I am looking to move to the west of France from the UK in the next 12 months hopefuly and I am after any advice about shooting clubs and rifle ranges in France and also about French hunting licences and how to get one. I already have a European Firearms pasport but what do i need if i am a resident there .
Hope some one can help me ??

Bob

Since a couple of years, the italian hunting licence is recognised in France; the same thing can possibly happen with the UK hunting license.
Some french members will certainly be more knowledgeable.

Bob,

I've seen (and used for Firearms Transfer from Uk to Germany) a listing at our local Hunting Licesnce Authorities a European Union Agreement on which EU countries recognize or offer reciprocating Agreements on Hunting Licenses, Firearms Transfers and FAC's.

Can't speak about French Regulations specifically but I'm sure several of our regular French AR contributors can assist with what you're looking for.

Germany was fairly easy to get the tranfers for one UK Clay Pigeon Shooter (Sport Licesnce & Shotgun Certificate), and a Swedish hunting colleague for both his Firearms Registrations (FAC's vs. German WBK's) and a German Hunting License.

The consideration that I highly recommend for European country-to-country transfer is not only the European Firearms Passes (that's all fine & good for attempting Firearms transfers) BUT obtaing the documentation required FOR CAUSE. If you're a Sport Shooter and only require firearms for a specific type of Sport Shooting, i.e., Hanguns for Target, IPSC or another hangun Disipline or a Shotgun for Clay Pigeon Disiplines or a Hunter. The vast majority of UKer's DO NOT (due to UK Law) possess an English HUNTING LICENSE. I would suggest obtaining one at the earliest opportunity. This may make the entire process easier since you are basing a request to own Firearms on a Cause; i.e., transferring a Hunting License from one EU member state to another; IF the French require or accept such.

Most of the EU countries base Firearms Ownership on "Cause" or "a Reason"; i.e., Sport Shooting or Hunting; so if the "reason" isn't already on hand; no Firearms Ownership is granted OR you have to start again from scratch which is naturally more difficult given another country, culture, laws & language.

Good Luck.

Hi Reiver

You don't need any hard paperwork. A foreigner having either a hunting permit or shooting license from his country will obtain a hunting license in no time. The hitch being to find a place where to hunt. You have to discuss with a couple of hunting associations but that can be handled.
Concerning shooting ranges, they are numerous. I'll look at that and find a list of all of them.
If I can help, feel free.
good luck

Thanks for that Jean
if you can let me know if you find any more info concerning shooting ranges it would be most help full.
Bob

Reiver, what part of the "west" of France are you relocating to?