Fine Hunting

Ireland, Land of the Sika Deer
Exceptional hunting dog expeditions
Kamchatka, hunting the Siberian bighorn
The invitation from Catalonia to the Camargue
Falconers: from the palace to the bell tower

Sika deer were introduced to the United Kingdom in 1840 by the Emperor of Japan, who presented some specimens to Queen Victoria on an official visit. Today, the largest populations of Cervus Nippon can be found in Ireland. We head into the Wicklow Mountains to find the most representative specimens of the species. Accompanied by a keen hunter, we discover the subtleties of approaching Sika deer and the behaviour of this “black devil”.

Black grouse, authentic wild red-legged partridge, mountain woodcock... Which hunting dog enthusiast hasn’t dreamed of setting off in search of such rare, valuable and iconic game? From the eastern Pyrenees to north of the Alps, via the summits of Corsica, the shores of the Mediterranean and the highest plateaus in the land, we follow these thrill seekers in their slightly crazy quest for game and exceptional hunting grounds.

To the east of Siberia, the Kamchatka Peninsula is renowned for its breathtaking wilderness. For lovers of big game it’s an extreme playground, as much for the enormous size of the area as the requirements of this quest. Between lost valleys and mineral mountains, on the edges of the world, we join the recreational hunters searching for the most emblematic of the snow sheep: the Nivicola.

In this film we set off to discover two exceptional regions steeped in tradition: Catalonia and the Camargue. Two hunters will share their experiences and be confronted, in turn, with a biotope unknown to them, living in total immersion alongside their host.

In recent years, the job of falconer has really taken off! Assignments range from scaring gulls away from palaces to eliminating pigeons nesting in village bell-towers, the protection of crops, airports, nuclear power plants and football and rugby stadiums. Their quiet, flexible, fast and natural working methods have received immediate approval from the general public. Over the course of a year, we follow two professional falconers as they carry out their numerous, varied and spectacular missions!