Hunting glue is no longer allowed

This technique involves applying glue to branches or chopsticks, called gluals, to essentially capture live thrushes and blackbirds. They are then taken off and caged in order to attract other wild birds drawn by the hunters by their song. These calling birds are released at the end of the season. This traditional hunt, prohibited by the Birds Directive of 30 November 2009, was still authorized by way of derogation after the publication of a decree setting the quota for each department.

The Council of State has been consulted by animal welfare organizations calling for a ban on hunting with glu and hunting federations calling for it to be maintained and considers that this technique cannot be authorized as it stands. When questioned by the State Council in late November 2019, the European Court of Justice issued an opinion in favor of its ban in March 2021. The Council of State agrees with this view. It annuls the French legislation allowing the hunting of thrushes and blackbirds because it is contrary to European law. For him, it is not shown that the other birds accidentally caught with this method are in small numbers and without serious consequences. Moreover, the fact that it is a traditional hunting method is not sufficient to justify a derogation.