14 October 2017

Hunting Season

sunrise this morning



Today was the perfect morning for a cycle ride; Paul complained it was so cold it made his face go numb. Nevertheless, the sun was shining and I was in good spirits.  It wasn’t until we heard the hounds howling that I remembered it was Saturday (I know!) and the hunters would be out and about.

I get very nervous during the hunting season.  French hunters frequently shoot each other accidentally with stray bullets. While we are happily cycling through the woods we could easily get mistaken for a deer and become a target.  Or recognised as an Englishman and become a target. (In the UK you would be a target just for riding a bicycle).

They drive their vehicles like loons, racing to the next location where some prey has been spotted. Their howling hounds will race out from the trees and jump all over you before you know it.  These great lolloping, long eared hunting dogs are not like polite English labarador retrievers.

We got home in one piece, Rick gave us a wonderful welcome and then raced off to stand on the wall and howl with the hounds.
French hunting hound



13 comments:

  1. I could hear the guns here too. They also drive their trucks like loons and sometimes have shooting accidents. I didn't go walking this morning.

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  2. Those crazy French! What are they hunting for? The secret to immortality?

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    1. They completely encircle a wood and then start shooting. Someone gets shot by a stray bullet, quelle surprise!

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  3. Those French hunting hounds are very beautiful. Pity they are used for such a so called sport.

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    1. They are very common in this part of France.

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  4. I laughed at your last sentence; I'm imagining Rick howling with the hounds!
    Greetings Maria x

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  5. wow, that would be disconcerting to say the least, worrying about being shot! Glad you are unscathed!

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    1. I think we are safe as long as we stay on the roads but the hunters here are a bit crazy.

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  6. I do hope Rick doesn't decide to join them next time they pass by. Tell him to just keep howling !
    I hate hunting in all it's forms, and here they shoot at small birds when there's no other game.

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    1. I don't think Rick would join them, he just likes to protect his territory.

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  7. I always tell Lady M that wearing her furry waistcoat, and amusing red Christmas antlers, is not a good idea when walking in the woods. She won't listen to me!

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