Hunting
You can purchase different hunting permits for small or big game. State-owned areas provide hunting opportunities also for those who do not have access to an area belonging to a hunting club or similar. Persons who live permanently in Northern Finland in the area referred to in section 8 of the Hunting Act do not need a separate permit to hunt on state-owned land in their home municipality.
Purchasing a hunting permit is an investment in nature, as the permit revenue is spent on game management and ensuring the renewal of game animal populations. Metsähallitus experts and Game and Fisheries Wardens work with you to ensure that hunting is sustainable and lawful. In state-owned areas you must follow the Outdoor etiquette, which refers to jointly agreed good fishing and hunting practices.
The hunting areas managed by Metsähallitus vary in size, topography and permit conditions. Most of them are located in areas used for commercial forestry, where forestry work may also be carried out during the hunting season.
Hunter's information bank
Many special rights and derogations are associated with hunting.
Hunting in Finland
The most important things that foreign hunters should know about hunting in Finland.
Outdoor etiquette
In state-owned areas you must follow the Outdoor etiquette, which refers to jointly agreed good practices.
News for hunters
25.7.2025
Restoration work at Kärnänkoski: interruptions in permit sales
Kellankoski, part of the Kolima–Keitele rapids route in Viitasaari, is undergoing restoration starting August 1. Restoration work at Kärnänkoski, which began last autumn, is also continuing. Fishing permits are already being sold for Kellankoski, but Kärnänkoski still has interruptions in permit sales.
24.7.2025
Rainbow trout stocking continues at three sites. Suspensions remain in place at others.
Rainbow trout will be stocked again during the week starting August 11 in Manamansalo (Vaala), Kylmäluoma (Taivalkoski), and Hossa (Suomussalmi). However, stocking remains suspended at Matildanjärvi in Teijo, Teerilampi in Ikaalinen, Niemisjärvi lakes in Evo, Koirajärvi and nearby Kaunislampi in Salamajärvi National Park, and Maasydänjärvi and Ahvenlampi in Sievi.
21.7.2025
Fishing permit sales will also resume for Langinkoski in Kotka
On Tuesday, August 19, the final interruption caused by the summer heat ends, as permits for Langinkoski become available again. Only Kärnänkoski on the Kolima–Keitele route remains closed due to restoration work.
16.7.2025
Waters are warming – Avoid fishing for salmonids
The cool summer has turned into a heatwave, and water temperatures are rising rapidly. Warm waters are stressful for salmonids, and they may not recover after being released. Metsähallitus therefore recommends avoiding fishing for salmonids and instead targeting species that tolerate heat better.