Hunting in Switzerland

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Hunting in Switzerland

Hunting is authorised in Switzerland as a way of keeping the population of game animals under control and minimising the damage caused by wild animals.

• See The Swiss Portal

Hunting Regulations

The Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) is responsible for federal legislation with regard to hunting.

• For information on the legal status, links to the cantonal offices that deal with hunting regulations and permits and national hunting organisations see the FOEN website. Click here (in French)

Hunting is regulated on a local level with each canton having the power to issue its own laws. The canton also determines the open dates for the hunting season.

• For information on the hunting regulations in each canton select and area from the map: Click here

Hunting Permits

All hunters must have a hunting permit/licence issued by the cantonal authorities. The type of licence available and the price varies between the cantons.

In order to qualify for a licence, applicants must be over the age of 20, pass a test and fulfil a range of conditions.

• To apply for a hunting permit see The Swiss Portal and select an area from the map: Click here

Hunting in Geneva & Vaud

Hunting has been banned in Geneva canton since 1974.

Hunting is permitted in Vaud. Information on the hunting season, restrictions and permits is available form the Département de la Sécurité et de l'Environment

• See the website: Click here (in French)

Further Information

• The Association of Swiss Hunters website ChasseSuisse (in French)
• For detailed information on wildlife and hunting, contact:
  The Swiss Agency for the Environment Forests and Landscape (SAEFL) (part of FOEN)
  Species Management Division
  CH-3003,Berne
  Tel: +41 (0)31 322 93 89
  Tel: +41 (0)31 323 89 74
  

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