A significant conflict has emerged within Bern's hunting community. Many local hunting clubs are openly criticizing Lorenz Hess, the long-serving president of the Bern Cantonal Hunting Association (BEJV). They accuse him of failing to represent their interests adequately during the development of new hunting regulations for the canton.
This discontent has led 17 of the 29 Bernese hunting clubs, along with Hess's predecessor, to directly appeal to Cantonal Councillor Christoph Ammann. The situation highlights a deep division over how future hunting practices will be governed in the region.
Key Takeaways
- 17 out of 29 Bernese hunting clubs oppose the new hunting regulations.
- BEJV President Lorenz Hess faces accusations of insufficient representation.
- Critics cite lack of involvement in the pre-consultation phase and poor communication.
- Hess defends his actions, calling the opposition a "smear campaign."
- The conflict involves proposed changes to hunting seasons and practices.
New Hunting Regulations Spark Controversy
The core of the dispute lies in proposed changes to Bern's hunting ordinance. These changes, spearheaded by cantonal hunting inspector Nicole Imesch, aim to fundamentally restructure hunting practices. Many hunters view these revisions as rushed and incompatible with their professional lives.
Previously, hunting seasons in Bern varied by animal species, lasting weeks or months, with three non-hunting days per week. The new proposal suggests simultaneous hunting periods for most species, organized into several concentrated blocks.
Fact Check
The proposed changes would consolidate hunting periods into blocks, altering traditional schedules for hunters.
Allegations of Disconnect from the Base
A group calling itself the "Bernese Hunting Initiative" has voiced strong criticism against President Hess, though largely anonymously. Members claim Hess has lost touch with the grassroots. They allege he failed to inform hunters and the BEJV board in a timely manner about the far-reaching changes.
An experienced hunter from the Oberland region, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that discontent has never been this high. He expressed confusion as to why Hess would allow these changes without a more participatory approach.
President Hess Defends Actions
Lorenz Hess, a trained PR consultant and National Councillor, has responded to the accusations in a written statement. He describes the opposition as "machinations by a few actors." Hess maintains that the board received early information about the general direction and key points of the planned revision.
He added that hunting clubs had multiple opportunities to provide feedback. An extraordinary presidents' conference took place in early November with all club presidents. Following this, all clubs received a questionnaire about the proposed ordinance changes. Hess asserts the board adopted a critical stance on important points toward the canton.
"An absurder insinuation is hardly possible," Hess said, regarding claims he simply approved the changes. "A federation president has neither the possibility to wave something through nor to send it back to the sender within the framework of an official consultation."
Background
Lorenz Hess has served as president of the Bern Cantonal Hunting Association (BEJV) for over 15 years. He is also a National Councillor for The Centre party.
Internal Board Conflict
Perceptions differ sharply on whether Hess involved the hunting community sufficiently and early enough. This divergence of opinion extends to the BEJV board itself. Reports suggest a "war" within the board after one member allegedly leaked internal documents to the grassroots.
Direct Appeal to Cantonal Government
Christian Bock, president of the Seeland Hunting Club and former Director of the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security, took the extraordinary step of writing directly to Cantonal Councillor Christoph Ammann in December. His letter, submitted in identical form by 17 of the 29 Bernese hunting clubs, expressed a lack of confidence in the BEJV board's representation.
Bock highlighted the "missing involvement" of hunters during the pre-consultation phase and the perceived lack of transparency from the association's leadership. He described the opposition as "very broad and strong" across the entire Bernese hunting community, citing internal surveys.
- 17 out of 29 clubs signed the letter to Cantonal Councillor Ammann.
- The letter explicitly states a feeling of being "not adequately represented."
- Former Zolldirektor Christian Bock leads the charge against the BEJV board.
Hess Dismisses Opposition Surveys
Hess countered Bock's claims, suggesting that "some presidents" were "instrumentalized" into submitting the letter amidst general uncertainty caused by the revision. He dismissed the opposition's surveys as "not representative," stating that the BEJV conducted its own "relevant" survey among its members.
Predecessor Joins the Fray
In early February, Peter Zenklusen, Hess's predecessor as BEJV president, also wrote to Ammann. Zenklusen's letter, penned on behalf of "long-serving Bernese hunting officials and active hunters," echoed the sentiment of a "massive and very broad opposition."
Hess, however, views Zenklusen's involvement differently. He stated that Zenklusen and the group of former officials have been "driven by an animosity towards my person for years." Hess also pointed out that Zenklusen had recently advocated for stronger hunting regulation, suggesting a contradiction in his current stance.
Accusations of a "Smear Campaign"
Hess firmly rejects the anonymous criticism, calling it "fact-free agitation." He finds it telling that many critics choose to remain anonymous. Hess claims certain "exponents of this group" even spread rumors that he personally drafted the revision's content, labeling this as "beyond insidious."
A hunter friendly with Hess described the situation as a "smear campaign." This individual suggested that the hunting community feels powerless against the changes demanded by the hunting inspectorate, and Hess has become a convenient target for their frustration.
Key Figures
Lorenz Hess: Current President of Bern Cantonal Hunting Association (BEJV) and National Councillor.
Nicole Imesch: Cantonal Hunting Inspector, driving force behind the new regulations.
Christian Bock: President of Seeland Hunting Club, former Federal Customs Director, leading critic.
Peter Zenklusen: Hess's predecessor as BEJV President, also critical of the new rules.
Future of Hess's Presidency
Lorenz Hess is elected as president of the Bern Cantonal Hunting Association until 2027. He has indicated he will not seek a fifth term. While a premature removal is theoretically possible at the next delegates' assembly in April, no formal motion for his unseating has been submitted to date.
The ongoing conflict highlights the challenges of balancing tradition, regulation, and representation within a deeply rooted community like Bern's hunters.