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
Maintenance break in the Excursionmap.fi map service 7 Novemebr
Maintenance will be done in the Excursionmap.fi on Tuesday morning 7th of November 2023 from 07:00 to 10:00. During this period, there may be service interruptions in the Excursionmap.fi.
In the future, the Outdoor etiquette for fishers and hunters will be followed in state-owned areas
Hunters and fishers are expected to observe the new Outdoor etiquette in Metsähallitus fishing waters and hunting areas in the future. The Outdoor etiquette emphasises respect for the catch or game, nature, and other people enjoying nature. Approximately 200,000 hunting and fishing permits are purchased for state-owned areas each year.
We have updated the Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
The Terms of Use and Privacy Statement of the Eräluvat.fi online service were updated on 9 May 2023.
Reservation of Metsähallitus huts for 2024 will open on Tuesday 2 May at 12:00 noon
As of Tuesday 2 May 2023 at 12 noon, the public can book reservable huts and rental huts maintained by Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland for 2024. Reservations can be made in the Eräluvat webshop. A small proportion of the huts can be booked at the local nature centre or through our partners.
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.