Blow Against the Valais Hunters' Mafia

They receive suspended fines and penalties. In Naters, poaching had been a topic in the village for years.

In April 2011, the Valais cantonal police opened an investigation into poaching in Upper Valais. During house searches, a total of 91 weapons and 121 trophies (red deer, roe deer, ibex, and chamois) were seized. Among these were modified hunting rifles, fully automatic weapons, and prohibited weapon accessories.

For several years, the three poachers operated across various regions of Upper Valais, killing dozens of wild animals using weapons that had in part been illegally acquired.

During the investigation, it emerged that two of the accused had engaged in poaching over several years, primarily on the Natischerberg.

Some of the game meat was resold or given away by the perpetrators. Ten other individuals, including eight hobby hunters, were found to have committed violations of Swiss weapons law in connection with this case. In most instances, these involved illegal arms trafficking.

The 13 men are Upper Valaisans between the ages of 21 and 66. Four individuals were temporarily detained during the investigation. The proceedings were led by the public prosecutor's office of the Upper Valais district.

Police launched an investigation, tracked the men down, and ultimately seized several trophies and weapons.

One of the accused was handed a suspended fine of 300 daily rates at 110 francs each. He also lost his hunting licence for two years. The second individual involved was sentenced to a suspended prison term of 18 months and a fine of 900 francs, and must also cover procedural costs of 2,200 francs. The third person likewise received a suspended fine of 300 daily rates at 95 francs each, plus a fine of 750 francs and procedural costs of 1,100 francs.

All three accused must pay compensation to the canton amounting to approximately 6,000 francs. The verdicts are final and legally binding.

In Switzerland, after a two-year training program, one can obtain permission to use the professional title of Wildlife Warden with Federal Certificate of Proficiency . Wildlife wardens in Switzerland primarily perform functions related to hunting planning, hunting law enforcement, and wildlife management. They are vested with the powers of the judicial police and prosecute offenses in the areas of hunting, fishing, nature conservation, and the protection of fungi and plants.

As a rule, wildlife wardens only shoot sick, wounded, or injured wild animals.

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• Dossier: Hunting and Weapons
• Dossier: Hunting Laws and Oversight
• Dossier: The Wildlife Warden Model
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• Hobby Hunter Radar: Report a Suspected Case
• Template Text: Recreational Hunting and Crime