During the hunting period, natural areas remain frequented by runners, trail runners, hikers and other users. Running is presented as possible, as long as you plan your outing, identify the hunting periods along your route and stay alert to the information on the ground.
Before setting off, the first precaution is to check whether the route may be affected by a hunting activity, since hunting periods and methods vary by department, territory and hunted species. For state-owned forests, the ONF provides hunting calendars for the 2026-2027 season, with a search engine to look up dates and areas.
To choose your trail route, the hunting period may lead you to adjust your preparation slightly. The text recommends favouring routes that are easy to identify (marked trail, well-mapped route, reliable local information) and, if several routes are available, limiting passage through areas that could be affected, especially if there is no precise information about the days.
On site, paying attention to signage is key: during collective hunting actions for big game, temporary signs may be set up on or immediately next to public roads. In state-owned forests, the ONF also states that the presence of hunters is indicated on the periphery of the hunting lots on hunting days. If an area is announced as being subject to an ongoing hunt, you must not enter it.
If an ongoing hunt is discovered along the route, the text advises not to try to cross through it: you should stop or slow down to assess, stay visible, do not enter a signposted area, follow the instructions given on site, and then turn back or use the alternative route if necessary. If you need to wait, choose a place that does not interfere with operations in progress.
