Appenzell switches to lead-free hunting ammunition

At its meeting on Tuesday, 25 January 2022, the cantonal government passed a partial revision of the cantonal hunting ordinance.

In addition to various technical adjustments to hunting regulations, a ban on lead-containing rifle ammunition was introduced as an important new measure in the hunting ordinance.

The partial revision of the cantonal hunting ordinance included numerous adjustments governing, for example, the use and training of hunting dogs or the timing of the start of the hunting season. The restriction of lead-containing hunting ammunition was also examined as part of these legislative adjustments. Lead is a powerful environmental toxin. Accumulation along the food chain leads to secondary damage, which can affect birds of prey in particular. The use of lead-free rifle bullets in hunting is well-established and has already been implemented in other cantons. The situation is different for shotgun ammunition, for which no suitable lead-free alternatives currently exist. In consultation with the cantonal licensed hunters’ association, a ban on lead-containing rifle ammunition was therefore incorporated into the hunting ordinance.

Transition period until the start of the 2024/2025 hunting year

To give Appenzell Ausserrhoden’s hunters sufficient time to switch to the new type of projectile, lead-containing ammunition will remain permitted during a two-year transition period. During this transition period, the licensed hunters’ association will actively support hunters in making the switch to lead-free rifle ammunition. Appropriate courses have been prepared by the Licensed Hunters’ Association of Appenzell Ausserrhoden and will be offered to hunters in the upcoming training season. The revised hunting ordinance came into force on 1 February 2022.