On Thursday (7 May 2026), the members of the Walchwil International Men’s Club enjoyed a special evening on the Walchwilerberg. The focus was on hunting – its significance, its traditions and, above all, its role in how we manage our native flora and fauna today.

Our hosts, Franz Hürlimann and Vitus Hürlimann, began by giving us a fascinating and comprehensive insight into the world of hunting. It became clear that hunting is far more than simply obtaining game meat. It is a centuries-old cultural tradition and, at the same time, an important part of modern wildlife management.

Franz and Vitus also explained a great deal of interesting information about the local flora and fauna, wildlife populations and their habitats, as well as the various aspects of the hunting tradition. The high standards required of prospective hunters were also discussed.

After the theoretical part, we headed out into the countryside. Divided into two groups, Franz and Vitus led us on a walk around the Walchwilerberg. As dusk fell, the atmosphere in the forest and across the open spaces changed. We learnt to look more closely and to watch out for signs that might indicate the presence of wildlife.

To round off the evening, we returned to Buschenchappeli, where the culinary part of the evening was already awaiting us: we barbecued game sausages together and enjoyed them in good company. Over food and conversation, we brought an informative and eventful evening to a close.

For the Walchwil International Men’s Club, this excursion was an excellent opportunity to experience first-hand a tradition that is important to the region. The evening not only provided us with new knowledge about wildlife, the forest and hunting, but also gave us a better understanding of the responsibility involved in protecting and managing our natural habitats.

Our special thanks go to Franz Hürlimann and Vitus Hürlimann for their time, their expertise and the personalised guided tour. They gave us an authentic insight into a world that was previously largely unknown to many of us – and in doing so, ensured a thoroughly successful evening on the Walchwilerberg. Stephen George, Walchwil International Men’s Club