Basel Hunting Law: A Timid Commission
If the police or the military regularly produced as many casualties as the hunting debacle does, hardly anyone would speak of responsible use of firearms.
With the new Wildlife and Hunting Act Basel-Stadt is acquiring a modern legal framework for the protection of wild animals and birds.
A Paradigm Shift Toward Wildlife Management
Also for a new regional wildlife management approach and for cantonal cooperation in the area of hobby hunting. The new Office for Forest and Wildlife of both Basels will in future serve not only as the lead authority, but also as a “centre of expertise” for regional authorities, hobby hunters, and the general public.
The JSSK welcomes the paradigm shift toward a wildlife management approach that places equal emphasis on the protection, promotion, and use of wild animals and their habitats.A motion to introduce state-managed hunting was clearly rejected by the commission.
Apart from editorial adjustments, the commission made only a few changes, under which only the cruel driven hunt and loud hunting are permitted, and a permit is required to carry out earth hunting.
The largest age group among amateur hobby hunters is the 65+ bracket — those with age-related, visual, concentration, and reaction impairments, as well as training and practice deficits. From the age of 40 onwards, the number of accidents rises dramatically.
The Geneva Model as a Blueprint
Both the accuracy of hobby hunters and their alcohol consumption, as well as the many hunting accidents themselves, give serious cause for concern. In the canton of Zurich, for example, there is an alcohol ban during hobby hunting, and in various other cantons lead-free ammunition is already mandatory.
If one truly wishes to engage with biodiversity in one’s home region, Geneva with its state-employed game wardens is an exemplary success story that has attracted attention well beyond its borders.
Controversial Leash Requirement
The leash requirement during the main fawning and breeding season was the real pièce de résistance of the proposal. The committee considered various approaches, but no viable compromise beyond the cantonal government's draft could be found.
HOBBY HUNTER RADAR
On the trail of concealed animal welfare offences, poaching and/or criminal activity? Report suspicious cases to us! Help with the great Hobby Hunter Radar.
