Hunting

Hunting rights in Finland are closely related to land ownership. There are separate hunting seasons for each game species, which are to be strictly observed.

Elks have always been important and valued game, which have assured the survival of families and communities even during difficult times. All the villagers took part in the elk hunt, using the skills they had. Hunters, drivers, fetchers and meat dressers all had their own responsibilities in the village community. The elk slayer was, and still is, a significant person in the community, referred to as the "creditor".

Nowadays the elk populations are managed systematically in Finnish Lapland and in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, only hunting the specific number of surplus elks. Hunting is based on the monitoring of the elk population specified by the hunting club. Elk hunting is disciplined joint hunting that gathers together villagers past and present even from afar for this autumn-time get together. There is a good guarantee of a catch and the quota caught normally reaches almost 100 %.

In Lapland, elk hunting normally occurs in the autumn and early winter. It is at this time that the vibrant autumn colours of the period named ruska changes to the frosty mornings of early winter. The wide-open terrain of Lapland with views reaching as far as the eye can see, with the natural tranquillity and fresh air create a unique setting for the hunting event.
Elk hunting, further information: +358 (0)400 816 450, or: panu.leinonen(att)pelkosenniemi.fi

It’s also popular to hunt grouses (Tetraonidae), hares (Lepus) and waterfowl.
Please contact hotel Aurora Chalet or Lapland Lake Travel for further information.