The class consisted of seven men - two from Scotland, one from England, one from Switzerland and one from Luxembourg. I was the only American attending because the other two scheduled to join us were unable to secure air transportation to Europe due to the events of September 11.
Beginning at 8 am, the instructors commenced a series of lectures covering the history and current status of the Reserve National des Bauges; the balance between the region's flora and fauna; game management in the Reserve and surrounding areas; identifying the age and sex of animals to be hunted and what to expect of the animals in their habitat. One lecture covered tracking wounded game with dogs.
After the lectures, we went to a firing range, where each hunter was expected to fire his rifle. The range requires you to fire uphill at about a 25-degree angle at a distance of about 100 meters (approximately 109 yards). The next day, we were ready to start the hunt. There is no written examination required to pass the class and receive your license.
The hunting here is conducted by driving up to an established trail where you climb the mountain. I expected the climbing to be more difficult than it........(continued)
