Harbour Seal
About harbour seal hunting
Seal hunting is unlike any other form of hunting in Norway. It takes place from a boat along the coast, and the seals are shot on skerries where they haul out to rest. The distance is often short, but the challenge is getting close enough without spooking them.
The approach is made by boat, usually at slow speed with the engine at low revs. The seals are alert and disappear into the water at any disturbance. Wind and waves can make it difficult to keep the boat steady enough for a good shot.
The harbour seal is smaller than the grey seal and typically weighs 50 to 100 kg. It is hunted with a rifle in an approved big-game caliber. The shot must be placed in the head to ensure a quick kill and prevent the seal from slipping into the water.
Seal hunting is quota-regulated and managed by the Directorate of Fisheries. You need a quota allocated by the Directorate in addition to the standard hunting license. Kills must be reported immediately.
The meat is used as food and has a tradition especially along the coast of northern and western Norway. The hide can be tanned.
Hunting Season
2. jan – 30. apr og 1. aug – 30. sep
Jakttider varierer mellom forvaltningsområder. Kvoteregulert. Reguleres av Fiskeridirektoratet, ikke Landbruksdirektoratet.
Weight
Levende vekt: 50–100 kg.
Distribution
Langs hele norskekysten, fra Oslofjorden til Finnmark. Størst konsentrasjoner i Rogaland, Vestland, Trøndelag og Nordland.
Terrain
Skjær, holmer og sandbanker langs kysten. Steinkobben hviler på land ved lavvann og jakter fisk i sjøen. Den holder seg gjerne til faste liggeplasser.
Identification
Gråbrun med mørke flekker. Rund kropp, kort snute og store øyne. Varierer mye i fargemønster mellom individer.
Hunting Tips
Seljakt krever båt og tålmodighet. Planlegg etter tidevann, selene ligger på skjær ved lavvann. Tidlig morgen er best. Husk at kvoten er begrenset og varierer mellom områder.
Harbour Seal hunting by county
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