Is ShotKam Legal for Hunting in France?

Short answer: yes. In France, cameras mounted on a hunting gun are allowed by exemption if the video starts automatically when you fire, the device is no longer than 15 cm, and it is mounted under the barrel. The ShotKam Gen 4 meets all three conditions.

Updated: November 2026

What the rules say

Since the arrêté of 30 July 2025, in force since 3 August 2025, the French arrêté of 1 August 1986 on hunting methods allows, by exemption, devices with video triggered automatically by the shot, no longer than 15 centimetres and mounted under the barrel of a firearm.

1. Automatic triggering by the shot. The shot starts the recording.
2. No manual triggering. The Fédération nationale des chasseurs states that users must not switch on the device's manual trigger function.
3. A maximum length of 15 cm, mounted under the barrel.

Why they were banned

Cameras on hunting guns were banned in May 2015 at the request of the Fédération nationale des chasseurs, mainly over concerns that hunters would sweep areas with a loaded gun to film. On 7 February 2025 the Conseil national de la chasse et de la faune sauvage gave a mostly favourable opinion on bringing them back. After a revised wording requested by the hunting federations, the text was approved by 21 votes, ahead of the arrêté of 30 July 2025.

Does the ShotKam Gen 4 comply?

Yes. The ShotKam Gen 4 is under 15 cm long and mounts under the barrel. It records automatically when you fire: it detects the gun's recoil and saves the seconds before and after the shot.

Important: when hunting in France, use shot-triggered recording only. Do not use manual triggering or Constant Record mode on a hunting gun; keep those for the range and practice.

Filming your hunt responsibly

• Safety first. Never point your gun at anything to film it. ShotKam records on its own when you fire.
• Film to improve. Use your footage to understand your shot: barrel position, lead and follow-through.
• Think before you post. Ask other hunters before publishing videos they appear in, and keep footage that could shock to yourself.
• Follow local rules. Check with your hunt organiser.

Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg

These rules apply in France. Hunting is regulated differently in Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg, so check with your federation or local authority before using a ShotKam when hunting there.

Clay shooting

ShotKam is an excellent training tool at the clay ground. However, French ball-trap federation (FFBT) rules prohibit gun-mounted micro-cameras in competition.

This article is for information only and is not legal advice. Rules can change, so check the current text on Légifrance. Sources: arrêté of 1 August 1986 as amended (Légifrance); Fédération nationale des chasseurs, Flash Info.