Can I hunt on my own land in Finland?
Yes — hunting rights belong to the landowner, but that removes no personal requirements. On your own land you hunt without anyone else's permission, but you still need the hunter's examination and a valid hunting card (game-management fee €43 for the 2026–2027 season, €10 under 18), police-issued firearms permits, and compliance with species seasons and quotas. Deer-family animals additionally require a hunting permit and a sufficiently large contiguous area.
📋 The rules
- Hunting rights follow land ownership — no third-party permission needed on your own land, and the right can be leased e.g. to a hunting club.
- The hunter's exam and game-management fee are always mandatory: €43 for 2026–2027 (€10 under 18).
- Possessing a firearm requires a police permit — on your own land too.
- Species seasons, quotas and catch reports bind everyone; deer-family animals need permits and minimum areas.
- A shooting test is required for deer-family and bear hunting.
🔓 Exceptions
- Invasive small predators (raccoon dog, mink) have lighter rules — but the card and gun permits still apply.
- In the Section 8 area (Lapland and certain municipalities), residents may hunt freely on state land within their home municipality.
⚠️ Penalties
Hunting without a card or permits is a hunting violation or crime: fines, imprisonment in aggravated cases, forfeiture of weapons and a hunting ban. Killing protected animals adds species-specific compensation to the state.
📎 Sources
- Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry · Hunting card and fee →
- Finnish Wildlife Agency · Hunting card →
- Finnish Government · Game-management fee →
❓ Frequently asked questions
How much is the hunting card in 2026?
The game-management fee for 2026–2027 is €43, €10 for under-18s — payable in the Oma riista service.
Can I shoot a moose on my own land?
Only with a hunting permit — moose hunting requires the Wildlife Agency's permit, a shooting test and a sufficiently large contiguous area (about 1,000 ha per permit).
Does a landowner need the hunter's exam?
Yes — the exam and fee are personal requirements that land ownership doesn't replace.
Can I let a friend hunt on my land?
Yes — you can lease the hunting right or grant a hunting permission. Put it in writing.
🔎 What people search
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