Template texts for hunting-critical initiatives in cantonal parliaments

More and more parliamentarians want a hunting policy that respects animals and nature – and they fail not for lack of political will, but for lack of time to draft concrete parliamentary initiatives. This page brings together all the templates in one place.

On this page you will find over 80 ready-to-use template texts (including cantonal popular initiatives) for hunting-critical motions in cantonal parliaments and beyond. IG Wild beim Wild thereby provides template texts for motions, postulates, popular initiatives and other parliamentary proposals free of charge. Each text can be adopted directly, adapted to the canton and submitted. The texts are structured thematically according to the seven categories of wildbeimwild.com — so that you immediately find the relevant scientific background and sources you need to justify your motion.

Important notes on use

• All texts are templates and must be reviewed legally and formally against the cantonal legal situation before submission.
• Names of laws, article numbers and parliamentary formats (motion, postulate, interpellation) must be completed at cantonal level.
• The template texts consistently distinguish between licence hunting (around 65% of cantons, no territorial responsibility) and territorial hunting — please check the relevant arrangement in your own canton.
• Mandate holders, parties, organisations and committed private individuals may freely adopt and adapt all texts.
• Legal notice: IG Wild beim Wild accepts no liability for the legal correctness of submitted texts.
• For questions on canton-specific adaptation: Get in touch →

1. Fundamentals & Hunting in Switzerland

These motions target the basic structure of hobby hunting in Switzerland — from closed seasons and hunting bans to the exemption of private land. Scientific background, legal foundations (JSG, cantonal hunting acts, TSchG) and arguments can be found in the Dossier: Fundamentals & Hunting in Switzerland →

• Hunting rest on private woodland: exemption of private property on ethical grounds
  Landowners should be given the right to exempt their properties from hunting on ethical grounds — analogous to regulations in several EU states and the Geneva model.
• Ban on fox hunting: a science-based and animal-ethical reorientation of cantonal hunting policy
  According to the available research, fox hunting has no demonstrable population-regulating effect. This motion calls for a ban enshrined at cantonal level on the basis of the Federal Act on Hunting (JSG).
• Abolition of small game hunting: protecting endangered species from hobby hunting
  Several small game species (brown hare, grey partridge, woodcock) are on Switzerland's Red List. This proposal calls for an immediate hunting ban on endangered species.
• Ban on the release of farmed animals for hunting purposes
  Releasing farmed animals for hunting purposes creates kill opportunities where no population exists. The proposal calls for a cantonal ban and a review of huntable species without a proven wildlife population.
• Ban on driven hunts
  Driven hunts involving beaters, dogs and numerous shooters pose an increased safety risk and cause massive stress for wild animals. The proposal calls for a cantonal ban.
• Protection of young animals and parent animals: consistent closed seasons and rest zones
  Scientifically grounded closed seasons and spatial rest zones during breeding, birthing and rearing periods should be firmly anchored in cantonal law.
• Hunting suspension during heatwaves and on burnt areas
  Heatwaves and forest fires strike wild animals at a time when their energy balance is already stretched to the limit. The proposal calls for an automatic hunting suspension when a heat warning is issued and a multi-year exclusion period on burnt areas.
• Illegal high seats: freeing forests from hunting-related sprawl
  Unauthorised high seats and hunting infrastructure unlawfully obstruct public forest areas. The proposal calls for systematic checks and dismantling obligations.
• Hunting ban following the Geneva model: replacing hobby hunting with professional wildlife management
  The canton of Geneva abolished hobby hunting in 1974 and replaced it with state-run wildlife management. The proposal calls for a corresponding pilot project or a popular initiative in one's own canton.
• Hunting-free zones and pilot area following the Geneva model
  As a first step, defined areas should be made hunting-free for five years in order to scientifically document the ecological and social effects of foregoing hunting.
• Curbing hobby hunting tourism: ban on advertising trophy hunting trips and regulation of cantonal hunting licences for foreign guests
  The commercial allocation of kill rights to sought-after wildlife species to well-off hunting guests should be prohibited, and the advertising of trophy hunting trips should require cantonal authorisation.
• Wildlife corridors instead of kills: binding anchoring of habitat connectivity in cantonal spatial planning
  Wildlife corridors should be enshrined as priority areas in the cantonal structure plan, wildlife overpasses should be planned as binding requirements, and kills in fragmented areas should be replaced by spatial planning measures.
• Hobby hunting and wildlife diseases: Independent review of the role of hunting in the spread of zoonoses and epidemics
  The role of hobby hunting in the spread of wildlife diseases should be independently reviewed, baiting should be banned and hygiene requirements tightened.
• Right to recreation without confrontation with hobby hunting: Ensuring free access to nature for the public
  Hunting-free weekends, digital hunting maps, recreation zones and reporting offices should safeguard the public's right to undisturbed recreation in forests and nature.
• Mandatory biodiversity assessment before the granting of kill permits
  Before every kill permit is issued, an independent specialist body should assess the effects that the planned removals will have on local and regional biodiversity.
• Professional game warden corps: Expansion and professionalisation of cantonal wildlife management
  The cantonal game warden corps should be doubled, provided with a code of honour and gradually established as the primary authority for wildlife management – following the model of the canton of Geneva.
• Reform of hobby hunter training: Mandatory animal welfare and ethics examination as a prerequisite for the hunting licence
  Hunter training should be expanded to include mandatory modules in animal welfare law, animal ethics and wildlife ecology, supplemented by psychological aptitude assessment and periodic re-examination.

2. Politics, Lobby & Media

These initiatives are directed against the political influence of the hunting lobby, against propaganda in schools and against irrelevant privileges for hunting associations. Background on this in the Dossier: Politics, Lobby & Media →

• Curbing hunting propaganda with dead animals
  The publicly accessible display of killed wild animals (game bags, trophy shows) should be regulated at cantonal level – analogous to existing animal welfare provisions on the display of animal carcasses.
• No hunting propaganda by hobby hunters in schools
  Hunting associations must not use public school lessons for uncritical advertising of hobby hunting. The initiative calls for binding criteria for external actors in educational institutions.
• Withdrawal of environmental privileges for hunting associations
  Hunting associations are recognised as nature conservation organisations in several cantons and enjoy corresponding tax and procedural privileges. This proposal calls for a review of this classification on the basis of demonstrable nature conservation contributions.
• Permit requirement for public hunting events: regulating Hubertus masses, kill displays and hunting fairs
  Events at which killed wild animals are publicly displayed or trophy hunting trips are advertised should be made subject to a cantonal permit requirement.
• Transparency regarding the entanglement of hunting administration and hunting associations: disclosure of dual personnel roles
  Personal and institutional entanglements between hunting administration and hunting associations should be made transparent and conflicts of interest should be prevented through incompatibility rules.
• Lobby transparency and duty of recusal in hunting policy decisions
  Members of parliament with hunting interests should be subject to disclosure obligations and duties of recusal. A public lobby register should document all contacts between hunting associations and the cantonal administration.

3. Hunting methods, safety & technology

These proposals address concrete safety risks, health hazards and technical aspects of hobby hunting. Studies, accident statistics and legal foundations in the Dossier: Hunting methods, safety & technology →

• Effectively curbing the consumption of alcohol and drugs during hobby hunting
  Unlike in road traffic, most cantons have no binding blood alcohol limits for persons carrying firearms while hunting. The proposal calls for regulations analogous to those for driving a vehicle under the influence.
• Hobby hunting and crime: tightening aptitude checks, reporting obligations and consequences
  Convictions for violent offences should lead to immediate revocation of the hunting licence. The proposal also calls for mandatory psychological aptitude checks when licences are granted.
• Lead-free hunting: a ban on lead-containing ammunition in the canton
  Lead-containing ammunition demonstrably contaminates the bodies of wild animals and the environment. Germany and Austria have already taken steps towards restriction. The proposal calls for a cantonal ban.
• Ban on cruel trap hunting and bait hunting
  Live-animal traps, glue traps and certain bait hunting methods are in direct contradiction to the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG Art. 4). The proposal calls for an explicit cantonal ban.
• Public safety: minimum distances, exclusion zones, reporting requirement
  The use of firearms in forest areas near settlements, hiking trails and schools should be regulated through binding minimum distances and a reporting requirement for hunting events.
• Transparent recording of hobby hunters in violent crimes
  Official statistics do not record whether perpetrators hold a hunting licence or whether hunting weapons were used. The motion calls for systematic data collection and annual publication as a basis for evidence-based violence prevention.
• Protection against domestic gun violence: hunting weapons, hobby hunters and femicides
  Hunting weapons are involved in a considerable number of femicides and acts of domestic violence. The motion calls for systematic recording as well as preventive measures regarding the possession of weapons by hunting-licensed individuals.
• Ban on high-tech hunting methods: no thermal imaging cameras, night-vision devices and drones in hobby hunting
  Thermal imaging cameras, night-vision optics, drones and digital luring devices turn hobby hunting into a technologically upgraded killing machinery. The motion calls for a comprehensive cantonal ban.
• Protection of hunting dogs: ban on earth hunting with dogs, reporting requirement for injuries and husbandry inspections
  Hunting dogs are among the forgotten victims of hobby hunting. The motion calls for a ban on earth hunting with dogs, a reporting requirement for injuries and binding husbandry standards.
• Reform of the cantonal high hunt: from traditional ritual to evidence-based wildlife management
  The blanket, area-wide high hunt should be replaced by evidence-based management, rest zones should be designated and the transition to the game warden model should be examined.
• African swine fever: no expansion of hobby hunting under the pretext of disease control
  Disease scenarios such as ASF must not be invoked as a pretext for an expansion of hobby hunting. Evidence-based disease control instead of expanded killing.
• Restriction of stand hunting: baiting ban, regulation of night stand hunting and rest zones
  The baiting of wild animals should be banned, night stand hunting regulated and rest zones designated on a binding basis.
• Ban on earth hunting: abolishing one of the cruellest forms of hunting
  Earth hunting – in which dogs are sent into the underground burrows of foxes and badgers – should be banned completely and without exception.
• Regulation of wait hunting: restriction of winter hunting in high-mountain corridors
  Wait hunting in wildlife corridors and during the winter months should be banned, the species list restricted and abolition examined.
• Abolition of the special hunt: transfer to the professional wildlife warden model
  The special hunt as an additional hunting period should be abolished and any remaining regulatory tasks transferred to the professional wildlife wardens.

4. Animal dignity, images of violence & the psychological dimension

These initiatives protect children from images of violence, strengthen animal dignity and demand transparency about the health risks of game meat. Scientific foundations in the Dossier: Animal dignity, images of violence & the psychological dimension →

• Regulating trophy photos: protecting animal dignity beyond death
  The sharing of photos of killed wild animals on social media and in public spaces should be regulated in line with prohibitions on depictions of violence. Basis: the Animal Welfare Act (TSchG) and the constitutionally enshrined dignity of living beings (Art. 120 of the Federal Constitution).
• Cruel leisure formats and terraristics fairs
  Events that display live or dead animals in a degrading manner should require cantonal authorisation and be prohibitable in the event of a breach of the TSchG.
• Ban on children and young people at the hunt
  In several cantons minors are actively involved in hunting activities. The initiative calls for a minimum age of 18 for any form of participation in hunting activities – invoking the welfare of the child (Swiss Civil Code, Art. 301 ff.) and youth protection.
• Making the health risks of game meat transparent
  Game meat may contain lead residues, parasites and zoonoses. The initiative calls for a mandatory labelling requirement for directly marketed game meat as well as duties to inform consumers.
• Cantonal reporting obligation and statistics for all hobby hunting victims
  A comprehensive, mandatory reporting obligation and a publicly accessible statistic for all personal injuries, property damage and animal injuries in connection with hobby hunting should be introduced.
• Cantonal commitment to a national import ban on hunting trophies
  The canton should actively campaign at federal level for a national import ban on hunting trophies and prepare a cantonal initiative.
• Closing the gap in animal welfare law: equal treatment of wild animals in the Animal Welfare Act
  Wild animals killed in the course of hobby hunting should be subject to the same animal welfare standards as farm animals in slaughterhouses.
• Ending recreational violence against animals: recognising hobby hunting as a form of recreational violence
  The cantonal government should examine in a report whether hobby hunting is to be classified as recreational violence against animals and what consequences this would have for cantonal hunting policy.

5. Wolf, predators & politics

These motions oppose wolf kills, call for herd protection and the integration of predators into cantonal forestry policy. Studies, figures and legal analysis in the Dossier: Wolf, predators & politics →

• Moratorium on lynx kills for a genetically endangered population
  Several cantons are considering lynx regulations, even though the species is genetically impoverished according to KORA and FIWI and populations have demonstrably been decimated by poaching. The motion calls for a moratorium, independent population analyses and consistent action against poaching instead of kill applications.
• Moratorium on or prohibition of wolf hunting
  Wolf kills in Switzerland are carried out on the basis of the revised JSG (2023), which environmental organisations criticise as incompatible with international protection obligations (Bern Convention). The motion calls for a cantonal moratorium until the conclusive legal review.
• Protecting protective forests from hobby hunting and integrating predators
  The presence of wolves and other predators demonstrably reduces browsing pressure in protective forests (trophic cascade). The motion calls for protective forest zones to be consistently exempted from hobby hunting.
• Herd protection instead of wolf kills: dealing with the wolf in the canton
  The motion calls for cantonal funds to be used as a priority for effective herd protection measures (livestock guardian dogs, fences, alpine accompaniment) instead of granting kill permits.
• Independent evaluation of cantonal wolf kills and their ecological impacts
  All wolf kills carried out since the 2023 JSG revision should be independently evaluated – with regard to effectiveness, ecological consequences, costs and legal compliance.
• Compliance with international species protection standards in cantonal wolf kills
  All cantonal kill decisions concerning the wolf should be in line with the Bern Convention. Review under international law, rights of appeal and protection of the wolf as a strictly protected species.

6. Law, control & alternatives

These initiatives strengthen state oversight, demand transparency in hunting statistics and rely on independent supervision rather than self-monitoring by hunters. Legal foundations in the Dossier: Law, Control & Alternatives →

• Animal-welfare-compliant fencing and pasture net requirements
  Fences and pasture nets cause numerous wildlife injuries and deaths every year. The initiative calls for binding cantonal standards for construction, marking and maintenance in line with the state of scientific knowledge.
• Transparent hunting statistics: disclose kills, follow-up searches and mis-shots
  In Switzerland, mis-shots (animals wounded but not killed) are systematically not recorded. The initiative calls for complete, publicly accessible cantonal hunting statistics, including follow-up searches and loss rates.
• Hunting-free zones and a pilot area following the Geneva model
  As a first step, defined areas are to be declared hunting-free for five years, in order to scientifically document the ecological and social effects of foregoing hunting.
• Withdrawal of environmental privileges for hunting associations
  Hunting associations that are recognised as nature conservation organisations should only retain their privileges if they can demonstrate verifiable contributions to nature conservation.
• Independent hunting supervision: external control instead of self-monitoring
  In most cantons, control over the proper exercise of hunting lies with the hunters themselves. The initiative calls for a supervisory body financed by the canton and independent of the hunters.
• Delete «cultural landscape» as a justification for killing wild animals: ecological factual arguments instead of myths
  The blanket reference to the «protection of the cultural landscape» as a justification for kill permits should be deleted and replaced by evidence-based, ecologically founded criteria.

7. Cantonal popular initiatives

In addition to parliamentary initiatives (motions, postulates), the IG Wild beim Wild also provides template texts for cantonal popular initiatives. Popular initiatives enable the population to enforce the abolition of hobby hunting directly at the ballot box – without the detour via parliament. Background information in the Dossier: Geneva and the hunting ban → and in the Dossier: Hunting Ban Switzerland →

• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Basel-Stadt
  The practice of hunting by private individuals (militia hunting, hobby hunting) is prohibited throughout the entire territory of the canton of Basel-Stadt. Template text for a cantonal popular initiative for the complete abolition of hobby hunting, modelled on the canton of Geneva.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Basel-Landschaft
  The practice of hunting by private individuals (territorial hunting, hobby hunting) is prohibited throughout the entire territory of the canton of Basel-Landschaft. Template text for a cantonal popular initiative to abolish territorial hunting, with a compensation clause for municipalities and professional wildlife management following the Geneva model.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Schaffhausen
  At 298 km², almost identical to Geneva (282 km²), requiring only 1’000 signatures and with Switzerland's only compulsory voting, Schaffhausen offers ideal conditions. Template text for a cantonal popular initiative to abolish territorial hunting following the Geneva model.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Zug
  The first licence hunting canton with a template text: at 239 km² smaller than Geneva, only 230 hobby hunters for around 135’000 inhabitants and, as the wealthiest canton in Switzerland, without any cost argument. Professional wildlife protection instead of «noisy hunting» with scent hounds.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Appenzell Outer Rhodes
  The lowest signature threshold in Switzerland: only 300 signatures required. At 243 km² smaller than Geneva, a licence hunting canton, with a rural campaign strategy built on the agricultural argument.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Neuchatel
  As a canton neighbouring Geneva, Neuchatel has the most direct access to the proven Geneva model. Wolf policy in the Jura as a topical trigger, Dandliker as a campaign partner, 4’500 signatures in 6 months.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Jura
  The second Romandie canton: the youngest canton in Switzerland with a progressive tradition, the most important lynx area, and wolf policy in the Jura as an acute trigger. 2’000 signatures, licence hunting, Dandliker as a campaign partner.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Solothurn
  A territorial hunting canton at the southern foot of the Jura: lynx, beaver and wolf make professional wildlife protection a concrete necessity. 3’000 signatures, 18 months, municipal compensation, 1.10 to 2.20 francs per inhabitant.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Aargau
  Largest canton of the Central Plateau with the lowest per-capita costs of the series: under one franc per person per year. 3,000 signatures, 200 hunting grounds, territorial hunting, Switzerland's most important beaver canton.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Thurgau
  Lake Constance canton: The abolition of hobby hunting on Lake Geneva multiplied the waterfowl from a few hundred to 30,000. Lake Constance has the same potential. 4,000 signatures, 6-month collection period, territorial hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Lucerne
  Largest territorial hunting canton of Central Switzerland: UNESCO Entlebuch Biosphere Reserve, wolf at Pilatus, per-capita costs below the Geneva level. 4,000 signatures, territorial hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Zurich
  A fresh attempt after 2018: positive title, transparent cost accounting (0.25 to 0.45 francs per inhabitant), species protection clause, municipal compensation. Lowest per-capita costs of all cantons. 6,000 signatures, 6 months, territorial hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Bern
  Largest licence hunting canton of Switzerland, bilingual, federal capital effect. Wolf policy in the Oberland as a mobilisation theme. 15,000 signatures, 6 months, per-capita costs below the Geneva level.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Fribourg
  Bilingual bridging canton between the Romandie and German-speaking Switzerland. Neighbour of Geneva, modern constitution (2004), the Fribourg Prealps as a wildlife area. 6,000 signatures, licence hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of St. Gallen
  Largest eastern Swiss canton: Alpstein, wolf policy in the Sarganserland, Lake Constance as a waterfowl area. 4,000 signatures, territorial hunting, per-capita costs below the Geneva level.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Schwyz
  Central Switzerland test case: Ausserschwyz as an urban base, wolf in the Muotathal, modern constitution (2010). 2,000 signatures, licence hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Uri
  Gotthard canton: wolf policy as a mobilisation theme, highest ibex density of Central Switzerland. 600 signatures (second-lowest threshold), licence hunting. In absolute figures below the Geneva budget.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Obwalden
  Pilatus canton: wolf as a mobilisation theme, 500 signatures, licence hunting. In absolute figures below the Geneva budget.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Nidwalden
  Almost the same size as Geneva (276 vs. 282 km²): the direct comparison of surface area is communicatively powerful. 250 signatures, licence hunting. In absolute terms a fraction of Geneva's budget.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Vaud
  Strategically the most important Romandie canton: direct neighbour of Geneva, largest Romandie canton, controversial wolf kills as a mobilising occasion. 12’000 signatures, licence hunting, per-capita costs below Geneva's level.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Valais
  Epicentre of wolf policy: politically the most difficult canton, but the greatest media impact. Bilingual, neighbour of Geneva. 4’000 signatures, licence hunting, largest Alpine canton.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Grisons
  Largest canton in Switzerland: the Swiss National Park has demonstrated natural regulation for 100 years. Trilingual, strongest hunting tradition, wolf policy. 4’000 signatures, licence hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Ticino
  The only Italian-speaking canton: opens the third language region to the movement. Wolf in the Sopraceneri, urban base in the Sottoceneri. 7’000 signatures, licence hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Glarus
  Landsgemeinde canton: no signature collection needed, a Memorialsantrag suffices. Open vote, wolf in the Glarnerland, ibex on the Tödi. Licence hunting.
• Cantonal popular initiative – Canton of Appenzell Inner Rhodes
  Smallest canton in Switzerland, Landsgemeinde canton: no signature collection needed. Smaller than Geneva (173 vs. 282 km²), the Alpstein as a wildlife area. In absolute terms the lowest costs of all the cantons.
  

8. Federal popular initiative «For professional wildlife protection»

Alongside cantonal proposals, a template for a federal popular initiative is now also available. It transfers the Geneva model of professional wildlife management to the whole of Switzerland, anchors a ban on hobby hunting in the Federal Constitution and strengthens the protection of endangered species such as the wolf, lynx, bear and beaver.

The initiative text is available as a fully drafted constitutional proposal (Art. 79a/79b of the Federal Constitution) and can be adopted and politically developed further by parties, organisations and private individuals. The complete document with explanatory notes, cost estimate and strategy memo is available here: Federal popular initiative «For professional wildlife protection»

Support & contact

IG Wild beim Wild is available to elected representatives free of charge and without obligation for the canton-specific adaptation of all template texts.

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The collection is continuously expanded.