Bear hunting with special permit

Bear hunting with an exceptional license, Sotkamo

Outside the reindeer husbandry area, bear hunting always requires a separate exceptional license issued by the Finnish Wildlife Agency. The Finnish Wildlife Agency generally grants exceptional licenses to joint permit areas.

In 2026, the Finnish Wildlife Agency has granted derogation permits for the hunting of nine bears in the Sotkamo area (decision 2026-1-000-42895-1). The exceptional license area also includes state-owned lands, for which you need a personal bear permit issued by Metsähallitus. These permits are available as daily and weekly permits from 17 August 2026 onwards.

To participate in the hunt, you must register with the holder of the Sotkamo joint permit. The registration form and instructions (in Finnish) can be found under Map files and brochures.

Map files and brochures

Basic details of the area

Municipality: Sotkamo
Region: Kainuu
Day permits for the area: Personal day permit, personal week permit (7 days)
Special features of the area: You can purchase a bear permit for this area if you are participating in the joint bear hunting permit.
Restrictions: Always check the permit terms carefully.

Keep in mind in this area

The exceptional license has been granted for the entire municipality of Sotkamo, excluding Hiidenportti and Tiilikkajärvi National Parks as well as the Hiidenvaara, Rommakkovaara, Heiskasenpuro and Vuokatti nature reserves. More detailed instructions can be found under Map files and brochures.