In their book Ils ont tué Bambi, released this Friday by Editions Le passager clandestin, journalists Maïlys Belliot and Stephan Ferry, both from the environmental sector, share the results of a two-year investigation into hunting in France. The book offers a detailed and balanced view of hunters, portraying them not just as people who kill animals but also as individuals who care for and protect the natural environment. The authors argue that hunters and environmentalists, despite their differences, often share similar goals and that meaningful dialogue between the two groups is both possible and necessary. The hunting season in France typically begins in late September, aligning with the release of the book. Belliot and Ferry were inspired to explore the world of hunting after seeing an advertisement in the Paris metro that described hunters as "the first ecologists in France." This statement intrigued them, prompting them to investigate further and uncover the realities behind such claims. The authors explain that hunters play a significant role in maintaining natural areas. They help preserve trails, have deep knowledge of local terrain, and work closely with farmers, foresters, and local governments. However, tensions persist, especially when it comes to hunting certain species that are under conservation protection. Each practice and species must be evaluated individually, the authors note, as the impact on the environment can vary widely. Despite these tensions, the book highlights instances where hunters and environmentalists have found common ground. For example, an association manager in the Morbihan region began conversations with hunters after a chance encounter, leading to collaborative efforts. These cases show that while conflicts exist, opportunities for cooperation are present. However, the authors acknowledge that in some areas, the relationship can be strained and even hostile. The authors challenge common stereotypes about hunters, emphasizing that the hunting community is not a monolith. They address concerns about safety and alcohol use, noting that while alcohol-related hunting accidents have decreased over the past twenty years, they are not yet eliminated. Alcohol is involved in 5% of hunting accidents in the last decade. They also mention that the accuracy of shooting is not a factor in obtaining a hunting permit, though awareness of this issue has grown due to criticism from anti-hunting groups. The authors suggest that banning hunting is not a straightforward solution. They argue that French nature has been deeply influenced by human activity, including urban development and agriculture. Replacing hunters with wolves for population control, they say, would be impractical and could lead to problems for farmers. Hunters play a role in maintaining ecosystems, such as by controlling cervid populations that can damage young forest growth. Socially, hunters contribute to their communities through volunteer work, averaging 27 days of service per year—more than three times the national average. The authors conclude that while disagreements exist, dialogue and mutual recognition of shared goals are essential.