Denmark Prepares for Regulated Wolf Hunting Starting in 2027

Denmark plans to allow regulated wolf hunting starting in 2027. The change follows relaxed European Union wildlife protection rules. Residents enjoying outdoor nature activities should follow updated wildlife rules.

Denmark's government commissioned new scientific research this week. Researchers will measure the minimum population needed for long-term survival. Authorities will also use DNA tracking to identify individual wolves.

Green Land Transformation Agency SGAV is launching public tenders for this work. In spring 2026, experts estimated at least 49 adult wolves live in Denmark. Aarhus University and the Natural History Museum Aarhus conducted that estimate.

Nature Minister Christian Rabjerg Madsen hopes hunting can begin in 2027. He stated that scientific data must justify any future hunting quotas. The European Union downgraded wolf protection status in 2025.

Wolves moved from strictly protected to protected status under EU law. This shift gives member countries more flexibility to manage wild wolf populations. However, Denmark must maintain a favourable conservation status for the species.

The scientific model will be completed sometime during 2027. Currently, authorities only allow problem wolves to be shot in special cases. Examples include wolves that repeatedly attack livestock behind approved fencing. Wolves showing an abnormal lack of fear toward humans can also be killed. This report relies on data from Ritzau, SGAV, and CPH Post.