First hunt for golden jackal: Sylt in the hunters' sights!

First hunt for golden jackal: Sylt in the hunters' sights!

In the last few weeks, the golden jackal has caused a lot of excitement on Sylt. Not for fun and foolishness, but because he has proven to be a serious robber. The shy jackal, which has already killed numerous sheep and lambs, became a central issue after the State Office for the Environment in Schleswig-Holstein granted an exemption for its hunt. This is valid from June 5th to July 31st, 2025 and could be a first in Germany, as it would be the first confirmed shooting of a golden jackal in this country, as Merkur reports.

However, the golden jackal case isn't just causing excitement among hunters. Around 20 to 30 volunteer hunters on Sylt are already active and are investigating the matter. Manfred Uekermann, the deputy district hunter for North Frisia, expresses concern about inquiries from hunters from other parts of Germany who would like to take part in the hunt. He emphasizes that no hunting tourism is desired, because it is important to ensure rest areas for night hunting so as not to put additional stress on the shy animals.

The threat of the golden jackal

Golden jackals have had an interesting development in Germany. They belong to the dog family and are closely related to the wolf. Did you know that golden jackals are now widespread in German forests and have already successfully given birth? However, their way of life, which has so far been little researched, makes hunting difficult. Golden jackals often live as solitary animals, while pairs stake out their territory deep in the forests, which can be up to 3 kilometers in size, as reported by [Deutsches Jagdportal](https://www.deutsches-jagdportal.de/portal/index.php/aktuelles/12190-jagdrecht-darf-der-goldschakal-in-deutschland-geschoiten- Werden#!/ccomment).

The current exemption relates to the massive damage caused by the golden jackal on Sylt. Since May 19, a single jackal has killed 90 sheep and lambs. This can no longer be ignored and that is why the state office has made this decision. Golden jackal hunting is a sensitive issue in Germany and is heavily regulated, which makes the situation even more complicated.

Hunting as a solution?

Many people are now wondering whether hunting is actually the right solution. While the hunters on Sylt are ready to take action, it doesn't take long for hunting tourists to become interested. Uekermann confirms that several inquiries have already been received from various federal states. The exact number of those interested remains unknown, but those already active hunters clearly emphasize that there is no longer a need. The focus is clearly on maintaining peace and quiet for the animals and the natural environment.

Overall, it is clear that the golden jackal issue in Germany is complex. The mixture of nature conservation, the endangerment of farm animals and the interests of hunters leads to an exciting discussion about the correct way to deal with these fascinating animals. Whether hunting actually represents a long-term solution remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the golden jackal will probably still be a topic of conversation in the German wildlife landscape, and not just on Sylt.