Large carnivore permits

The large carnivores are strictly protected species and their hunting is regulated by the Habitats Directive of the European Union. The brown bear population in Finland is large enough so that its size may be controlled by hunting as defined in national population management plans.

The maximum quota for hunting brown bear is set by the Finnish Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. The Finnish Wildlife Agency grants exceptional licenses (derogations) for hunting bears for the purposes of population management.

The bear hunting season begins on the 20th of August. In the reindeer husbandry area, bear hunting takes place according to quotas defined for the eastern and western herding areas. Wildlife Service Finland sells brown bear permits which are valid in the state-owned areas within the whole reindeer husbandry area. It is important for hunters to follow the current quota during the hunting.

Elsewhere in Finland, bear hunting is only possible with an exceptional permit granted by application.

A bear that has been killed in a hunt must be reported to the Finnish Wildlife Agency and the police on the first weekday after the kill.

For more information about hunting brown bear, please contact our customer service: Service number for wilderness permits: +358 20 69 2424. The service is open on weekdays from 9 AM to 3 PM. You can also contact us by email: eraluvat(a)metsa.fi.