The Administrative Court in Luleå has halted all planned license hunting of wolves for 2026 in five counties. The decision was made because county boards failed to demonstrate that the hunt would not jeopardize the wolves' favorable conservation status. Reactions are divided, with environmental groups celebrating and hunters and farmers expressing frustration.
The Administrative Court in Luleå ruled on December 15, 2025, to halt the planned license wolf hunt set to begin on January 2, 2026, in Dalarna, Södermanland, Västmanland, Västra Götaland, and Örebro counties. The court determined that the county administrative boards failed to adequately justify why the hunt would not hinder maintaining a favorable conservation status for the wolf population, in line with the EU's Habitats Directive.
Anders Lindström, secretary general of the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management, described the decision as 'astonishing.' 'It's a rather funny decision process, where a government decision can be overturned due to a lack of any evidence,' he said. The association plans to appeal and attempt to carry out the hunt regardless. Lars Björk, hunting consultant for the association in Västmanland, called the reactions 'expected but sad' and warned of an increased risk of poaching due to hunters' frustration.
The Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, which appealed the hunting decision, welcomed the ruling. Chair Beatrice Rindevall called it 'a hugely important decision' and a potential 'turning point' for wolves in Sweden. 'The hunting decisions were politically driven, lacked scientific basis, and violated the law,' she said. WWF wolf expert Benny Gäfvert said the outcome was anticipated, especially after the EU Commission criticized the government's minimum threshold of 170 wolves as unscientific. He stressed the need for alternative measures, such as predator-proof fencing and compensation for damages, to reduce conflicts.
The Federation of Swedish Farmers views the decision as 'highly problematic' for livestock farmers. Deputy chair Mikaela Johnsson warned that wildlife damage threatens food production unless politics provides sustainable solutions. The court noted the EU Commission's critique of the 170-wolf reference value.
