Foreigners may hunt ibex in Valais again
Published: Thursday, Dec 12th 2024, 17:40
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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.
The shooting of ibex had attracted foreign hunters to Valais for many years. 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 were paying up to 12,000 francs 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 once again be possible for foreign and non-cantonal hunters from next year. The same guidelines will apply to clients from Valais, abroad and outside the canton.
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 out-of-canton and foreign customers.
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.
©Keystone/SDA
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