No Wildlife Rest Zones in the Canton of Schwyz

The Schwyz cantonal government has once again decided not to include wildlife rest zones in the revised hunting law .

The proposal had been rejected by the majority during the consultation process, as the State Chancellery announced.

Already failed in 2014

Back in 2014, the Schwyz government had already proposed enshrining wildlife rest zones in the hunting and wildlife protection law. The aim was to prevent animals from being disturbed by recreational activities and tourism. The rest zones were intended to complement the existing hunting reserves and nature conservation zones, but were not approved by parliament.

This spring, the government made another attempt. In a partial revision of the law, it proposed that the Department of the Environment should be granted the new authority to designate wildlife rest zones where necessary.

Lobby concerns prevailed

During the consultation process, concerns were raised that wildlife rest zones could be designated across large parts of the canton, thereby adversely affecting agriculture and forestry, or that they would impose unnecessary restrictions on those affected.

According to the statement, there were also voices that welcomed wildlife rest zones in principle, but believed responsibility for them should lie with parliament or the cantonal government council. Others called for a restriction to the winter months. The government has now decided to abandon the idea altogether.