Context: hunting in Switzerland
This section provides context on the platform of IG Wild beim Wild and situates the articles published here on hobby hunting in Switzerland.
Why Wild beim Wild critically examines hobby hunting in Switzerland
In short: Wild beim Wild is an independent platform for fact-checks, research and background analysis on hunting in Switzerland. We examine claims, evaluate sources and show what the data, studies and applicable hunting law actually reveal.
Why does Wild beim Wild exist?
The hunting debate in Switzerland is highly politicized. Numbers, individual cases and studies are often used selectively, sometimes without context or with abbreviated conclusions. Wild beim Wild steps in precisely there: we make statements verifiable, identify uncertainties and clearly separate facts, interpretation and evaluation. This provides orientation in an emotionally charged hunting criticism debate.
What position does the platform take?
Wild beim Wild criticizes hobby hunting as a practice that is problematic both for society and for animal welfare law. We argue on the basis of verifiable sources, documented cases, official data on crime and hunting as well as research literature. The aim is a transparent debate on whether and in what form hunting fits into a modern nature conservation policy.
Why is Geneva a hobby-hunting-free model?
The canton of Geneva is Switzerland's central reference case showing that a region can function without hobby hunting. Since the hunting ban for private hunters, the state has taken over the necessary wildlife management there. Where interventions are required, they are carried out by cantonal specialist agencies and wildlife wardens, with clear rules, transparency and oversight. For wildlife, this means less recreational disturbance from hunting; for the public, greater accountability; and for politics, a real-world model demonstrating that abolishing hobby hunting is practically feasible.
How can I recognize a fact-check on your site?
A fact-check addresses a clearly formulated claim. We show where it originates, what data exist on it, and what conclusion follows. Not every topic allows a simple yes-or-no answer. In such cases, we identify the limits of the available data and explain the necessary assumptions. This methodology deliberately differs from opinion-driven commentary on hunting.
What topics does Wild beim Wild cover?
The focus is on hunting policy, hunting law, killings, animal suffering, animal rights, enforcement practice, wildlife management and the role of authorities and associations. Content is bundled into thematic dossiers so that recurring political initiatives can be classified more quickly.
Why do you speak of predators rather than large carnivores?
Terms shape perception. The term predator functionally describes what animals such as the wolf or lynx biologically are, without activating images of threat. This linguistic precision is central to the debate around predators in Switzerland: wolf, lynx, fox and coexistence.
How do you approach predators, protection and coexistence?
We distinguish between protection status, management instruments and actual conflicts. Coexistence is a question of planning, prevention, funding and enforcement. We analyze which measures demonstrably work and how political decisions come about, for example in dealings with wildlife and livestock farming.
Is this a news site or a dossier project?
Both. Alongside current articles, we are building long-term knowledge collections. Dossiers offer a structured entry point and help identify and contextualize 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. When the body of evidence on hunting studies is only of limited reliability, we say so openly. Especially when it comes to culling figures, population numbers, or damage reports, context is crucial to avoid misinterpretation.
How can I make good use of the platform?
For the public, media, and political actors, it offers orientation in a complex and emotionally charged topic. Use current articles to contextualize events, and open the dossiers for the bigger picture. For political discussions, we provide vetted sources and argumentation aids, such as model texts for parliamentary motions in cantonal parliaments.