Hunting is from a time of our ancestors, when hunting had an important place in the livelihood of people in Finland. Hunting was a source of food, and furs were important in protecting the body, especially during winter. Later it has become a pastime for those, who like to spend time in nature, and hunting can be an exciting activity.

Hunting rights are based on landowner's rights, and anyone practicing hunting must have a valid hunting license, that can be acquired by completing a hunting degree. Degrees are organized by hunting associations. Hunting is allowed only during a certain time of year, every species has its own annual time period imposed by the ministry.

Hunting can also be used to regulate the population of certain species, for example, the elk population and the amount of predators. Game are all animals hunted for their meat or fur.

The most common game in Northern Finland are:

grouse:

• western capercaillie
• black grouse
• hazel grouse
• willow ptarmigan

anseriformes:

• anatidae
• aythya
• etc.
• mountain hare
• elk

small predators:

• fox
• mink
• american mink
• common raccoon dogs

large predators

• bear
• wolf
• Eurasian lynx
• wolverine

Of the before-mentioned game, elk, wolf, wolverine and Eurasian lynx are hunted by special permission.