Wildlife Service Finland, a unit of Metsähallitus, manages state-owned hunting grounds and sells hunting permits for these areas. The state-owned areas (i.e. public lands) are located mainly in the northern and eastern parts of the country. Small game hunting areas, varying highly in size, are accessible to all hunters with a valid hunting permit issued by Metsähallitus.
The nature of hunting areas varies from northern alpine landscapes to coniferous forest types in the south. The most common game species are black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), hazel grouse (Tetrastes bonasia), willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) and mountain hare (Lepus timidus).
Most of the hunting areas are in multiple-use forests, and commercial forest management activities might take place in the area also within the hunting season. Some parts of the hunting areas can obtain specific hunting restrictions due to their protected area status.
Metsähallitus manages the natural resources responsibly and ensures that hunting is conducted according to good practices and on a sustainable basis. By selling hunting permits Metsähallitus is aiming to guarantee that everyone has an equal access to and can experience hunting in state-owned areas now and in the future. The proceeds from hunting permit sales are used for the benefit of game populations and their habitats, such as restoration of peatlands for species such as willow grouse and bean goose (Anser fabalis).
Metsähallitus’ Excursionmap.fi map service, known as the number one tool of all hikers, has been renewed. In addition to improvements made to technical functionality, the map has been complemented with photographs of the most popular sites, the information contents of the map have been increased, and the map is now updated more frequently.
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.
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.
Metsähallitus will close its nature centres, visitor centres and service points, as well as Science Centre Pilke for the time being to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Matters related to permits are handled in Eräluvat web store and from our service number + 358 20 69 2424.
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.
The game and fisheries wardens lead the supervision work in state-owned land and water areas. Their work entails the supervision of fishing, hunting, off-road traffic and other wilderness activities.
A wildlife tutor is a keen and responsible wilderness, hunting or fishing enthusiast who teaches children and youngsters how to embrace wilderness. Would you like to become a wildlife tutor?
Read more about wildlife tutoring on Wildlife tutor page.
