operation locations.
TRUE. The declaration for circles 0, 1, and 2 must include:
- the recipient’s identity (name, first name, address, telephone, email),
- the nature of the concerned herd (sheep, goats, horses, cattle),
- protective measures (if implemented),
- operation locations (< proximité of the herds).
For circle 3, farmers must provide:
- elements proving the predation pressure,
- a report on the frightening shots.
A receipt is issued by the prefect and published in the collection of administrative acts.
Defense shootings can be carried out anywhere, even in natural reserves.
FALSE. Defense shootings are prohibited in:
- national natural reserves (if their creation includes wildlife conservation),
- the heart of national parks where hunting is forbidden.
They are allowed in immediate proximity of pastures and ranges enhanced by the farmer.
The wolf must be in the vicinity of the herd to be shot.
FALSE. The text specifies that the wolf must be near the herd, but not necessarily in an attacking position.
The shooting register is maintained with the new decrees.
FALSE The shooting register is maintained. Farmers must continue to keep track of operations. Night vision goggles (passive infrared) are authorized for all farmers.
Night vision goggles (passive infrared) are authorized for all farmers.
FALSE. The use of shooting goggles with light intensification or passive infrared is reserved for OFB agents and wolf lieutenants.
In circle 2, the validity period of a defense shooting is 5 years if the livestock is protected.
TRUE. The validity is 5 years for protected or recognized non-protectable livestock (circles 0, 1, 2) and 2 years for unprotected livestock (circles 0, 1, 2) or all livestock in circle 3.
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The wolf brigade can intervene unconditionally for protected livestock.
TRUE. For protected or recognized as non-protectable livestock, the wolf brigade can intervene without conditions. For unprotected livestock (circle 0, 1, 2 and 3), wolf brigade intervention is subject to the coordinator prefect’s agreement in case of exceptional damages.
The Mobile Intervention Brigade (BMI) can intervene on unprotected livestock without the farmer’s agreement.
FALSE. For unprotected livestock (circle 0, 1, 2, and 3), BMI intervention requires:
- the coordinator prefect’s agreement,
- the farmer’s commitment to implement protection measures within 12 months.
There can be up to 3 shooters per lot for a defense shooting.
TRUE … but under conditions.
The general rule allows a maximum of 2 shooters per lot. The presence of 3 shooters is possible with the prefect’s derogation (criteria to be specified by instruction). However, only 1 shooter is allowed in the heart of a national park (if the decree allows hunting).
Shooters must have undergone OFB training and be listed by the prefect.
Shooting authorizations issued before April 2026 (old decrees) are still valid.
FALSE. Authorizations issued under the old decrees (2024 or 2020) are assimilated to the new declarations/authorizations and remain valid for the remaining period.
The new shooting protocol has been applicable since April 1, 2026.
TRUE. The application of the new protocol has been effective since April 1, 2026.
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