Société de Vènerie (French Hound Hunting Association) (SV)

La Société de Vènerie (SV) serves as the primary governing and representative body for the practice of vènerie, or hunting with hounds, in France. As an organization dedicated to this traditional art, it acts as the central pillar for the community of hunters, known as veneurs, who engage in this ancestral method of pursuing wild game using packs of hounds.

Core Mission and Objectives

The fundamental mission of the Société de Vènerie is to preserve, promote, and regulate the practice of hunting with hounds across the country. Its core objectives include:

• Fostering Community: Uniting the various hunting crews (équipages) and individual practitioners under a common banner.
• Professional Development: Providing specialized training for professionals and enthusiasts involved in the sport.
• Ethical Advocacy: Upholding the values and ethics of the sport, emphasizing the respect and love for the hounds, horses, and wild animals involved.
• Promotion: Educating the public on the nature of vènerie as a natural, selective, and traditional hunting method.

Activities and Scope

The organization oversees a vast network of approximately 350 hunting crews distributed across 70 French departments. Beyond the coordination of these crews, the SV is highly active in organizing cultural and competitive events, such as the Championnat de France du Cheval de Chasse et du Cavalier-Veneur and various hound competitions. It also maintains a strong cultural presence through the promotion of the trompe de chasse (hunting horn) and the publication of educational resources, podcasts, and media communications.

Philosophy and Rules

The Société de Vènerie defines the practice as an art form based on the instinctive behavior of hounds. It emphasizes that the sport is deeply rooted in the principles of natural selection, noting that the wild animal often evades the pack due to its superior knowledge of the biotope and physical capabilities. The organization enforces strict codes of conduct and best practices to ensure that the welfare of the animals—both the hounds and the quarry—remains the foundation of every hunt. By maintaining these standards, the SV seeks to ensure that vènerie continues to be recognized as a legitimate and respectful interaction with the natural world, wild environment.