Residents in a North Jutland town are alarmed after finding skinned deer and hearing gunfire at night. Police are investigating suspected poaching, while local hunters and the municipality disagree on what is actually happening.
Dead and Skinned Deer Found Near Public Woods
In the town of Hals, part of Aalborg Municipality, residents have repeatedly found dead deer left in public areas. Over the past year, several animals, including roe deer and fallow deer, were found shot and skinned near the local bog and forest areas during closed hunting seasons.
Earlier this November, locals came across yet another carcass near a public parking lot in the Bisnap forest. The discovery sparked new concern among residents, as hunting in that specific area is banned and the hunting season for fallow deer had not yet begun.
The head of the local hunting association in Hals explained that similar cases had been reported the year before. During that period, people also discovered hides and animal remains scattered around the area. Locals frequently hear gunshots late at night, suggesting that someone continues to hunt illegally.
Police Take Poaching Reports Seriously
North Jutland Police have confirmed that they have received several reports and are working with the local hunting group to investigate. According to police commissioner Henrik Kjær, poaching is a serious offense, not only because it violates hunting rights but also because it often breaches animal ethics and safety rules. Shooting at night or in poorly known areas creates safety hazards for bystanders and property.
Despite the concern, catching a poacher is extremely difficult. Authorities say offenders must be caught in the act, which rarely happens. The police therefore encourage anyone who notices suspicious activity such as nighttime gunfire or vehicles parked in unusual spots to contact them directly.
Conflicting Views Between Municipality and Hunters
Aalborg Municipality, however, does not share the same view as the hunters. According to the head of environmental management, municipal inspectors believe the remains are likely dumped hunting waste rather than proof of illegal shooting. She noted that the amount of usable meat left behind is unfortunate, but said the site’s proximity to a public road makes it unlikely that a real poacher would have processed an animal there.
The municipality sponsored wildlife cameras for the hunting club two years ago and has granted permission for more cameras to be set up in the area. Still, officials say they will not take further action right now, as they must prioritize among many different land management tasks across the region.
Hunters Fear Reputation Damage
Meanwhile, the local hunting association insists that illegal activity continues. The group has filed multiple police reports and continues to monitor the area themselves. They believe the situation undermines the reputation of law-abiding hunters and raises safety concerns for hikers and residents.
According to hunting rules set by the Danish Nature Agency, unused or unusable game must be either buried or properly destroyed, not left out in public.
The chairman of the Hals Hunting Association said members have personally looked for the offender, even following tracks and collecting shell casings after night shots were heard. Although it has not led to an arrest, the group intends to keep expanding its patrols.
For local hunters, the main fear is being associated with the individuals responsible. They emphasize that true hunters follow ethical and seasonal limits, while illegal shooters put people and wildlife at risk. Safety, legality, and respect for nature, they say, remain the foundation of Danish hunting culture.
Police Urge Public Cooperation
The police continue to appeal to residents, landowners, and outdoor visitors to report anything suspicious. According to officials, cooperation between citizens and local hunters is essential for ending cases like this.
The situation in Hals has drawn attention across the region as Danes debate whether stricter penalties or new regulations are needed to stop illegal hunting. Authorities warn that poaching is not only an ethical issue but also a threat to public safety in Denmark’s forests and open spaces.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Danish Hunters Call for Stricter Rules After Illegal Hunting Incidents
TV2: Borgere finder flåede dyr og hører skud – mistænker krybskytteri
