Hunting in Sverige
Hunting in Sweden with the hunter's exam, the county system, and Swedish hunting seasons.
Sweden has over 300,000 active hunters and enormous forest areas from Skåne in the south to Lapland in the north. The hunting tradition is long and varied, from moose hunting in the coniferous forests to seabird hunting along the archipelago.
Hunting legislation is regulated through the Hunting Act (Jaktlagen) and the Hunting Ordinance (Jaktförordningen). Hunting rights are tied to the landowner, and hunting takes place either on one's own land, through hunting teams, or by purchasing hunting permits. The County Administrative Boards (Länsstyrelserna) are responsible for wildlife management regionally.
To hunt in Sweden you must have passed the hunter's exam (jägarexamen), administered by the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket). The exam has a theoretical and a practical part (shooting test). Foreign hunters can hunt with a valid hunting certificate from their home country.
The Swedish Hunters' Association (Svenska Jägareförbundet) is the country's largest hunting organization and offers education, insurance, and hunting opportunities. They have local chapters in all counties.
Popular forms of hunting include moose hunting (often in teams with dogs), roe deer hunting, wild boar hunting (which has grown significantly), and small game hunting for hare, pheasant, and duck. Wild boar has become Sweden's most hunted species after moose.
Requirements for foreign hunters
Foreign hunters can hunt in Sweden with a valid hunting certificate from their home country. You do not need to take the Swedish hunter's exam (jägarexamen), but must be able to show documentation of equivalent hunting education.
For hunting on state land (Sveaskog and similar), you can purchase hunting permits directly. For hunting on private land you need an agreement with the landowner or a hunting team.
Firearms import for EU/EEA citizens requires a European Firearms Pass. The weapon must be registered with the police upon arrival. Hunters from countries outside the EU/EEA need an import permit from Swedish police, which should be applied for at least 4 weeks before arrival.
For big game hunting (moose, deer, wild boar, bear), it is advisable to hunt with a local hunting team that knows the terrain and regulations. Many counties have specific quotas and rules.
Hunting insurance is not legally required, but the Swedish Hunters' Association (Svenska Jägareförbundet) offers insurance covering both the hunter and any damages. Most hunting teams require that you have insurance.
Swedish hunting seasons may differ from Norwegian ones. Always check current hunting seasons with the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) or the relevant County Administrative Board.
Licenses and permits
A hunter's exam (jägarexamen — theory + shooting test) is required. Foreign hunters need a valid hunting certificate from their home country. State hunting permits available for hunting on state land.
Regulations
The Hunting Act (Jaktlagen) and Hunting Ordinance (Jaktförordningen) regulate all hunting. County Administrative Boards (Länsstyrelserna) manage wildlife regionally. Hunting rights belong to the landowner.
Hunting seasons
Moose: September to January (varies by county). Roe deer: August to January. Wild boar: year-round. Hare: September to February. Seabirds: late summer to winter.