Wilderness supervision
The Wildlife Service Finland, Metsähallitus carry their responsibility for Finnish nature. It conduct expert wilderness supervision to ensure that Finland's natural resources are used sustainably and according to good practices. These wilderness supervision efforts are headed by Metsähallitus' game and fisheries wardens whose work entails the supervision of fishing, hunting, off-road traffic and other wilderness activities. They conduct their work in state-owned areas, which comprise roughly one third of Finland’s surface area.
Game and fisheries wardens are law enforcement officers whose rights are very similar to those of police officers. Supervision of fishing, hunting and off-road traffic is carried out in co-operation with other authorities and partners, such as the police and the Finnish Border Guard.
News about Wilderness Supervision
More than 500 nature visitors required intervention
For the first time, Metsähallitus wilderness supervision has monitored the results of its work in real time throughout the year. The new system reveals that 368 people violated the law while in nature, and 169 people were caught without necessary permits.
Fisheries management fee for 2023 can now be purchased
Next year’s fisheries management fee is now available in the Eräluvat web shop, app and service number +358 20 69 2424, in R-kioski convenience stores and nature centres. The Government decided on Thursday that the fisheries management fee for the entire year will be EUR 47.
Changes to the cancellation policy for wilderness permits
The terms of purchase and cancellation for permits issued by Metsähallitus will be applied in a modified flexible manner for the time being due to the coronavirus epidemic. This situation is considered a force majeure as specified in our terms and conditions, which means that permits can be cancelled before the permit period begins.
Reservable and rental huts at hiking destinations will be closed
In order to slow down the spread of the coronavirus, bookings for reservable and rental huts handled by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland will be cancelled as of 21 March 2020.
Game and Fisheries Staff
Are you looking for a specific person or information on a certain area?
You'll find the right person on the page Game and fisheries staff.
Off-road terrain or road?
Roads constructed by Metsähallitus can be used by vehicles, but driving cross-country is prohibited without a special off-road traffic licence. It is for the driver to recognise the difference between a built road and a cross-country track.
Read more about differences between off-road terrain and road.