Forests belonged to the ruler, especially along the border zones, and played not only an economic, but also a strategic role – felled trees were used as a form of fortification called 'abatises'. It was considered proper to look after forests, and only the ruler could decree whether his subjects could cut down trees for construction. The ruler could also allow farmers rights to graze their livestock or to make charcoal, but on condition that the hinds and does could bear their young unhindered. The subjects had to cut the grass and dry the hay on forest meadows and were allowed to catch hares. Hunting of other game by anyone except the owner or his appointed huntsman was, however, prohibited under strict penalties.
In the forests of the time the tree cover was largely of beech and fir and mixed oak, in which only certain timber varieties would be felled: oak for water structures, beech for charcoal-burning etc. Overall, forest cover in the Middle Ages suffered considerable intervention and in some places was completely wiped out.
Hunting was always a source of meat and furs, mainly for the lesser nobility. For the aristocracy, courtly hunting was more for enjoyment, being much cheaper entertainment than tournaments, while providing similar thrills. Hunting became a favourite pastime and chasing game with dogs became almost a ritual. Hunting weapons were similar to those used in battle: bows, crossbows, spears, daggers. Dogs were used to track and chase down game until the exhausted animal stood its ground in last defence. Then came the moment for the hunters (up till then only following the sound of the baying hounds), to down the animal with an arrow or spear. Finishing off on the ground was done with a sword or dagger.
Falconry - hunting with a falcon and other specifically trained raptors (goshawks and sparrowhawks) was more of a fashion, a pursuit for both men and women.
Gamekeeping and hunting in the Middle Ages were not only for amusement, but chiefly a source of great profit for the nobility who owned the woods. The feudal gamekeepers and huntsmen also undertook woodsmanship - in addition to their obligation to look after the game, they took charge of the forest and its protection. In the forests it was prohibited to hunt deer, fallow-deer, boar or any other game, violation of which was a criminal act subject to heavy fines, or even, in the case of repeated infringements, physical punishment. The same was true for unauthorized logging and collecting of timber. Many poachers came from the ranks of the poor and had not very much to lose, which quite often resulted in physical conflicts with the huntsman when they were caught red-handed.