The Country of Finland

Finland is a Nordic country in Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Norway to the north, and Russia to the east. It is known as “the land of a thousand lakes,” with inland lakes and rivers making up about 10% of the country’s total area. Forests cover nearly two-thirds of the land. Finland is a parliamentary republic with a president as the head of state and a prime minister as the head of government. The capital and largest city is Helsinki. The country is a member of the European Union and uses the euro as its currency. Its economy is highly developed, with key industries including forestry, technology, and metal.

Wildlife of Finland

Finland’s wildlife is a reflection of its vast boreal forests, wetlands, and Arctic landscapes. Many of the country’s animals are well-adapted to the cold, harsh winters.

• Mammals: Finland is home to all of Europe’s large carnivores, including the brown bear, gray wolf, and wolverine. The Eurasian lynx is also found in Finnish forests. The most common big game animal is the moose, or Eurasian elk, which can be seen throughout the country. Other notable mammals include red deer, roe deer, wild boars, and the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest seals in the world, which is endemic to Lake Saimaa. Reindeer are also a significant part of the ecosystem, particularly in the northern region of Lapland, where they are semi-domesticated.
• Birds: Finland is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 400 species of birds observed. The national bird is the whooper swan, and other species include majestic raptors like the golden eagle and white-tailed eagle. You can also find forest birds like the black grouse and a variety of migratory waterfowl.

Hunting in Finland

Hunting is a popular and deeply rooted tradition in Finland, managed under strict laws to ensure sustainability and ethical practices. The Finnish system is based on the right of landowners to lease their hunting rights, which often leads to the formation of local hunting associations.

• Regulations and Permits: To hunt in Finland, you must have a valid hunting card, which requires passing a hunting exam. Foreign hunters must present a valid hunting license from their home country to obtain a Finnish license. For certain species like moose, deer, and bears, a special license or derogation is required. Hunters using a rifle for big game must also pass a shooting test.
• Game Species: A wide range of species are hunted, from large game to small game and birds. The most popular game animals include moose and white-tailed deer, which have a thriving population. Other species include wild boar, red fox, raccoon dog (an invasive species), and various game birds such as grouse, pheasants, and ducks.
• Hunting Seasons: Hunting seasons are strictly regulated and vary by species and region. For big game like moose, the season typically runs from early autumn into the winter. For white-tailed deer, the season is from October to February. Hunting of predators like bears, wolves, and lynx is subject to strict licensing and population management quotas.