The Feldschiessen competition in canton Zug

This year, marksmen and women – not just from Switzerland – competed at five shooting ranges in the Canton of Zug.
 

When thousands of people across Switzerland flock to shooting ranges on a sunny spring weekend, disturbing the well-deserved weekend peace of just as many others, it can only be the Eidgenössische Feldschiessen (Federal Field Shooting Competition).

On the last weekend in May, shooting ranges across the country were once again transformed into convivial meeting places, where young and old, seasoned shooters and complete novices as young as ten came together in a relaxed atmosphere.

Along with the August 1st celebration and the Eidgenössischen Dank-, Buss- und Bettag (Federal Day of Thanksgiving, Repentance, and Prayer), this is one of the traditions that shapes the patriotic image of Switzerland.

The shooting ranges in Baar-Wieshalde, Cham-Niederwil, Menzingen-Kreuzegg, Unterägeri-Boden and Zug-Choller served as the five meeting points for the Zug shooting community. The shooting programme at the Eidgenössische Feldschiessen consists of 18 shots with a rifle at a distance of 300 metres, with 72 points being the maximum score.

Nathalie Keller (Baar City Shooting Club) with her father and coach, Stephan Keller    
Keeping the score at the Niederwil shooting range: Karin Bachmann and Alan Fuchs (board members of the Cham-Ennetsee Shooting Club).             
The Uhland Schützenkreis was once again a guest in Unterägeri        Photos: Hans-Peter Schweizer
Feldschiessen 2026 at the Choller Shooting Range in Zug                 Photos: Patrick Hürlimann
 

As early as Friday evening, in the sweltering heat, Josef Hotz from Morgarten, a two-time winner of the Morgarten Shooting Competition (Morgartenschiessen), achieved a brilliant score of 71 points. When asked if he was annoyed about losing that one point, Hotz replied, "It did bother me a bit."

Expert discussions over beer and sausages
The atmosphere at the Zug shooting ranges between Friday and Sunday was particularly memorable, not least because of the summery weather. Concentrated and focused, the shooters on the mat awaited the clear commands of the range officers (Schützenmeister) on Friday evening in 30 °C heat: "Six shots in six minutes. Aim... fire."

The competition and the oppressive summer heat demanded a lot from the participants, but ‘no pain, no gain’. After the competition, the tension quickly gave way to camaraderie. Over a cool beer, mineral water and a sausage or a piece of grilled chicken, there was lively discussion, laughter, and debate about the points lost.

Experienced marksmen passed on their knowledge to the young shooters, while newcomers trying their hand at shooting for the first time with borrowed weapons were warmly welcomed into the group. After receiving their awards, the atmosphere in each group was almost euphoric. High scores were loudly cheered, wreaths were pinned on, and the certificates of recognition were proudly displayed.

German guests in Unterägeri
From 2009, members of the Uhland Schützenkreis (Shooting District) in the Tübingen district of Germany have been traveling to the Feldschiessen in Unterägeri. The continued strong interest in the field shooting event in Switzerland in 2026 was evident in the registration numbers, and how quickly the places were filled. The bus for this year was fully booked after just five days, and the waiting list included another ten participants, explained District Chief Marksman Claudius Jähnsch to the delight of his 46-member group.

What Gerhard Chasse from the Uhland Schützenkreis (shooting club) and Josef Rogenmoser began in 2009 is now being continued by Claudius Jähnsch, together with his friends from the Ägerital-Morgarten Shooting Club, Josef Rogenmoser and Peter Nussbaumer.

Over the years, an acquaintance has blossomed into a true friendship: a friendship that transcends national borders and many kilometres – a testament to responsibility, solidarity, and genuine camaraderie.

Note:
The results of the Eidgenössische Feldschiessen can be found on:
www.feldschiessen-ssv.ch.