You can imagine my surprise when, yesterday morning, I left the house to find three hunters amongst the Sunflowers, about 20 yards from my front door.
They looked like a bunch of ex-Army mercenaries. They were wearing full camouflage clothing, and two of them carried very high-powered-looking rifles, with big fat silencers and telescopic sights. The third just had a pair of binoculars. The two with the guns had them resting on shoulder-height 'props'.
They stood in amongst the Sunflowers looking south into the valley below; hoping, no doubt to see a few Deer with targets painted on their sides.
As soon as they saw me they turned and went away. I tried to take a photo of them, but only managed to take one of the grass. However I did see them get into a car and they drove off. You might just see their car behind the leafy twig in the middle of my awful photo above.
Hunting here starts on September 8th, so what these people were up to I have no idea; poaching I presume.
With all the kit they had, it was more like target practice than hunting. Thank goodness no Deer were about, they wouldn't have stood a chance.
I'm not anti hunting, but I do like it to be done correctly, and with safety in mind. These people would have been shooting blind, without seeing what was behind their targets; an absolute SIN in the world of hunting. There are always a few deaths amongst hunters each year, no doubt that will continue!
I hope they didn't shoot anything.
At least they didn't mistake you for a deer, Dear!
ReplyDeleteOne of my uncles had a hunting licence. As you say, there are rules and regulations to be observed not least with the seasons. He had some majestic stag heads hanging at the wall; I believe - in his case - not so much to show off as to pay tribute and a certain reverence for the animal.
Make sure Billy isn't mistaken for Bambi. Gulp.
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I used to shoot, but not very successfully. However, I did learn all the golden rules, which the French seem to ignore. Billy just barked at them.
DeleteIf they took off they obviously knew they were up to no good. Your appearance was good timing. They know you're in residence so hopefully won't reappear, though by September 8 I presume you'll be gone.
ReplyDeleteThey sound awfully over equipped. Big game hunters. Looking for woolly mammoths tippy toeing through the sunflowers
Big game indeed. When I went shooting it was with a shotgun, not with some battle-field rifle. I don't think they'll be back.
DeleteOh...I'm not sure I would want to be confronted by three wannabe Rambos armed to the teeth!
ReplyDeleteI must say, I was quite shocked to see them there. Right in front of our house too. They could have gone anywhere, and not been disturbed.
DeleteSounds a bit scary! They are probably used to the cottage being empty so were as surprised as you when you appeared.
ReplyDeleteWho knows. They didn't look like locals.
DeleteAnd it isn't wise to shout to men with guns, 'Oi! Get off my land!' Did you consider reporting it? They may have been up to no good.
ReplyDeleteI was just happy to see them go!!!
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