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Swiss wildlife population management

Overview

In Switzerland, cantonal authorities are managing increasing deer and chamois populations through regulated hunting and culling to mitigate environmental and agricultural impacts.

In Vaud, authorities have increased deer culling quotas by 20% compared to the previous two years, authorizing the harvest of 612 animals this autumn. This measure aims to address challenges to forest regeneration and crop damage, particularly in areas like Mont Tendre and Pays-d'Enhaut. Officials note that milder winters have aided population growth since the 1980s.

Similarly, in Wallis, the 2026 hunting season saw higher harvest numbers for red deer and chamois compared to 2025, influenced by favorable weather and summer droughts. While red deer harvests were slightly below planned targets, professional wildlife management intends to conduct additional culls to protect forests. To balance these efforts, strict regulations remain in place to protect chamois from predators and ensure population stability.

Entities

Dienststelle für Jagd, Fischerei und Wildtiere · Statistik Austria · Vaud · Wallis · Austria

Timeline

  1. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Wallis hunting season sees increase in red deer and chamois

    The 2026 hunting season in Wallis, Switzerland, saw an increase in red deer and chamois harvests, with specific conservation measures maintained to protect chamois from predators.

  2. [CULTURE] 2 sources
    Vaud increases deer culling to protect forests and crops

    Vaud is increasing deer culling quotas to 612 animals this autumn to protect forests and crops from rising deer populations that have expanded due to milder winters.

Sources

lfm.ch · radiolac.ch · walliser-zeitung.ch · wochenblatt-dlv.de