Cantonal Popular Initiative – Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden

«For Professional Wildlife Protection»

Motion to the Landsgemeinde of the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden

Based on Art. 7 of the Constitution of the Federal Canton of Appenzell I.Rh. of 24 November 1872 and on the Ordinance on the Landsgemeinde

Submitted by [Name], [Place of residence AI], [Date]

Note: The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden is a Landsgemeinde canton. At the Landsgemeinde, all eligible voters of Innerrhoden may vote directly on constitutional and legislative proposals. A motion may be submitted by any single eligible voter. No signatures are required.

Motion

The Landsgemeinde of the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden resolves the following amendment to the Constitution of the Federal Canton of Appenzell I.Rh. of 24 November 1872:

Art. [new] Professional Wildlife Protection

1 The practice of hunting by private individuals (licence hunting, hobby hunting) is prohibited throughout the entire territory of the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.

2 The protection, care, and, where necessary, the regulation of wild animals shall be the exclusive responsibility of professionally trained wildlife managers in the service of the Canton.

3 The culling of wild animals is permissible only as a last resort, when all other suitable measures for damage prevention or hazard mitigation have been exhausted or proven insufficient. It requires prior approval from the Wildlife Commission.

4 The Canton shall establish an independent Wildlife Commission composed of representatives of animal and nature conservation organisations, the scientific community, and the relevant authorities. The Commission shall oversee wildlife management and decide on regulation measures.

5 The Canton shall promote the natural regulation of wildlife populations, the connectivity of habitats, and the coexistence of humans and wildlife.

6 The details shall be regulated by law.

Art. [new] Protection of Endangered and Protected Wildlife Species

1 The Canton shall refrain from submitting requests for preventive population regulation of protected wildlife species under the Federal Act on Hunting and the Protection of Wild Mammals and Birds, in particular of wolf, lynx, bear, beaver, otter, golden jackal, golden eagle, common merganser, and other species protected under federal law.

2 It promotes the coexistence of humans and wildlife, passive damage prevention, the ecological enhancement of habitats, and the scientific monitoring of wildlife presence.

3 Measures against individual wild animals that pose an immediate and significant threat to human safety remain reserved. Such measures must be limited to the absolute minimum and carried out by the competent cantonal specialist authority.

4 The canton actively advocates for the protection and conservation of threatened wildlife species within the framework of intercantonal cooperation and in its dealings with the federal government.

Transitional Provision

1 The Standeskommission shall enact the necessary implementing regulations within two years of the adoption of this constitutional amendment.

2 Existing hunting licenses shall expire upon the entry into force of the implementing regulations. Patent fees already paid for the current hunting season shall be refunded on a pro-rata basis.

3 The Standeskommission shall ensure the continuity of wildlife management during the transitional phase.

Explanatory Notes

1. Background

In the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden, the smallest canton in Switzerland with approximately 16’000 inhabitants across 173 km², today's hobby hunting is a system that serves neither species conservation nor contemporary wildlife management. It is the practice of a bloody recreational pastime at the expense of sentient beings, legitimized by outdated narratives that do not withstand scientific scrutiny. The claim that without hobby hunting the ecological balance would collapse has been empirically refuted for over 50 years by the Geneva model (cf. the comprehensive dossier on the Geneva hunting ban at wildbeimwild.com).

Hobby hunting in Appenzell Innerrhoden is organized as a patent hunting system. Private individuals obtain a cantonal license and hunt without fixed district responsibilities (cf. the Psychology of hobby hunting in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden as well as the critical analysis of hunting education at wildbeimwild.com).

The Alpstein is the defining landscape feature of the canton. The ibex, the chamois, and the golden eagle are native to the Alpstein. The lynx is present in the region. Since February 2025, beavers may be shot upon cantonal request. The Alpstein is a habitat of national significance (cf. the analysis of hunting policy at wildbeimwild.com and the wolf policy at wildbeimwild.com).

The Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden has the opportunity to set a clear example here. The Landsgemeinde provides the ideal democratic instrument for this: A single person can submit the motion, and the entire voting population decides directly. As Switzerland's smallest canton, Appenzell Innerrhoden could become a pioneer.

2. The Model: Canton of Geneva

On 19 May 1974, approximately two-thirds of voters in the Canton of Geneva voted in favor of abolishing the militia hobby hunt. The results speak for themselves:

– Biodiversity has increased markedly. The number of overwintering waterfowl has multiplied from a few hundred to approximately 30’000. Geneva today harbours the largest European hare population and one of the last grey partridge populations in Switzerland.

– The roe deer population has stabilised at a healthy level, with professional gamekeepers carrying out an annual special cull of merely 20 to 36 animals.

– In 2005, 90 percent of Geneva's voting population supported maintaining the ban. In 2009, a motion to reintroduce hobby hunting was rejected by 70 votes to 7.

– Total costs amount to approximately 1.2 million francs annually, roughly 2.40 francs per inhabitant per year.

Geneva's fauna inspector Gottlieb Dandliker describes the hobby hunting ban as the most cost-effective alternative. A detailed account can be found in the Dossier «Geneva and the Hunting Ban» on wildbeimwild.com. The efficiency of the Geneva model is evident in direct comparison: A professional gamekeeper in Geneva requires an average of 8 hours and a maximum of 2 cartridges for a sanitary cull of a wild boar. A recreational hunter in the Canton of Zurich requires 60 to 80 hours and up to 15 cartridges for the same task. The European hare density in Geneva is 17.7 animals per 100 hectares (the highest in Switzerland), while in the Canton of Zurich it is only 1.0 per 100 hectares (cf. Fact Check Zurich Cantonal Government).

3. The Concept: Professional Wildlife Management Instead of Hobby Hunting

The motion replaces hobby hunting with professional wildlife management based on the gamekeeper model:

Professional expertise instead of recreational amusement. Professional wildlife managers act on a scientific basis (cf. the critical analysis of hunting training).

Ultima ratio principle. A cull is only permissible when all non-lethal measures have been exhausted.

Democratic oversight through a wildlife commission.

Natural self-regulation as the guiding principle. Evidenced by Geneva, national parks and Studies.

4. Why Appenzell Innerrhoden?

Landsgemeinde: The most direct democracy in Switzerland. A single eligible voter can submit a proposal. No signatures required. The lowest threshold in all of Switzerland. The Landsgemeinde offers the opportunity to justify the proposal directly, personally, and publicly.

Smallest canton in Switzerland. Appenzell Innerrhoden covers 173 km². Geneva covers 282 km² and has been practicing professional wildlife management for 50 years. Appenzell Innerrhoden is even smaller than Geneva. What works in Geneva works all the more effectively on a smaller area.

Alpstein: Habitat of national significance. The Alpstein is home to ibex, chamois, golden eagles, and numerous other species. Professional wildlife management would protect this unique habitat more consistently (cf. wildbeimwild.com on protected areas).

Lynx in the region. The lynx is present in the region and naturally regulates the roe deer population (cf. wildbeimwild.com on predators).

Patent hunting system = easier system change. No lease contracts, no municipal compensation.

Pioneer role. As the smallest canton in Switzerland, Appenzell Innerrhoden could become a pioneer: proof that professional wildlife management works even on the smallest scale (cf. wildbeimwild.com on wildlife in urban areas).

5. On the proposal text

The six paragraphs of the first article and the four paragraphs of the second article correspond exactly to the Geneva model and the patent hunting variant of the entire initiative series. Compliant with federal law under Art. 3 para. 1 of the Hunting Act. Geneva has operated unchallenged since 1974. The wildlife commission prevents the Standeskommission from independently granting exceptions (cf. wildbeimwild.com/jagd-fakten).

6. On the second article: Protection of endangered and protected wildlife species

Golden eagle, lynx, and ibex are present in the canton. The "in particular" formulation also protects future returnees, especially the wolf, which is increasingly present in the region (cf. the wolf policy on wildbeimwild.com).

7. Cost implications

In Geneva (282 km², 500’000 inhabitants): 1.2 million francs annually. For Appenzell Innerrhoden (173 km², 16’000 inhabitants), the following deliberately conservative projection results, which generously accounts for additional alpine costs for the Alpstein:

Personnel costs: 240’000 to 420’000 francs. Two to three full-time positions are required. Appenzell Innerrhoden is situated in the heart of the Alpstein massif with the Säntis. The alpine topography demands specialists with knowledge of the terrain. The higher number of positions accounts for large carnivore management (the wolf has been documented in the Alpstein).

Operating costs: CHF 50,000 to 90,000. Damage compensation: CHF 20,000 to 50,000.

Herd protection start-up investment: CHF 200,000 to 350,000. A one-time investment for the Alpstein region spread over three to five years: livestock guardian dog programs, mobile fencing, night corrals. Appenzell Innerrhoden has a significant alpine farming economy that requires professional herd protection.

Lost revenue

With the abolition of hobby hunting, patent fees estimated at CHF 80,000 to 150,000 annually would be eliminated. However, these are offset by the never-accounted-for external costs of militia-style hunting — wildlife accidents, hunting-related browsing damage in protective forests, administrative overhead, police and court interventions — which amount to many times these revenues. In the Canton of Geneva, these revenues have been absent since 1974 — without any financial problems: before the hunting ban, over 400 hobby hunters were active; today, three full-time positions do the same job better. Sanitary and therapeutic culling by professional game wardens is not the same as regulatory hunting based on hunter folklore or the misunderstood "nature experience" of hobby hunters. A full cost analysis shows: militia-style hunting costs the taxpayer significantly more than it generates (cf. "What hobby hunting really costs Switzerland" on wildbeimwild.com).

Hobby hunters in politics vote against nature conservation. The hobby hunting lobby systematically opposes biodiversity and species protection concerns. In 2024, it fought against the biodiversity initiative (63 percent No). In 2020, the hunting law it had helped shape failed at the ballot box (51.9 percent No). In 2016, the Ticino hunters' association torpedoed the Parc Adula national park. During the 2015–2019 legislative period, hobby hunters in parliament predominantly voted against environmental concerns. Anyone who claims hobby hunters are conservationists is ignoring their voting record (cf. Ticino Hunters' Association: 30 Years of Nonsense and Cost Dossier).

Total gross costs: CHF 310,000 to 560,000. After savings (no license administration, hunting supervision, culling planning; a needlessly killed wolf costs CHF 35,000): Net additional costs CHF 150,000 to 350,000 annually. Compensatory reproduction – the artificially elevated reproduction rate caused by hunting pressure – subsides within a few years after the system change. For a canton with a budget of approximately CHF 188 million (2024 state accounts, FFA), this is modest (cf. Hunting Myths Fact-Check).

8. Compatibility with Superior Law

Compliant with federal law (Art. 3 para. 1 HuntA, three equivalent hunting systems, Geneva since 1974). Art. 7a HuntA permits but does not mandate preventive regulation. Unity of subject matter is preserved.

9. Anticipation of Foreseeable Objections

«Appenzell Innerrhoden is too small for its own wildlife management»

The facts: Appenzell Innerrhoden has 173 km². Geneva has 282 km². Appenzell Innerrhoden is even smaller than Geneva. What has worked in Geneva on 282 km² for 50 years works all the more readily on 173 km². 1–2 full-time positions suffice (cf. The Psychology of Hobby Hunting in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden).

Key message: «173 km². Geneva has 282 km² and has been doing it for 50 years. We are smaller – that makes it easier, not harder.»

«The Alpstein needs hobby hunting»

The facts: Professional wildlife management protects the Alpstein more consistently than hobby hunters. Ibex and chamois self-regulate in the alpine zone. The lynx regulates the roe deer population.

Key message: «The Alpstein needs professional protection, not recreational shooters.»

«The costs are too high»

The facts: CHF 150,000 to 350,000 in absolute terms. The lowest costs of the entire series. Affordable for a canton with a budget of approximately CHF 100 million.

Key message: «CHF 150,000 to 350,000. The lowest costs of all cantons.»

10. Summary

This motion gives the Innerrhoden Landsgemeinde the opportunity to vote in favor of modern, evidence-based wildlife management. The Landsgemeinde is the ideal democratic instrument: a single person submits the motion, the electorate decides directly. As the smallest canton in Switzerland, Appenzell Innerrhoden could become a pioneer: 173 km² – smaller than Geneva, easier to implement, lowest costs. The lowest democratic threshold and the lowest costs of the entire series.

Applicant: [Name], [Address], [Place of residence AI]

(Any person eligible to vote in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden may submit a motion to the Landsgemeinde.)

Appendix: Supplementary documentation

Geneva Model in detail: wildbeimwild.com/dossiers/genf-und-das-jagdverbot

Scientific studies: wildbeimwild.com/studien

Hunting in Switzerland: wildbeimwild.com/jagd-in-der-schweiz

Psychology of hobby hunting in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden: wildbeimwild.com – Psychology of hobby hunting in the Canton of AI

National parks: wildbeimwild.com/category/nationalpark

Hunting myths: wildbeimwild.com/dossiers/jagdmythen

Cantonal popular initiative Basel-Stadt: Model text Basel-Stadt

Procedural note

A motion to the Landsgemeinde may be submitted by any individual person eligible to vote in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden. The motion must be submitted to the Chancellery (Ratskanzlei) in due time. The motion is published in the Landsgemeinde mandate. The Executive Council (Standeskommission) issues its position. The motion is put to a vote at the next ordinary Landsgemeinde (held on the last Sunday in April each year). The applicant has the right to present the motion in person.

Strategic briefing for activists

Motion «For professional wildlife protection» – Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden Internal working document – As of March 2026

Summary

Appenzell Innerrhoden is a Landsgemeinde canton and the smallest canton in Switzerland. A single person can submit the motion. No signatures required. 173 km², 16’000 inhabitants. Smaller than Geneva (282 km²). Lowest costs in the series: 80’000–200’000 francs. The Alpstein as a valuable habitat. The Executive Council (Standeskommission) as the executive body.

1. Distinctive feature: Landsgemeinde procedure

No signatures. A single eligible voter can submit the motion.

Personal justification. The applicant presents the motion in person at the Landsgemeinde (3–5 minutes).

Direct vote. The voting population decides by a show of hands.

Deadline. The Landsgemeinde takes place on the last Sunday in April each year. Submit the motion to the Chancellery (Ratskanzlei) in due time.

2. Opponent analysis

«AI is too small»: «173 km². Geneva has 282 km². We are smaller – that makes it easier.»

«The Alpstein needs hobby hunting»: «The Alpstein needs professional protection, not recreational shooters.»

«The costs are too high»: «150’000 to 350’000 francs. The lowest costs of all cantons.»

3. Key Messages

«Smaller than Geneva. Easier to implement.» 173 vs. 282 km².

«Geneva has been doing it for 50 years.» 90 percent approval.

«The Landsgemeinde decides directly.» No detour through party politics.

4. Timeline

Phase	Content	Timeframe
Prepare motion	Consult a legal expert; finalize text	Month 1–3
Submission	Cantonal Chancellery, in time before the Landsgemeinde	As per Cantonal Chancellery
Media work	Appenzeller Zeitung, Appenzeller Volksfreund	After submission
Support network	Pro Natura AI; BirdLife; local animal and nature conservation associations	Ongoing
Landsgemeinde speech	3–5 min., clear, fact-based, personal	Before Landsgemeinde
Landsgemeinde	Last Sunday in April; present the motion; show of hands	Landsgemeinde day

5. Tips for the Landsgemeinde Speech

Short and clear. 3 to 5 minutes. Start personally. Geneva as proof. «Geneva has been doing it for 50 years. 90 percent want to keep it.» Size argument. «We are smaller than Geneva – 173 versus 282 km². What works there works even better here.» Concrete costs. «150’000 to 350’000 francs.» Close with an appeal. «Vote for professional wildlife protection. For the Alpstein. For our Innerrhoden.»

6. Special Challenges

Small canton, close-knit community. In a canton with 16’000 inhabitants, everyone knows each other. The person submitting the motion must expect to be personally approached about it.

Conservative fundamental attitude. Appenzell Innerrhoden is conservative in character. The campaign must rely on facts, not emotions. The Geneva argument («smaller than Geneva») and the cost argument («lowest costs of all cantons») are the strongest cards.

7. Sources

This document is a template text by IG Wild beim Wild. It may be freely used by activists, organizations, or motion proponents and adapted to the conditions in the Canton of Appenzell Innerrhoden.

Fact-check: The claims of the hobby hunting lobby

The brochure «Die Jagd in der Schweiz schützt und nützt» (Hunting in Switzerland protects and benefits) by JagdSchweiz reads like a promotional pamphlet – yet its central claims do not withstand a fact check. Ten narratives put to the test, from «state mandate» to «biodiversity» to «80% approval»:Dossier: Fact Check JagdSchweiz Brochure →