Hunting in Danmark
Hunting in Denmark with the hunting exam, Nature Agency, and Danish hunting regulations.
Denmark differs from the other Nordic countries with its flat landscape and intensive agriculture, but still has an active hunting culture with over 170,000 registered hunters. Danish hunting is characterized by roe deer hunting, pheasant hunting, and duck hunting in the wetlands.
Hunting is regulated through the Hunting Act (Lov om jagt og vildtforvaltning) and administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen). The Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) manages state-owned land and offers hunting permits for public hunting areas.
To hunt in Denmark you must pass the hunting exam (jagtprøve — theory + shooting test), administered by the Nature Agency. After passing, you receive a hunting license (jagttegn), which is renewed annually with a hunting fee (jagttegnsafgift). Foreign hunters can obtain a temporary hunting license with documented hunting certification from their home country.
Roe deer is the most hunted big game species. Pheasant, duck, and goose dominate small game hunting. Denmark also has a healthy red deer population in Jutland and on certain islands. Wild boar have begun migrating in from Germany, but hunting is currently limited.
The Danish Hunters' Association (Danmarks Jægerforbund) is the country's hunting organization and offers education, insurance, and political representation. The organization has local chapters across the country.
Hunting rights are tied to the landowner. Most people hunt through hunting associations, by leasing hunting rights, or by purchasing hunting permits on state land.
Requirements for foreign hunters
Foreign hunters can obtain a temporary hunting license (jagttegn) in Denmark by documenting a passed hunting exam from their home country. Apply through the Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen), valid for one hunting year. The hunting license fee is approximately 565 DKK per year.
For rifle hunting, a passed rifle test is required. Foreign hunters who can document an equivalent shooting test from their home country may be exempt, but this is assessed individually by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Firearms import for EU/EEA citizens requires a European Firearms Pass. The weapon must be reported to the police upon entry. Hunters from outside the EU/EEA need a firearms permit from Danish police. Apply at least 6 weeks before arrival.
Hunting on state land is administered by the Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen), which sells day permits and season permits for selected areas. For private land you need an agreement with the landowner. Many Danish estates and hunting companies offer organized hunts for foreign guests.
Denmark is especially popular for pheasant hunting and duck hunting among foreign hunters. Organized pheasant hunts (driven hunts) are part of Danish hunting tradition and are offered by many hunting estates.
Hunting insurance is required in Denmark. You must have liability insurance covering hunting accidents. The Danish Hunters' Association (Danmarks Jægerforbund) offers insurance, also for foreign hunters.
Licenses and permits
A hunting exam (jagtprøve — theory + shooting test) is required. Annual hunting license with fee. Foreign hunters can obtain a temporary hunting license with documented hunting certification.
Regulations
The Hunting Act (Lov om jagt og vildtforvaltning). Administered by the Environmental Protection Agency (Miljøstyrelsen). The Nature Agency (Naturstyrelsen) manages state-owned land.
Hunting seasons
Roe deer: May to January (varies by sex). Red deer: September to January. Pheasant: October to January. Duck: September to January. Goose: September to January. Hare: October to January.