Guided Moose Hunting in Viitasaari
Experience an Authentic Finnish Moose Hunt in the Wilderness of Central Finland
About This Experience
Join an unforgettable moose hunting experience in the vast wilderness of Viitasaari and discover one of Finland's most respected hunting traditions. This is not a commercial game enclosure or a staged hunt, but an opportunity to take part in an authentic Finnish group hunt as a member of an experienced local hunting club.
Imagine a crisp autumn morning, mist-covered forests and the first barks of the moose dogs breaking the silence of the woods. Calm messages over the radio reveal how the hunt is progressing, while each hunter waits in anticipation for their moment. These are the moments that make Finnish moose hunting an experience you will remember for the rest of your life.
The hunt takes place at the beginning of the moose hunting season, when the animals are active and the chances of a successful hunt are among the best of the year. The hunt is conducted under the leadership of an experienced hunt leader, safely, responsibly and with respect for Finnish hunting traditions.
Every effort is made to place guest hunters at the best possible shooting stands, giving each participant a genuine opportunity for success. Although any member of the hunting party may harvest a moose, international guests are taken into consideration whenever possible when the hunt is organised.
Hunting Dates
Choose the weekend that suits you best:
- 10–11 October
- 17–18 October
Arrive in Viitasaari on the day before the hunt and enjoy a total of three nights surrounded by peaceful nature. Departure takes place on the day after the hunt.
Harvest Expectations
The hunt takes place in an area with a strong and responsibly managed moose population.
A typical weekend harvest is:
- 0–2 moose
- Most commonly 1 moose
As this is the hunting of free-ranging wild game, a harvest can never be guaranteed. That is precisely what makes the experience authentic – every success is earned on nature's terms.
Prices
Participation Fee
€2,000 / hunter
The Price Includes
- Two days of guided moose hunting
- Hunting with an experienced local hunting club
- An experienced hunt leader
- A Finnish hunting card
- Hunting permit
- Guidance before and during the hunt
- Three nights of accommodation surrounded by nature
Possible Harvest Fees
- Moose calf: €1,000
- Adult moose: €2,000
- Antlered moose: an additional €100 / antler point
The antlers of a harvested moose will be delivered to the hunter afterwards as a lasting memory of a successful hunt.
Accommodation
You will stay in a high-quality hunting lodge beside rapids, surrounded by the beautiful forest landscapes of Viitasaari. After a day of hunting, you can relax in the peace of nature, share stories with the other hunters and prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen.
Meals are not included in the price.
If you do not have your own car, the host can take you to a grocery store before the hunt begins if needed. Meals may also be ordered from a local catering service upon request.
Arrival
We recommend travelling to Finland via Helsinki Airport.
The easiest way to reach Viitasaari is to rent a car at the airport. The approximately 400-kilometre drive takes around five hours and gives you the opportunity to experience Finland's lake landscapes and forests on the way to the hunting destination.
Requirements for International Hunters
After booking, participants must email copies of the following documents:
- Passport or identity card
- A valid hunting licence from their home country or another document proving their right to hunt
- A valid certificate for a moose shooting test or another accepted equivalent shooting test
- A valid firearm licence
As part of the service, we will arrange your Finnish hunting card and the required hunting permits on your behalf.
The customer is responsible for any permits required to import a firearm into Finland.
During the Hunt
Before the hunt begins, all participants receive an introduction to Finnish hunting methods, safety instructions and the practical procedures of the hunt.
During the hunt, the most important updates are shared in English through a WhatsApp group, ensuring that everyone stays informed about the day's events.
You will also be given access to the WeHunt app, which allows you to follow the hunt in real time. The app displays information such as the movements of the moose dogs, shooting stands and the overall progress of the hunt. This makes the experience even more engaging while also improving safety.
Sustainable Game Management
Finnish moose hunting is based on responsible game management and annually determined harvest quotas. Hunting plays an important role in managing the moose population and maintaining a balance between biodiversity, forestry and road safety.
By taking part in this hunt, you will experience authentic Finnish hunting culture, where game, nature and traditions preserved over generations are treated with respect.
Safety
Safety is the most important principle of every hunt.
All participants must follow the instructions of the hunt leader and comply with Finnish hunting safety regulations throughout the hunt.
A shot may only be taken when the hunter is completely certain of the target and the safety of the shooting direction. As moose dogs are used during the hunt, their location must always be checked before firing, for example through the WeHunt app and in accordance with the hunt leader's instructions.
If a hunter causes the death or serious injury of a hunting dog through negligent actions, they agree to compensate the dog's owner by at least €2,000. Any additional liability will be determined in accordance with applicable legislation.
Highlights
- ✓Authentic Finnish moose hunting with a local hunting club
- ✓Dog-assisted driven hunt during the best part of the season
- ✓Three nights in a high-quality hunting lodge beside rapids
- ✓WeHunt tracking and English-language guidance throughout the hunt
Target Species / Game
- ›Moose
What to Bring
- —A rifle suitable for moose hunting and the necessary permits for bringing it into Finland (the minimum calibre must be 6.5 Creedmoor or 6.5x55 SE)
- —A sufficient quantity of suitable hunting ammunition
- —Valid hunting and identification documents
- —Weather-appropriate hunting clothing (temperatures in October are typically around -5...+10 °C)
- —Waterproof hunting shoes or boots
- —Legally required orange high-visibility clothing (for example, a high-visibility vest and orange headwear)
- —Hearing protection
- —A small backpack for snacks and a water bottle
- —A seat pad or lightweight camping chair for waiting at the shooting stand
- —Binoculars (optional)
- —A mobile phone with an internet connection for using the WeHunt and WhatsApp apps
- —Weather-appropriate spare clothing and personal hygiene items for the accommodation
Catch expectations
The expected harvest is 0-2 moose. Most commonly, 1 moose is harvested.
Weather policy
Weather rarely stops the trip — the plan is adapted to conditions.
Location
Area: Viitasaari, Keski-Suomi, Suomi
Region: Keski-Suomi, Finland
Coordinates: 63.1432°N, 25.9361°E
Experience Level
IntermediateAccessibility
Minimum age: 15
Guide Languages
Frequently asked questions
Do I need previous moose hunting experience?+
Previous experience of Finnish moose hunting is not required, but participants must have a valid right to hunt in their home country and an approved moose shooting test or another accepted equivalent shooting test. Comprehensive safety and practical guidance will be provided before the hunt.
How do I get to the hunting location?+
The easiest option is to fly to Helsinki Airport and rent a car there. The drive to Viitasaari is approximately 400 kilometres and takes around five hours. Arrival takes place on the day before the hunt, and the accommodation includes a total of three nights.
What does the participation fee include?+
The participation fee includes two days of guided moose hunting, hunting arrangements, guidance from the hunt leader, a Finnish hunting card, a hunting permit and three nights of accommodation. Meals, travel expenses and possible harvest fees are not included.
Can a moose harvest be guaranteed?+
No. This is the hunting of free-ranging wild game, so a harvest can never be guaranteed. However, the hunt takes place at the beginning of the season, when the chances of success are usually at their best, and the typical weekend harvest is 0–2 moose.
How is safety ensured during the hunt?+
The hunt is led by an experienced hunt leader, whose instructions must be followed by all participants. The progress of the hunt is monitored through the WeHunt app, and the most important updates are shared in English in a WhatsApp group to ensure safety and smooth cooperation.
What is not included in the price?+
-flights to Finland -car rental or other transport to Viitasaari -meals and drinks -any fees related to importing a firearm -travel insurance and hunting insurance -any trophy processing and shipping costs -harvest fees (calf €1,000, adult moose €2,000 and €100/antler point)
Meet your guide
Erävaris
Erävaris is a Finnish nature and adventure tourism company founded in 1999, offering guided hunting, fishing, canoeing, hiking and outdoor experiences in the stunning landscapes of Central Finland. The company's founder, Ville Varis, grew up surrounded by nature, where he learned from an early age to explore forests and waterways while developing a deep appreciation for Finnish wilderness traditions and the peace of nature.
For more than two decades, Erävaris has been providing guests with authentic experiences built on local expertise, responsible practices and personal guidance. Every trip is carefully designed to help visitors experience the very best of Finnish nature – crystal-clear lakes, deep forests, rushing rapids and tranquil silence – safely and under the guidance of an experienced local expert.
Erävaris offers guided hunting and fishing trips, canoeing, hiking and climbing adventures, as well as accommodation in a cozy log cabin by the rapids. The company's goal is to share with every guest the same passion for nature and respect for the outdoors that has been the foundation of its operations since 1999.
For Erävaris, nature is more than just a place to visit – it is a way of life. The company's philosophy is built on preserving Finnish wilderness traditions, respecting nature and creating unforgettable experiences that leave lasting memories.