just a few more bits of info. I spoke to my sister in Bordeaux, her neighbour's boyfriend is a bow hunter, at least she thinks so. She will speak to him tomorrow, and hopefully I'll get more direct info from him.
So far the only restriction on the bows seem to be that: the string must be over 95cm in length; automatic releases are forbidden. That's all I have found so far. Traditional bows are allowed, I found some for sale. I found an article that states, dont' buy french bows, reasons given: far too expensive, the guy uses American made bows, recurve and trad. I have found nothing against home made bows, so far, there might be, but I have not fount it.
Arrows minimun weight of 30grams, the point must have 2 cutting edges 40mm long each, and the point must be within a 25mm diameter circle, I assume this means the 2 back edges of the point must not be more than 25mm across.
All arrow must be permanently marked with your hunting permit's number; if only one arrow not marked your are illegal and liable to prosecution.
I have just found a page in the official French Federation where they give instructions and advice to impecunious french wannabe hunters
So that means homemade equipment is acceptable as long as the few requirements are adhered to.
I saw the minimum weight required but I lost the page
I think its 45 to 55 or 60lbs for small animals and 60 to 75lbs for large animals suck as deer and boars but, I will double check.I have not yet found anything about costs.
I'll post any further info as I get them.