Small game permits

There are four types of small game permits: the grouse permit, waterfowl and hare permit, beaver permit, and small predator permit. You can always purchase either a day permit or seasonal permit for a certain small game hunting area. Not all permits are sold for each area, as Metsähallitus always ensures that the hunt for each game species is sustainable.

• If you have a grouse permit, you are also entitled to hunt all other small game, usually excluding beavers. In some permit areas, beavers are also included in the seasonal grouse permit. To check this, see the website of the permit area.
• If you have a permit for waterfowl and hares, you may hunt all other small game except grouse and beavers.
• If you have a beaver permit, you may hunt all small predators and unprotected animals.
• Holders of a small predator permit may hunt not only small predators but also unprotected animals, with the exception of the fieldfare.

The right to hunt wild boar is included in all small game permits.

To purchase a small game permit, first select a small game area and then buy a small game permit for it. You can apply for seasonal grouse permits in April, either online or by using a printed form. You can also search for a small game area that suits you on the Excursionmap.fi service. Each hunting permit is an investment in nature, as the permit revenue is spent on game management.

Small game permits may have exceptions specific to certain hunting areas due to such reasons as limitations laid down in nature conservation legislation. This is why you should read the permit conditions and description of the area carefully. Before purchasing a small game permit, you should also read Metsähallitus’ terms of purchasing and cancelling permits.

Bow and arrow and youth permits

More affordable seasonal permits are available for those hunting with a bow and arrow, either for all small game or for waterfowl and hares. There are no separate day permits for hunters using a bow and arrow and others.

For hunters aged under 18, an affordable youth permit is available that covers all small game except beavers. Those aged under 15 may hunt small game without a personal permit as part of the bag quota of a permit holder aged over 18 who has a licence to possess a firearm. The hunter aged under 15 must also be under this person's immediate supervision. For the prices of youth permits, see the page for each hunting permit type.

To buy a youth permit, select a small game area and buy a permit for a person aged under 18 for it!