A planned lynx hunt in Västra Götaland County, Sweden, has been halted indefinitely following a decision by the Administrative Court, officials announced Sunday, March 1, 2026. The suspension comes just as the hunt was scheduled to begin, raising concerns among hunters and wildlife advocates alike.
The Administrative Court has position the hunt on hold pending a final ruling on its legality. According to SVT Nyheter, the Länsstyrelsen (County Administrative Board) in Västra Götaland confirmed that no hunting can commence until the court reaches a decision.
The decision to halt the hunt has sparked strong reactions. Hunters expressed frustration, with some accusing activists of sabotage, as reported by Svensk Jakt. The case highlights the ongoing tensions between wildlife management and conservation efforts in the region.
Several other counties in Sweden have been allocated quotas for lynx hunting in 2026, including Gävleborg (20 lynx), Örebro (7), Värmland (6), Västmanland (4), Västra Götaland (3) and Stockholm (4), according to the Swedish Hunters’ Association. Jönköping and Kalmar counties will share a quota of 16 lynx. However, no hunt will take place in Norrbotten County, where the lynx population is not considered to have recovered sufficiently.
The Swedish Hunters’ Association – Västra Götaland Väst is also currently organizing youth hunts for the 2025-2026 season, as well as courses for prospective hunters, according to their website. The association is requesting reports of sick or deceased foxes in the region due to concerns about the spread of Leptospira bacteria, which has also affected dogs.
A final decision regarding the lynx hunt in Västra Götaland is expected once the Administrative Court issues its ruling. The move underscores the complex legal and political landscape surrounding wildlife management in Sweden.
