Ardèche Departmental Association of the National Club of Woodcock Hunters (C.N.B. 07). Founded on August 25, 1998, and headquartered in Saint-Laurent-du-Pape, our organization is the regional heartbeat for those who view the pursuit of the “Queen of the Woods” not merely as a sport, but as a scientific passion, an ethical commitment, and a way of life.

Registered under SIREN 943 417 774 and RNA W072001697, we operate as a certified Social and Solidarity Economy (ESS) nonprofit. We are dedicated to ensuring that woodcock hunting remains an elite practice defined by conservation, biological study, and deep respect for the environment.

1. Our Mission Statement

“To protect the woodcock and preserve the integrity of its pursuit through scientific research, hunter education, and habitat advocacy.”

The mission of the C.N.B. of Ardèche goes far beyond the field. We act as the bridge between the sporting community and the scientific world. Our primary goals include:

• Scientific Monitoring: We serve as field sentinels. In collaboration with national networks, we study the life cycles, migratory patterns, and population health of the Eurasian Woodcock.

• Ethical Advocacy: We promote the “point and flush” method, practiced exclusively with pointing dogs. For our members, the beauty of the dog’s work and the survival of the species take precedence over the harvest.

• Public Policy & Management: We represent the interests of bécassiers (woodcock hunters) before public authorities, proposing sustainable management measures (such as Daily Bag Limits and emergency cold-weather closures) based on real-time biological data.

• Species Protection: We work tirelessly to ensure that the methods and measures regarding woodcock hunting are constantly evolving to favor the protection of this migratory game.

2. Our Vision for the Future

Our vision is to foster a landscape where traditional rural heritage and modern ecological science exist in perfect harmony.

We envision the Ardèche department as a sanctuary for biodiversity where the hunter is the first line of defense for the ecosystem. In an era of rapid climate change and habitat loss, our vision is to secure the future of the woodcock by protecting the wetlands and forest undergrowth they call home. We strive to be the leading authority in our region for sustainable hunting, ensuring that the “mysterious woodcock” continues to inspire future generations of naturalists and sportsmen.

3. Our Core Values

The C.N.B. of Ardèche is built on four pillars that guide every decision we make:

I. Respect for the Species

The woodcock is a noble and mysterious bird. Our members adhere to a strict code of conduct where the bird is always given a fair chance. We advocate for voluntary moderation, often setting standards that are stricter than legal requirements to ensure population stability.

II. Cynophilist Excellence (The Bond with the Dog)

There is no woodcock hunting without the dog. We value and promote the specialized training of pointing breeds. The bond between the hunter and their canine partner is the core of our tradition—a pursuit of harmony rather than a search for a trophy.

III. Scientific Integrity

We believe in “Data over Intuition.” Our members contribute to wing-reading programs and age-ratio studies. This rigorous data collection provides us with the credibility to speak on behalf of the species in legislative halls.

IV. Community & Stewardship

We are a community of volunteers. We share knowledge, field observations, and stories with a spirit of fraternity. We are not just hunters; we are the stewards of the Ardèche forests.

4. Our Impact and Activities

Since 1998, we have implemented several key programs to fulfill our nonprofit status:

• Technical Workshops: We host annual sessions to train hunters in identifying age and sex through wing analysis, which is crucial for monitoring the reproductive success of the species.

• Migration Tracking: We centralize regional observations to provide an accurate map of woodcock presence in Ardèche, helping to prevent over-hunting during peak migration periods.

• Habitat Management: We consult with forest owners to maintain the specific environmental conditions—such as young coppices and damp soils—that woodcocks require during their winter stay.

• Legislative Representation: We act as a consultant for the Departmental Federation of Hunters (FDC 07), ensuring that hunting regulations are always aligned with the biological reality of the terrain.

5. Transparency and Registration

As a transparent nonprofit organization, we provide all relevant legal identifiers for our partners, donors, and members:

• Registration Number (RNA): W072001697

• SIREN: 943 417 774

• Legal Form: Registered Association (Association déclarée)

• Headquarters: 346 Route de Leouzee, 07800 Saint-Laurent-du-Pape, France

• Sector: Sports, Recreation, and Wildlife Conservation