Valais: Ibex Shoots for Foreign Hobby Hunters

The shooting of ibex had attracted foreign hobby hunters to Valais for many years.

In 2021, however, the canton had discontinued this practice after a report by the French-speaking Swiss television broadcaster RTS triggered a public outcry.

It was reported, among other things, that foreign hobby hunters pay up to 12’000 francs to shoot a male ibex — measured by the length of its horns. This trophy hunting was subsequently banned.

Grand Council Demanded Review of the Ban

Since then, voices calling for the return of foreign hobby hunters have grown louder. Last year, the Grand Council had adopted, among other things, a postulate demanding a review of the ban.

On 12 December 2024, the canton announced that shoots will once again be made available to foreign and out-of-canton hobby hunters starting next year. The same guidelines apply to Valais residents, foreign, and out-of-canton clients alike.

For example, all hobby hunters must hold a recognized hunting licence and are accompanied by a wildlife warden who ultimately decides which animal is to be shot. Foreign and out-of-canton hobby hunters are only permitted to shoot male animals older than eleven years.

Price Based on Age

The fees are determined by age category and no longer by the length of the ibex horns. Valais hobby hunters will benefit from lower fees than out-of-canton and foreign clients.

The canton points out that populations would need to continue to be regulated in order to minimize competition between ibex populations and other species, such as the chamois. In addition, the damage caused by ibex to forests and crops would need to be reduced. The IG Wild beim Wild criticizes this decision: The argument of the hunting lobby, that culls are necessary for “regulation”, does not hold up to scientific scrutiny.