Hunting season begins, marmot oil, and a look behind the scenes
What makes Swiss hunting special?
Swiss hunting is highly regulated and subject to strict controls. No one is allowed to hunt without successfully passing a hunting examination. The 2 1/2-year training is demanding and concludes with a practical and theoretical exam. Only with a hunting license can a hunting permit be obtained, thereby allowing hunting to be legally practiced.
Why do people hunt?
Hunting is far more than tradition. It is an important tool to keep nature and biodiversity in balance. It regulates wildlife populations, protects endangered species, preserves habitats, and ensures that forests, fields, and animals can coexist in harmony.
For hunters, hunting not only signifies responsibility but also the opportunity to practice an ancient activity in a modern form.
"We hunt out of passion and personal enthusiasm for the hunting craft in fulfillment of a legal mandate."
Quote: Bernese Hunting Association
When is hunting season in the Canton of Bern?
In the Canton of Bern, hunting season lasts from August to February. The most intensive period is in October and November. Hunting is not permitted on Sundays, public holidays, or on specific rest days determined by the federal government.
The question remains: Is hunting still permissible today?
It is a moral question that is repeatedly discussed in our society. The fact is: In the wild, animals live in their natural habitat. Strictly regulated hunting allows for the sustainable use of these resources while preserving the ecological balance. For many, it is therefore not only a craft but also a contribution to nature conservation.
You can find more on the ethical questions surrounding hunting in a separate article:
What significance does hunting have for puralpina?
In short: without hunting, there would be no Marmot Herbal Balm. This is because the balm contains a very special raw material – marmot oil.
The basis of our Marmot Herbal Balms is not industrial standard fats, but wild animal fats: from marmots, deer, chamois, and badgers.
All these raw materials come directly from Swiss hunters. We process over six tons of wild animal fat annually. That is why hunting is of central importance to us.
How was the marmot herbal balm developed?
Our founder Andreas Schmid is a hunter himself. Through hunting, he first came into contact with marmot fat.
His father-in-law used marmot oil for many years to support muscles and joints. Andreas then began to source and distribute the fat from hunters.
In 1992 – through a chance meeting with a herbal specialist – the first warming marmot herbal balm was created.
In 1996, the cooling version followed. Since then, marmot oil has been one of the most important raw materials we process in our manufactory.
What is marmot oil?
Closely associated with hunting is the use of marmot oil. It is extracted from the fat of the marmot, which is processed under heat to achieve its oily consistency.
For centuries, marmot oil has been a proven household remedy in the mountains for muscles, joints, and the entire musculoskeletal system. Alpine inhabitants used it for external application long before there was scientific evidence.
In 1988, its effectiveness was confirmed in a research report: marmot fat contains natural corticosteroids – relatives of cortisone – which give it its special power.
To this day, marmot oil holds a firm place in Alpine folk medicine. Badger fat and other wild animal fats were also used for various ailments in the Middle Ages.
How does one purchase wild animal fats?
To ensure that this valuable natural product arrives at our manufactory in the best quality, we need people with a lot of passion and intuition.
One of them is Patricia, a hunter herself and Andreas Schmid's "Göttimiitschi" (godchild). She has been part of puralpina since 2016. In logistics, she oversees our warehouse, and she is now gradually taking over the procurement of our wild animal fats.
Until now, this was the task of our founder, Andreas, who has built up a unique network among Swiss hunters over many years.
We asked Patricia what it's like to follow in his footsteps, what makes marmot oil so special, and which experiences at work she remembers most vividly.
Interview with Patricia
Patricia, you've been part of puralpina since 2016. What brought you to us back then – and what do you still particularly enjoy about your work today?
«My godfather Andreas Schmid, the founder of puralpina and my father's brother, brought me to puralpina. Even as a schoolgirl, I helped him fill ointments and earned a little pocket money that way. That's how I came into contact with the processing of wild animal fats early on. His enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and to this day I am fascinated by how versatile and meaningful our work is.»
If you had to describe your work in three words – what would they be?
«Varied, exciting, educational.»
Until recently, our Andreas handled the procurement of wild animal fats. Gradually, you are following in his footsteps – how does that feel?
«It is exciting and challenging at the same time. Andreas has enormous knowledge, and I get to learn from him step by step. It is a great privilege to grow into his area.»
Did you have any connection to hunting before you started working at puralpina?
«Yes, I went hunting as a child – my father and my three uncles are hunters. So hunting and everything that goes with it was familiar to me from an early age.»
How exactly does the procurement of wild animal fats work? Can you give us a little insight?
«When breaking down the animals during the hunt, the fat is carefully removed. We check it, render it, and prepare it so that it can be processed into natural products in puralpina's manufactory.»
What has been your most beautiful experience working with wild animal fats so far?
«Clearly the many encounters and pleasant conversations with Swiss hunters, right up to inspiring contacts with people who use our marmot herbal ointments.»
Which animal fat is most exciting for you – and why?
«For me, all fats are valuable, each in its own way. I find it particularly wonderful that we utilize the whole animal and thus handle resources sustainably.»
Marmot oil is particularly interesting for our customers. What makes it so unique?
«Marmot oil is particularly valuable. It contains natural cortisone-related substances. For me, it's like pure gold.»
If you could tell our customers one thing about marmot – what would it be?
«Marmot oil is incredibly versatile. Whether it's joint pain, earaches, sore throats, or skin problems – it has so many applications. It absolutely cannot be missing from my personal emergency kit.»
