A liberalised gun law has come into force in New Caledonia, making it easier for hunters to obtain rifles.
It is now sufficient to produce an identity card, a hunting licence and a medical certificate confirming physical and mental aptitude to buy a firearm.
There is no limit on the number of arms that an individual may buy.
Previously, a firearm could only be bought after an application was approved by the French high commission or the police - a procedure that used to take several months.
