Hunting in Switzerland: Criticism, facts, studies and news

In short: Wild beim Wild is an independent platform for fact-checking, research, and background analysis on hunting in Switzerland. We examine claims, contextualize sources, and show what data, studies, and applicable hunting laws actually reveal.

Why is there game among the game?

The hunting debate in Switzerland is highly politicized. Figures, individual cases, and studies are often used selectively, sometimes without context or with oversimplified conclusions. "Wild beim Wild" addresses precisely this issue: We make statements verifiable, identify uncertainties, and clearly distinguish between facts, interpretation, and evaluation. This provides orientation in an emotionally charged debate on hunting criticism .

What stance does the platform take?

Wild beim Wild criticizes recreational hunting as a socially and animal welfare-related problematic practice. We argue with verifiable sources, documented cases, official data , and research literature. The goal is a transparent debate about whether and in what form hunting fits into a modern nature conservation policy .

Why is Geneva a role model for a hobby-hunting-free society?

The canton of Geneva is the key reference case in Switzerland demonstrating that a region can function without recreational hunting. Since the ban on private hunting, the state has assumed responsibility for the necessary wildlife management. Where intervention is required, it is carried out by cantonal agencies and game wardens, adhering to clear rules, transparency, and oversight. For wildlife, this means less disturbance from hunting; for the public, greater transparency; and for policymakers, a real-world model that shows: abolishing recreational hunting is practically feasible.

How can I recognize that you've conducted a fact check?

A fact check answers a clearly formulated claim. We show where it comes from, what data exists to support it, and what conclusions can be drawn from it. Not every topic allows for a simple yes-or-no answer. In such cases, we identify the limitations of the available data and explain the necessary assumptions. This methodology deliberately differs from opinion-driven articles on hunting.

What topics does Wild beim Wild cover?

The focus is on hunting policy, hunting law, culling, animal suffering, animal rights , enforcement practices, wildlife management, and the role of authorities and associations. Content is grouped into thematic dossiers to allow for faster classification of recurring political initiatives.

Why do you refer to them as predators and not as large carnivores?

Terms shape perception. The term "predator" functionally describes what animals like wolves or lynxes are biologically, without evoking images of threat. This linguistic precision is central to the debate surrounding wolves, lynxes, foxes, and their coexistence .

How do you deal with predators, protection, and coexistence?

We distinguish between conservation status, management tools, and actual conflicts. Coexistence is a matter of planning, prevention, funding, and enforcement. We analyze which measures demonstrably work and how political decisions are made, for example, regarding the management of wild animals and livestock farming.

Is this a news site or a dossier project?

Both. In addition to current articles, we are building long-term knowledge bases. Dossiers provide a structured introduction and help to identify and classify recurring arguments in hunting policy more quickly.

How do you ensure transparency?

We cite sources, link to original documents, and separate opinion from verifiable statements. If a study's reliability is limited, we state this openly. Especially with regard to kills, population figures, or damage reports, context is crucial to avoid misinterpretations.

How can I use the platform effectively?

For the public, media, and politicians, it offers guidance on a complex and emotionally charged topic. Use current articles to contextualize events and open the dossiers to a broader understanding. For political discussions, we offer verified sources and argumentation aids, for example, for cantonal initiatives .