Hunting in Finland: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Finland has over 300,000 active hunters and some of Europe's most accessible private hunting land. Whether you're a foreign visitor or a local looking to try your first elk hunt, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Do You Need a Licence to Hunt in Finland?

Yes. Anyone hunting in Finland must hold a valid Finnish hunting licence (metsästyskortti), or an equivalent from their home country if the Finnish authorities accept it. EU hunters generally need to present their national hunter card and a valid game insurance policy. Finland also requires all hunters to pass a hunting examination — but guest hunters visiting a licensed Finnish club area may hunt under the club's collective licence.

What Can You Hunt in Finland?

Finland offers a wide range of game. The most popular species are:

Elk (moose, hirvi) — the iconic Finnish big game, hunted in September–December with a strict quota system.
White-tailed deer (valkohäntäpeura) — abundant in southern Finland, hunted August–January.
Roe deer (metsäkauris) — widespread across southern and central Finland.
Capercaillie and black grouse — forest birds hunted in autumn with bird dogs.
Pheasant and hare — popular targets for small game hunters.
Waterfowl — duck and geese hunting in autumn along Finland's vast coastline.

Guest Hunting: Hunt Without Club Membership

The easiest way to experience hunting in Finland as a visitor is through a guest hunting permit (vierasjahti). Finnish hunting clubs manage large private forest areas and sell day and weekend permits to non-members. WildAccess is Finland's first platform to sell these permits online — no phone calls, no waiting.

How to Book a Guest Hunting Permit Online

Browse available hunting areas on WildAccess Guest Hunts.
Select your preferred area, date, and permit type.
Pay securely via Stripe — card or Apple/Google Pay.
Receive your digital permit by email in under 2 minutes.
Show your permit code on arrival at the hunting area.

Finnish Hunting Seasons at a Glance

Elk: 1 September – 15 December (quota-based)
White-tailed deer: 1 August – 31 January
Roe deer: 16 September – 31 January
Capercaillie: 10 September – 31 October
Duck & waterfowl: 20 August – 31 December

What to Bring

Always carry: your hunting licence, valid game insurance, your digital WildAccess permit, and any required safety equipment. Bright orange vests are mandatory when hunting with driven hunts or in groups.