Public service Foreigners may hunt ibex again in Valais

From next year, foreign and non-cantonal hunters will once again be able to shoot ibex in Valais. The reason for this is the growing population of ibex. This year, gamekeepers counted over 7000 ibex - a new record.

For many years, the shooting of ibex had attracted foreign hunters to Valais. In 2021, however, the canton discontinued this practice after a report by French-speaking Swiss television station RTS sparked a public outcry.

Among other things, it was reported that foreign hunters pay up to CHF 12,000 to shoot a male ibex - measured by the length of its horns. This trophy hunt was subsequently banned.

Since then, voices have been raised calling for the return of foreign hunters. Last year, for example, the Grand Council adopted a postulate calling for a review of the ban.

On Thursday, the canton announced that shooting will be possible again for foreign and non-cantonal hunters from next year. The same guidelines will apply for Valais, foreign and out-of-canton clients.

For example, all hunters must have a recognized hunting permit and are accompanied by a gamekeeper who ultimately decides which animal is to be shot. Foreign and out-of-canton hunters are only permitted to shoot males over the age of eleven.

Price depends on age

The fees are based on the age category and no longer on the length of the ibex horns. Hunters from Valais will benefit from lower fees than customers from outside the canton and from abroad.

The canton points out that populations must continue to be regulated in order to minimize competition between ibex populations and other species, such as chamois. In addition, the damage caused by ibex to forests and crops must be reduced.