Hunting

Hunting is in many ways an important activity, but it is also one of the most strictly regulated hobbies you can practise in a forest. You are not allowed to hunt without a hunting permit that requires taking a test that includes a lot of information on game and nature. If you intend to hunt elk or bear, you must have passed the shooting test. You may not acquire a gun without a purchase permit or own a gun without a firearms licence. The state game management fee is payable for hunting game. Furthermore, you need a permission from the landowner or the holder of the hunting rights. Residents in the province of Lapland and some municipalities in the province of Oulu are entitled to hunt on government lands in their home municipalities. A hunting season has been decreed for each game species, for example based on their breeding season. Regional and annual quotas have also been defined for many animals. Hunting must not cause danger or harm to others, and hunting may not be hindered or obstructed. No one may disturb game animals, even when moving around under everyone’s rights.