When entering or travelling in France

French hunting Licenses and the French law

1. If you have applied for a temporary French hunting license through us then we will hold this for you at Chateau de Villette unless specifically requested otherwise.
2. Transportation of guns is allowed in France if you are in possession of a valid French hunting license or a European Firearms Pass and carry the gun in a sleeve or case separate from its ammunition.
3. When hunting, you must always carry with you :
   • Your hunting licence or the equivalent administrative document, granted in your home country.
   • Your validation form for the current hunting season, issued by a « Fédération Départementale des Chasseurs » (local Hunting Federation).
   • Your Insurance Form, normally provided at the same time as the temporary French hunting license,  proving that you subscribed a Civil Liability Insurance (« Assurance Responsabilité Civile « ) with an Insurer enabled to sell, on the French territory, specific insurance against hunting risks.

NB. always check this website for the latest and up to date information.

When travelling from the United States

Excerpt from the Official T.S.A. Regulations:

• When traveling, comply with the laws concerning possession of firearms as they vary by local, state and international governments.
• Declare each firearm each time you present it for transport as checked baggage. Ask your airline in advance of your day of travel about limitations or fees that may apply.
• You may transport unloaded firearms in a locked hard-sided container as checked baggage only. Declare the firearm and/or ammunition to the airline when checking your bag at the ticket counter.
• Firearm parts, including magazines, clips, bolts and firing pins, are prohibited in carry-on baggage, but may be transported in checked baggage. 
• Only the passenger should retain the key or combination to the lock unless TSA personnel request the key to open the firearm container to ensure compliance with TSA regulations. You may use any brand or type of lock to secure your firearm case, including TSA-recognized locks.
• The container must completely secure the firearm from being accessed. Locked cases that can be easily opened are not permitted. Be aware that the container the firearm was in when purchased may not adequately secure the firearm when it is transported in checked baggage.
• Contact the TSA Contact Center with questions you have regarding TSA firearm regulations and for clarification on what you may or may not transport in your carry-on or checked baggage.

NB. always check this website for the latest and up to date information.

Dressing for any day in the field requires a balance of taste and practicality but the etiquette involved when dressing for Driven Wingshooting varies in formality and style, dependent on the day, the weather and the quarry. Driven pheasant, partridge or duck shooting will generally require more formal attire, (considered respectful to both your host and the quarry).  It’s always sensible to check with your host to ensure you dress appropriately for the day. If in doubt it’s advisable to opt for a smarter turnout but certainly green and brown earthy tones (but not camo) are a suitable start for any day.

Essentials on any Driven wingshooting day at Chateau de Villette.

• Ear defenders are a must to protect your hearing, which can deteriorate over time if you shoot regularly without proper protection. They vary in style and budget, from disposable ear plugs to more technical options which cancel harmful noise levels only. Chateau de Villette has a modest stock of Ear defenders should you noy have any.

• Ensure you have plenty of cartridges, of the correct bore and a good cartridge bag to carry them. For ease of use and protection, but also obligatory when travelling in a car, you will need a gun sleeve. You could invest in a cartridge bag and gun sleeve but we have both available for you to use at Chateau de Villette.

• For ease of use and for helpful shooting tips during the day, Chateau de Villette has loaders available for you to use. Having experienced loaders usually increases the effectiveness of yourself in getting the required bag.
  The loaders will also carry your equipment and if you are happy with their performance you can tip them at the end of the day (we would recommend €70 per day per loader).

• A hat will shield your eyes from the elements, and a tweed cap flat is suitable for all types of shoots.

• Good footwear that gives you a stable base and suits the terrain you are on is vital. During dry days we would recommend walking boots, during wet days rubber boots. Research the weather to see which is most suitable for your day.

• On the smartest driven days many men wear a three piece suit. They will at least be expected to wear a shirt and tie with tweed breeks or trousers, which compliment, if not match their shooting vest and jacket. If you have opted for plus fours or breeks you will need shooting socks with garters as well. It’s worth investing in good quality socks as you could be walking lots and blisters can spoil a day.

• Women also wear breeks, although there is a degree of flexibility. A shooting skirt or culottes for example or even smart cotton, cord or moleskin trousers are acceptable as well on most shoots when teamed with a shirt and/or knitwearwith a shooting vest and jacket.

• On less formal driven shoots, moleskin or cotton breeks or trousers are suitable (denim jeans are not appropriate) and a fleece gilet and or woolen jumper over a shirt will suffice.

• If you are a guest but not shooting, you are still expected to turnout as neatly and in appropriate colours just as the guns, albeit not in technical clothing (warmth and good footwear is still paramount). It is considered respectful to not just your host but a traditional nod of respect to the quarry.

• In winter months it’s very possible you’ll be in cold and wet conditions so investing in a good field coat is key. Something warm, waterproof but breathable and with enough room for you to comfortably move without hindering your swing is important.  Likewise, weather proof gloves with good grip are advisable. Being cold and wet inevitably means being miserable which is neither good for your morale nor your company’s!

• Felt Wad Cartridges, Please note it is compulsary to use "felt wad" cartridges at Chateau de Villette.

• Lead shot is allowed in France.

• We have a stock of 12 and 20 bore cartridges for those who wish to purchase “felt wad” cartridges.

• We offer rifle or shotgun hire (12 or 20 bore over and under or side by sides)

• Dress for dinner is smart casual