Hunting in Finland
Hunting in Finland with the hunting card, Riistakeskus, and Finnish hunting traditions.
Finland has over 300,000 registered hunters in a country of 5.5 million people. Hunting is an important part of Finnish culture, especially in the northern and eastern parts of the country.
Hunting is regulated through the Hunting Act (MetsÀstyslaki) and managed by the Finnish Wildlife Agency (Suomen riistakeskus). The country is divided into 15 wildlife management districts (riistanhoitopiiri) that handle local wildlife management, hunting exams, and permits.
To hunt in Finland you need a hunting card (metsÀstyskortti) from the Finnish Wildlife Agency after passing the hunting exam (metsÀstÀjÀtutkinto). The card is renewed annually by paying the wildlife management fee. Foreign hunters can obtain a hunting card with documented hunting education from their home country.
Finland offers varied hunting: moose and deer in the great forests, ptarmigan on the Lapland plateaus, bear with a quota system. Sea hunting along the archipelago provides good opportunities for seabirds.
Hunting rights are tied to land ownership. Landowners are often organized in hunting associations (metsÀstysseura). State forests (MetsÀhallitus) offer hunting permits for large areas in Northern and Eastern Finland.
Requirements for foreign hunters
Foreign hunters can apply for a Finnish hunting card (metsÀstyskortti) from the Finnish Wildlife Agency (Riistakeskus). You must document a passed hunting education from your home country. The card is issued for one hunting year and costs approximately 39 euros.
For big game hunting (moose, deer, bear) you need a harvest permit through the local wildlife management district. Bear quotas are limited and allocated by lottery.
Firearms import for EU/EEA citizens requires a European Firearms Pass. The weapon must be registered with Finnish police. Hunters from outside the EU/EEA need an import permit from the local police district. Apply well in advance.
MetsÀhallitus (state forests) offers hunting permits for large areas in Northern and Eastern Finland. These can be purchased online at eraluvat.fi. For private land you need an agreement with the local hunting association (metsÀstysseura).
Finland has strict rules for dog use during hunting. Loose-running dog hunting is common, but dogs must have an approved GPS transmitter. Always check local regulations.
Finnish hunting insurance is recommended. The Finnish Hunters' Association (MetsÀstÀjÀliitto) offers insurance packages for foreign hunters.
Licenses and permits
A hunting card (metsÀstyskortti) is required after passing the hunting exam. Annual wildlife management fee. Foreign hunters need documented hunting education.
Regulations
The Hunting Act (MetsÀstyslaki) regulates all hunting. The Finnish Wildlife Agency (Riistakeskus) manages wildlife. 15 regional wildlife management districts.
Hunting seasons
Moose: September to December. Deer: September to January. Hare: September to February. Ptarmigan: September to March (Lapland). Bear: August to October (quota). Seabirds: August to December.