Autumn colours draw walkers into the forest just as the hunting season is in full swing. In the Vosges, opening is listed as 20 September 2026 and closing as the evening of 28 February 2027, according to the Vosges departmental hunters’ federation page published by the national federation. This period therefore covers the whole late season, the All Saints’ holidays and the start of winter. This guide gathers what official sources allow us to state, and the habits recommended by the French hiking federation.
The dates to remember
Opening is listed as 20 September 2026 and closing as the evening of 28 February 2027. These dates are set each season by prefectural order, and the national federation specifies that hunting is not necessarily impossible before then: local circumstances may allow an early opening or a longer period. The Vosges hunters’ federation adds, about its 2026 dates for waterfowl and migratory birds, that they may change during the season. Some species have their own periods: the federation mentions specific individual and silent hunting openings, by stalking or from a hide, from June to September and in February in some sub-massifs. The main point is that, according to the FFRandonnée, drives may take place from time to time.
Hunting hours
Legally, the hunting day starts one hour before sunrise and ends one hour after sunset, calculated at the département’s chief town. In snow, hunting is limited to a few cases: waterfowl, big game under a hunting or management plan, fox and underground hunting.
The FFRandonnée habits
The French hiking federation sums up sharing the woods in five gestures. Staying on waymarked paths reduces the chance of meeting a hunting area. Wearing bright clothing signals your presence. Keeping your dog on a lead protects the animal. Reading warning signs helps you spot drives, which happen occasionally: the town hall knows the exact dates, and these drives generally do not last all day. Finally, approaching hunters is encouraged: they advise staying quiet, going around an area or keeping a suitable distance.
Where and when to hike with peace of mind
Waymarked leisure paths around the lakes and villages remain the simplest choice. For loop ideas, see our hikes with children in La Bresse and the guide to autumn colours in La Bresse. If you pick mushrooms, the mushroom rules in the Vosges add to these precautions. Stag-rut enthusiasts will find observation spots in our article on the deer rut. Seasonal outing ideas are gathered in things to do in La Bresse in October and the guide to the All Saints’ holidays.
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Frequently asked questions
When is hunting open in the Vosges in 2026-2027?
From 20 September 2026 to the evening of 28 February 2027, according to the national hunters' federation for the Vosges département. The dates are set each season by prefectural order, and some species may be hunted earlier or over a longer period.
What time does hunting start and end?
Legally, the hunting day starts one hour before sunrise and ends one hour after sunset, calculated at the département's chief town, according to the Vosges hunters' federation.
Can people hunt when there is snow?
Only in a few cases: waterfowl, big game under a hunting or management plan, fox and underground hunting. The federation defines hunting in snow as the ability to follow game by its tracks.
What should I do if I come across a hunting drive?
Respect the warning signs and stay on waymarked paths. The FFRandonnée advises asking the town hall for drive dates and talking to hunters.