The French connection
A MERE 22 MILES OF water separates England from France, yet the differences in culture between the two countries are enormous. The French are every bit as passionate about fieldsports as we are, possibly even more so, but when it comes to shooting they go about it in a markedly different way.
There are driven pheasant shoots in France, but they are few in number. When Harold Macmillan shot in France as a guest of General Charles de Gaulle, our Prime Minister was reportedly unimpressed with the low-flying birds.
French shooting, says it all, for the chase is what it is all about. Most shoots are community affairs, meeting every Sunday during the season. The shooting is largely walked-up, so by far the most popular dogs are HPRs or setters. The French are a nation of dog lovers, so a shoot will often include a variety of non-sporting dogs, some simply accompanying their masters for the exercise rather than the sport.
