Hunting
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 greatly in size, are accessible to all hunters with a valid hunting permit issued by Metsähallitus.
The types of nature in the hunting areas vary 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 forestry management activities might take place in the area also during the hunting season. Some parts of the hunting areas may have 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 aims to guarantee that everyone can experience hunting in state-owned areas and has equal access to them now and in the future. The proceeds from hunting permit sales are used for the benefit of game populations and their habitats, such as in the restoration of peatlands for species such as willow grouse and bean goose (Anser fabalis).
Hunting News
You can reserve Metsähallitus huts for 2022 starting on Monday 3 May at 13:00
As of Monday 3 May, you can book reservable huts and rental huts maintained by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland for 2022. You can make reservations in the Eräluvat webshop.
Maintenance break in the Eräluvat webshop on 16 March, starting at 20:00
Maintenance work will be carried out in the Eräluvat webshop on Tuesday 16 March, starting at 20:00 (8 p.m.). During this time, you won’t be able to make purchases in the webshop or log into your customer account. The Eräluvat app will not be available, either. The maintenance break will take 2–3 hours.
The renewed Excursionmap.fi is an excellent service for hikers in Finland
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.
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.
Game benefits from hunting - The Finnish model
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.
Wilderness supervision
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.