St. Gallen wants to regulate the wolf pack on the Gamserrugg mountain.

The Office for Hunting and Nonsense of St. Gallen has submitted an application to the federal government.

The aim is to reduce the wolf pack on the Gamserrugg mountain.

From September 2024, mass killings of wolves will be possible under certain circumstances. The aim is to reduce damage to livestock, particularly in areas where herd protection measures are in place. This is also intended to keep wolves wary in the future. At the end of August, at least four pups were documented on a wildlife camera trap belonging to the new Gamserrugg wolf pack. This fulfills the requirements for the Office for Hunting and Nonsense to submit an application to the federal government for another mass killing. The canton can submit further applications as soon as pups are documented in other packs.

The IUCN's (International Union for Conservation of Nature) leading expert group, the "Canid Specialist Group," sharply criticizes the Swiss Federal Council for its latest hunting ordinance of December 2023 aimed at regulating wolf populations. The group argues that the approach is unscientific and contradicts the Bern Convention.

In a letter dated November 21, 2023, the IUCN expresses its deep concern and objection to the proposed legislative changes and the planned persecution of wolves in Switzerland. This strategy, they state, is “unscientific and contradicts the latest findings in modern predator management.” They further explain: “A sound policy in today’s world includes the protection and restoration of nature, which goes hand in hand with the positive development of society, the economy, prosperity, and health.” In their letter, they outline what modern wolf management entails and urge Switzerland to take a leading role globally with a contemporary and scientifically sound wolf management approach.

In the Gamserrugg pack, a maximum of half of this year's pups could be authorized for culling. The parent wolves will remain protected for the time being. This measure aims to slow the growth of the wolf population and teach the remaining wolves to avoid humans and livestock. The goal, according to the St. Gallen Office for Hunting and Nonsense, is to reduce livestock kills in protected areas in the future.

The cantonal game wardens are primarily responsible for implementing wolf management regulations. However, the canton can authorize trained individuals to support the game wardens in wolf management on a voluntary basis. Therefore, as in the previous year, recreational hunters will be involved.

The federal government decides which packs may be regulated. After approval, the canton can order the culling.

Dossier: Wolves in Switzerland: Facts, politics and the limits of hunting

St. Gallen Hunting Administration Dossier:

• Dominik Thiel: Wolf hunters at state expense – a department head as a security risk for wildlife protection
• Psychology of hunting in the canton of St. Gallen
• Hunting season until New Year's Eve: Shooting pressure instead of wildlife management
• Patented hunting as a solution to red deer conflicts?
• St. Gallen Hunting Authority: Wolf management without science and without credibility
• The permit to shoot a wolf in the canton of St. Gallen was unlawful.
• Dumbing down of the people in the canton of St. Gallen
• The Office for Hunting and Nonsense in St. Gallen is modernizing hunting training
• St. Gallen wants to regulate the wolf pack on the Gamserrugg mountain.
• Controversy surrounding Swiss officials involved in wolf hunting in Russia
• “Experts” in St. Gallen end wolf management for this winter
• The bad apple in the St. Gallen hunting administration
• Lie hunter became department head in the canton of St. Gallen.
• St. Gallen: Stop the fox and badger massacre
• Are the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) and the hunting authorities still working responsibly?
• How amateur hunter Simon Meier leads people astray

Participate in this campaign: Due to the disastrous policies of Federal Councillor Albert Rösti (SVP), request a waiver of federal and cantonal taxes from your local council following the recently approved culling of wolves in Switzerland. You can download a sample letter here: https://wildbeimwild.com/ein-appell-fuer-eine-veraenderung-in-der-schweiz/