Hunting and Game Management

Metsähallitus takes care of the state owned lands and waters. The hunting services staff designs hunting, fishing and snowmobiling in a sustainable way. The licences of Metsähallitus are an investment in nature, since the income gained from selling licences is used to provide benefit to nature. Our mission is to arrange hunting and fishing opportunities also for those who wouldn't otherwise have them. Furthermore, our game and fisheries wardens are in charge of monitoring the state grounds. More information can be found from: http://www.eraluvat.fi

Hunting services are a part of nature services in Metsähallitus. Hunting services organize hunting and fishing and monitor the legality of actions on state grounds. Nature services is managed by Game and Fisheries Manager Jukka Bisi. Each area of nature services (Southern Finland, Ostrobothnia and Lapland) has an Area Manager who is responsible for hunting and fishing affairs in their own area.

Metsähallitus has 123 destinations for which it is possible to get hunting license for small game. Also there are for example elk hunting destinations that are always applied for in January.

For fishers there are 60 recreational fishing destinations that require a separate, destination specific license. The national lure fishing license gives permission to fish on other fisheries. Trap fishing and professional fishing have their own specific areas.

Game and reindeer management in Finland is practised within the limits permitted by the sustainable use of natural resources. The most common game animals are hare, grouse, water fowl and elk.

Hunting is scaled in accordance with game stocks, and the reindeer population is scaled in according to what the grazing areas in Lapland will tolerate. The Food Department in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in Finland safeguards the conditions for game and reindeer husbandry in Finland by directing the diversified use and management of the natural resources on which they are based.

Permanent residents of the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki have the right to hunt on state-owned lands in the municipality in which they reside. Locals also have the right to hunt the Willow Grouse (Lagopus lagopus) with traps. The Willow Grouse is an important source of income for many Enontekiö families.

To hunt in Pöyrisjärvi Wilderness Area you will have to purchase permit to 1615 Näkkälä or permit to 1616 Nunnanen. Local game animals include the Willow Grouse, the hare and water birds. Hunting permits are sold by Skierri, Fell-Lapland Nature Centre, Siida - The Sámi Museum and Northern Lapland Nature Centre, and Customer Service Ivalo. Permits are also sold by local tourist and activity enterprises. For further information see the Enontekiö website(www.enontekio.fi).

A limited number of small game permits are sold for a day at a time. With these permits non-locals can hunt in the area. Reindeer husbandry is an important livelihood in the area, so the use of hounds is strictly forbidden even if you have a permit. In late winter those hunting with dogs must ask the reindeer herding groups where there herds are so the hunt can keep away from them.

Käsivarsi is part of Hunting area 1613. Game: Willow Grouse and Northern Hare. Hunting permits can be bought from Metsähallitus netstore (www.eräluvat.fi, in Finnish) and at customer service points in Enontekiö, Inari and Ivalo.


Regulation of Hunting

Finnish hunting legislation and hunting are founded on the principle of sustainable development. The size and trends of the game populations are taken into account in the regulation of hunting as set down in the Hunting Act and Hunting Decree.

Hunting Means and Methods

The purpose of the restrictions on hunting methods and means is to limit the use of new technical means which do not belong to hunting. The restrictions aim to preserve the game populations as well as the traditional character of hunting as a form of using the nature. The efficiency of the hunting methods is not a priority.

The following means and methods cannot be used in hunting:

1) explosives;
2) poisons and bait containing poison or anaesthetic substances;
3) electrical devices causing loss of consciousness or death;
4) artificial sources of light and aiming devices intended for night shooting that electronically enlarge or alter a picture;
5) mirrors and other blinding devices;
6) bird glues and nets;
7) automatic weapons and self-loading automatic weapons with a magazine capable of holding more than three rounds of ammunition;
8) killing by gas or smoke;
9) the use of live animals as decoys;
10) pitfalls and traps to which a firearm or spear or some other comparable device has been placed as well as other similar hunting means which are dangerous to humans or domestic animals;
11) killing traps which do not kill immediately; and
12) use of lead pellets in the hunting of waterfowl as of 1 August 1996.

A sound-producing mechanical device may not be used as an aid in the hunting of cervids, tetraonids, and waterfowl.

Game may not be chased or tracked for hunting purposes from an aircraft or land motor vehicle or a vessel or boat with the motor running. Game may not be shot at from an aircraft or land motor vehicle or from the cover of these or immediately upon stopping within 100 metres of these or from a vessel or boat with the motor running. This does not apply to putting down wounded game in a sea area from a vessel or boat with the motor running.

Further provisions on the characteristics and use of weapons and other permitted hunting means as well as on the procedures to be observed concerning permitted hunting practices are issued by decree.

The use of permitted hunting means and methods may be restricted by decree so that a certain hunting device or method may only be used in specified areas or in the hunting of specified game.

Closed Seasons for Game

If the preservation of a game population or securing undisturbed reproduction of a game species requires, the game must be declared a protected species for a specified period or until further notice. Provisions on game species to be protected and on closed seasons are issued by decree. In such cases, departure from general closed seasons may be made for the benefit of the permanent residents of the locality.

Game seasons are closed as follows:

1) rabbit, mountain hare and brown hare March 1 - August 31;
2) squirrel February 1 - November 30;
3) European beaver and Canadian beaver May 1 - August 19;
4) muskrat May 20 - September 30;
5) wolf in the reindeer management area April 1 - September 30;
6) ermine and pine marten April 1 - October 31;
7) Baltic ringed seal October 16 ¿ April 15 and June 1 ¿ August 31, and grey seal January 1 ¿ April 15; (812/2003)
8) wild boar March 1 - May 31;
9) moose as from 16 December to the day preceding the last Saturday of September;
10) fallow deer, red deer, sika deer, wild forest reindeer, and white-tailed deer as from 1 February to the day preceding the last Saturday of September; (1206/2000)
11) roe deer male June 16 - August 31 and February 1 - May 15 as well as roe deer female and a calf of the same year February 1 - August 31; (1206/2000)
12) moufflon December 1 - August 31;
13) Canadian goose, greylag goose, bean goose, mallard, teal, wigeon, pintail, garganey, shoveler, pochard, tufted duck, goldeneye, coot, woodcock as well as a female common eider and its young of the same year January 1 to 12.00 noon of August 20;
14) male common eider January 1 - May 31;
15) long-tailed duck, red-breasted merganser and goosander January 1 - August 31;
16) willow grouse in the game management districts of North Savo, North Karelia, Ostrobothnia, Swedish-speaking Ostrobothnia, Central Finland, Oulu, Kainuu and Lapland excluding the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki November 1 - September 9 and in the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari and Utsjoki April 1 - September 9 and for the whole year in the rest of Finland;
17) ptarmigan in the municipalities of Enontekiö, Inari, and Utsjoki April 1 - September 9 and for the whole year in the rest of Finland;
18) black grouse and hazel grouse November 1 - September 9;
19) capercaillie November 1 - September 9;
20) partridge November 1 - September 9;
21) pheasant March 1 - August 31; and
22) wood pigeon November 1 - August 9.

Wolf outside the reindeer herding areas, bear, otter, wolverine, lynx and harbour seal are always protected.

Game may not be hunted or harmed during a closed season and their mating, nesting or young may not be disturbed.

Hunting Licence and Regional Quota

According to section 10 of the Hunting Act, a licence must be obtained for the hunting of moose, fallow deer, red deer, sika deer, wild forest reindeer, and white-tailed deer (cervid hunting licence).

If a game population other than cervids is endangered by hunting or if necessary for the appropriate organization of the hunting of such game, requirements concerning the acquisition of a hunting licence or compliance with regional quotas established by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry may be issued by decree.

In such cases the terms for the granting of a hunting licence or quota as well as the procedure to be observed when granting these, the fee to be collected for a licence, and other matters concerning the licences are laid down by decree. It may also be provided by decree that game management districts grant hunting licences.

Regional quota

According to section 5 of the Hunting Decree issued under section 10 of the Hunting Act, the quotas laid down by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry for the eastern reindeer herding area (the municipalities of Utsjoki, Inari, Sodankylä, Pelkosenniemi, Savukoski, Salla, Kuusamo and Suomussalmi) and the western reindeer herding area (reindeer herding areas other than those belonging to the eastern reindeer herding area) must be observed when hunting bear in the reindeer herding area.

Regulations of the Ministry of Foresty and Agriculture

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry issues regulations on the restrictions on hunting allowed under hunting licences, conditions for granting hunting licences and procedures to be followed, and reports concerning allowable hunting.

These regulations apply to the hunting of European beaver, bear, lynx, wolf, otter, Baltic ringed seal and grey seal and spring hunting of aquatic birds. Their purpose is to ensure that the principle of sustainable development and the Habitats Directive are complied with in the hunting of these species.

Voluntary Restrictions

Hunting clubs and other holders of hunting rights often restrict hunting on a voluntary basis. In practice this means prohibitions on the hunting of certain species, setting up closed areas or quotas for the game bag.

It is important to keep in mind that each hunter is responsible for ensuring that hunting takes place in accordance with the principle of sustainable development.


Decisions Made on Management Plans

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry draws up national management plans for several game animal species (wild forest reindeer, grey partridge, wolf, bear, lynx, wolverine, grey seal and Baltic ringed seal). The first of these, the Management Plan for the Wolf Population in Finland, was published on 28 December 2005.

The management plans aim to give more attention than before to the regional differences in game populations, impacts of the populations on the people living in the region, and views of the local residents concerning the special aspects relating to the game species. The management plants also outline necessary measures to be implemented both nationally and in specific regions.

The practical implementation of the management plans calls for coordinated cooperation between several actors.

Management Plans Prepared in a Participatory Process

The main principles in preparing the management plans for large carnivores and seals include transparency and citizens' participation. Local residents, regional NGOs as well as national actors have been heard extensively and in various contexts.

Local people have been heard in public meetings held in different parts of Finland. Regional NGOs have been heard both through written comments and in special negotiations on the level of regions.

National actors have been given the opportunity to comment on the processes in writing or to participate in the negotiations and hearing sessions.

This procedure has ensured that all stakeholders have had the opportunity to participate in and influence the preparation process of the management plans.

Management Plan for the Wolf Population

The management plan describes the actions to be taken by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry to manage the wolf population and solve conflicts relating to wolves.

The management plan is founded on international guidelines so that the obligations set for Finland in managing the wolf populations are duly taken into account. Local residents, regional actors and national NGOs were heard widely in various contexts during the preparation.

The Management Plan of the Finnish Wolf Population consists of two sections. The first presents the background for the wolf policy practised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It describes the biology of wolf and status of the wolf population and discusses certain essential elements of the situation in Finland in the light of international research. It also deals with the national legislation, international obligations and cooperation, financial damages caused by wolves, common history of man and wolf, and population management measures taken so far. The first section also presents the research material based on the hearing procedure, which is closely linked to the second section concerning the measures to be taken, i.e. the actual management plan.

The second section presents some basic socio-economic strategies founded on the biology of wolf which the Ministry will be implementing to continue the systematic wolf population management. The main objective is to maintain the wolf population at a favourable conservation status. Various measures are combined to reach this objective.

The management plan proposes measures concerning e.g. regional management of the wolf population, prevention and costs of damages, compensating for damages, derogations to the protection of wolf, follow-up of the wolf population, research and its development, advice, information and communication, control of hunting, and cooperation between different parties.

Management Plan for the Finnish Bear Population

The Management Plan for the Bear Population in Finland sets down the principles and measures by which the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to manage the developing bear population. The aim is to ensure that the population is preserved as a permanent element in the Finnish nature. The basic objective is to maintain the population at a favourable conservation status.

Finland is divided into four population management areas

The trend in the Finnish bear population has been positive. The main goal is to maintain a viable population of individuals that fears humans, minimise damages caused by bear, and increase the knowledge of the citizens on bears. Fundamentally the management plan is concerned with the reconciliation of the coexistence of bears and local people and actors.

For managing the bear population Finland has been divided into four management areas: reindeer herding area, area with an established population, spreading zone, and management area for a developing population. In the reindeer herding area and area with an established population the current population is maintained. In the spreading zone moderate population growth is allowed to ensure that bear spreads in the areas for a developing population. In areas with a developing bear population the number of bears is allowed to increase within limits set by the population density and structure of economic activities.

Broad hearing of stakeholders during the preparation

The preparation of the management plan was founded on international regulations, with due account of international obligations set for Finland in managing the bear population. The local people, regional actors and national interest groups were heard widely during the process. The plan is founded on studies on people's attitudes and tolerance concerning bears and on the socio-economic impacts of bears.

The Management Plan for the Bear Population is divided into two parts. The first part sets the background for the bear policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It describes the biology of bear and status of the bear population, and deals with national legislation, international obligations and population management carried out so far. It also presents the results of studies concerning the expectations and wishes of the Finns regarding the management of the bear population. The research material is closely linked to the second part.

The second part of the plan describes the aims and measures to be taken. The measures concern e.g. regional management of the bear population, preventing damages and the costs involved, derogation from the protection of bears, monitoring of the population, research, communication and cooperation between the different parties.

Management Plan for the Lynx Population

The Management Plan for the Lynx Population in Finland sets down the principles and measures by which the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry continues to manage and consolidate the lynx population as a permanent element in the Finnish nature. The basic objective is to maintain the population at a favourable conservation status.

Finland is divided into two population management areas

The trend in the Finnish lynx population has been positive. The current population management practices have proven quite good and there is no need for major changes. The main goal is to maintain a viable population of individuals that fears humans, minimise damages caused by lynx, and increase the knowledge of the citizens on lynxes. Fundamentally the management plans are concerned with the reconciliation of the coexistence of lynxes and local people and actors.

For managing the lynx population Finland has been divided into two main areas: reindeer herding area and the other parts of the country. In the reindeer herding area the lynx population is not allowed to increase, but the possible movement of lynxes between Scandinavia and Russia will be ensured. In granting hunting licences the focus will be on individuals which cause damage to reindeer. In the other parts of Finland the aim is to create an established lynx population that allows a natural spread of lynx. In areas south of the reindeer herding area the development of the lynx population is restricted by hunting based on population management.

Broad hearing of stakeholders during the preparation

The preparation of the management plan was founded on international regulations, with due account of international obligations set for Finland in managing the lynx population. The local people, regional actors and national interest groups were heard widely during the process. The topics of the hearings, such as the socio-economic impacts of lynx, have been utilised in preparing the plan.

The Management Plan for the Lynx Population is divided into two parts. The first part sets the background for the lynx policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. It describes the biology of lynx and status of the lynx population, and deals with national legislation, international obligations and damages caused by lynx. It also presents the results of studies concerning the expectations and wishes of the Finns regarding the management of the lynx population. The research material is closely linked to the second part.

The second part of the plan describes the aims and measures in the management of the lynx population. The measures concern e.g. regional management of the lynx population, preventing damages and the costs involved, derogation from the protection of lynx, monitoring of the population, research, communication and cooperation between the different parties.


ADMINISTRATION

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is the supreme authority in hunting and game management issues. In this role the Ministry is responsible for the preparation of the hunting legislation, decides the maximum limits for the hunting of certain game animals and issues various kinds of orders and instructions.

Natural Resources Department

The mission of the Natural Resources Department is to ensure the conditions for fisheries, game management and reindeer husbandry by regulating the diversified use of the natural resources on which they are founded.

Unit for Recreational Use of Nature

The mission of the Unit for Recreational Use of Nature is to ensure and improve the conditions for hunting and reindeer herding and promote game management and the marketing of reindeer meat. The Unit also deals with issues under the Act on Subsistence Industries.

Hunters' organisations

Apart from the State authorities, hunting and game issues are managed by the Hunters' Central Organisation, game management districts and game management associations, which constitute the statutory organisation for hunting.