The number of deer in the Valais region have grown to levels that threaten the renewal of local forests, as such the deer hunting is now open.
The bloated deer population is currently estimated at 5,800 and the hunting season is expected to reduce this number down by 1,800.
There will be around 2,500 hunters this year to lead the hunt and the forest office claim this won't be enough to reduce the deer numbers down to the levels aimed for.
If they are not sufficient, additional hunts will be organised later on this autumn.
Deers are known to have an harmful impact on the health of the forests and natural vegetation, which cannot be repaired easily. Therefore the best woodland management is to allow access for hunting.
