Finland has some of Europe's healthiest game populations — elk, white-tailed deer, roe deer, and wild boar in the south; bear, wolf, and lynx in the north. Every year, thousands of foreign hunters visit to take part in guest hunts. The legal framework is clear once you understand the three-layer system: the hunting card, the game management fee, and the species permit.
Can Foreigners Hunt in Finland?
Yes — foreign nationals are entitled to hunt in Finland under the same rules as Finnish residents, provided they hold valid authorisation. Finland does not have a separate "tourist hunting" category. Visitors are treated the same as any other hunter.
There is no quota on how many foreigners can hunt, and there are no surcharges for non-residents. The main practical barrier is finding access to good hunting land — which is where guest hunting platforms like WildAccess come in.
The Three Things You Need to Hunt in Finland
Hunting card (metsästyskortti)
Finland requires all hunters to hold a valid Finnish hunting card or equivalent authorisation from their home country. The Finnish hunting card is issued after passing a hunting exam. For EU/EEA residents with an existing hunting licence, a simplified procedure may apply — contact the Finnish Wildlife Agency (Suomen riistakeskus) for the current process.
Game management fee (metsästäjärekisterimaksu)
All hunters — Finnish and foreign — must pay the annual game management fee. This funds wildlife research, game wardens, and hunting education. The fee is approximately €35 per calendar year and is purchased online at riista.fi. You receive a receipt to carry during hunting.
Species permit (for large game)
For large game (elk/moose, white-tailed deer, roe deer, bear, wolf, lynx), you need a separate species permit. These are granted to hunting clubs, not individuals — which is why guest hunting through a club is the practical route. For small game (grouse, hare, duck), no species permit is needed beyond the hunting card.
What is Guest Hunting (vierasjahti)?
Guest hunting is the mechanism by which a hunting club sells access to a single hunt or hunting day to an outside hunter. The club holds the area rights and species permits. The guest hunter pays for participation and is covered by the club's permits for that hunt.
This is the most practical way for foreigners to hunt in Finland. You do not need to join the club, go through a membership application, or wait years for a slot. You simply book a hunt, show up with your valid hunting card and game management fee receipt, and take part.
What guest hunting typically includes
- ✓Access to a specific hunt (drive hunt, stalking, or dog hunt) on club-controlled land
- ✓Coverage under the club's species permits for that event
- ✓Integration with the local hunting team — communication is often in English
- —Not included: your hunting card, game management fee, firearms and ammunition
Species & Seasons for Foreign Hunters
| Species | Season | Notes for visitors |
|---|---|---|
| Elk / Moose (hirvi) | October–November | Most popular guest hunt. Drive hunts with dogs or organised pushes. Limited slots — book by August. |
| White-tailed deer (valkohäntäpeura) | Sept–Feb (varies by region) | Abundant in southern Finland. Stalking and drive hunts available. Good success rates. |
| Roe deer (metsäkauris) | August–Jan | Popular in southwest Finland. Stalking from high seats, usually evening hunts. |
| Wild boar (villisika) | Year-round (females with young: restrictions apply) | Rapidly growing population. Night hunting with NV/thermal permitted. Check local rules. |
| Grouse (teeri, metso, riekko) | Sept–Nov (species-specific) | Small game — no species permit needed. Dog hunting available through WildAccess. |
| Hare (metsäjänis) | October–February | Beagle hunting tradition. Small game — no species permit beyond hunting card. |
| Bear (karhu) | August–October | Highly regulated, limited permit quota. Rarely accessible to visitors. Contact specialist outfitters. |
Firearms Rules for Foreign Hunters
Bringing your own firearm to Finland requires an EU Firearms Pass for EU citizens, or a Finnish firearms import permit for non-EU visitors. The import permit is obtained through the Finnish Police before travel. Most hunters find it simpler to borrow or rent a firearm from the host club — this is a common practice in guest hunting.
Semi-automatic centrefire rifles are permitted for game hunting. The calibre must be appropriate for the intended quarry. High-powered rounds (7mm, .308, .30-06) are standard for elk; smaller calibres are used for deer and roe.
How to Book a Guest Hunt in Finland
- Confirm your hunting card is valid for the season you are visiting. If you need a Finnish hunting card, begin the process at least 2 months before your trip.
- Buy the game management fee at riista.fi before you arrive. Keep the receipt on your phone.
- Browse guest hunt listings on WildAccess and filter by species, region, and date. Each listing shows what is included, group size, and guide language.
- Book and pay online. Your booking confirmation and permit details are sent by email. The club handles the species permit — you do not need to apply separately.
- Prepare your gear. Check what is provided (ammunition, firearms loan, high-vis vest) and bring what is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners hunt in Finland?
Yes. Foreign nationals can hunt in Finland with valid authorisation. You need a Finnish hunting card (or approved equivalent), the game management fee, and — for large game — coverage under a species permit, which guest hunting provides automatically.
Do I need a Finnish hunting licence?
You can use an existing EU/EEA hunting licence in some cases. However, the Finnish game management fee is always required. Contact Suomen riistakeskus for the current rules for your country of origin.
Can I hunt elk in Finland as a foreigner?
Yes — through guest hunting. Finnish hunting clubs receive elk quotas from the Wildlife Agency and can sell guest slots. Book well in advance (June–August for the October season).
Is a hunting guide required for foreigners in Finland?
No — a guide is not legally required. However, for large game drive hunts you will be part of an organised team. Language and local knowledge make a guide highly valuable. WildAccess listings with a guide or host are clearly marked.