Finland is the land of changing colors, with each season offering a different spectacle. Winter is the realm of polar nights and Northern Lights, while summer seems never-ending with the midnight sun, all set against a backdrop of lakes and forests.
For hunting enthusiasts, Finland is a place of almost mythical allure, a land where wilderness and tradition intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. Each year, hunters from across the globe journey to this northern paradise, drawn by the vast, untouched landscapes and the promise of encounters with Finland’s rich wildlife. Majestic elk roam through silent forests, capercaillies and black grouse call from dense thickets, and graceful white-tailed deer emerge at dawn on mist-shrouded fields. Finland’s diverse habitats—sprawling forests, mirror-like lakes, and serene peat bogs—support a wealth of wildlife, creating an ideal backdrop for the hunter seeking a deeper connection with nature.
For Finnish citizens, hunting is far more than a pastime; it is a cherished tradition, one passed down through generations like a treasured family heirloom. Fathers teach sons and daughters the ways of the woods, instilling respect for the land and a reverence for the balance between human and nature. Families often mark seasons not only by the calendar but by the opening days of hunting: the first frosty mornings of fall signal the beginning of the elk hunt, while the colder breaths of winter herald the hunt for grouse. It is a rhythm as old as Finland itself, deeply woven into the nation’s identity.
Hunting in Finland carries a social significance as well, fostering bonds within families and communities. In rural towns, hunting gatherings are woven into the fabric of society, offering a time to reconnect with loved ones and neighbors. Community feasts celebrate the harvest, where game meats like elk and wild birds are prepared in traditional dishes, reminding everyone of the land’s bounty. Here, the hunt becomes a shared experience, a communion with nature that is passed from generation to generation.
For the visiting hunter, Finland offers more than the thrill of the hunt—it offers an immersion into a timeless way of life. As they walk through Finland’s ancient forests or stand quietly on the edge of a frozen lake, foreign hunters join a legacy that binds them, if only for a season, to the people and land of this beautiful northern sanctuary. Finland invites all who come to share in its wilderness, its traditions, and its quiet, haunting beauty.
Travel to Finnish Lapland, the northernmost part of the country, where you can hunt species such as the capercaillie, black grouse, willow ptarmigan, and hazel grouse (and possibly also hares, martens, and foxes) like a true local. This experience is authentically Finnish in every aspect, bringing you into close contact with nature while staying in charming cottages!
Although it is one of the most modern countries in the world, Finns still love to immerse themselves in the peace of the forests, recalling how people lived centuries ago. This connection with the surrounding landscape will relax and rejuvenate you, providing both mental and physical well-being. The silence will recharge your body’s batteries.
You will stay in an authentic hunting camp, traditional Finnish countryside houses where comforts are minimal. For instance, you will find the restroom facilities located outside the living unit, and there will be no connection to the power grid. Electricity will be generated through solar panels and generators.
Despite these basic conditions, you will find yourself in pleasant cottages, heated with wood stoves and situated in a highly picturesque area. These cottages are accessible by boat, navigating the great Lake Inari, the third-largest lake in Finland. You will be mesmerized by the pristine environment and the wild nature surrounding you.
Finns retreat to their cottages whenever they want to escape the hectic pace of daily life, even if just for a weekend. Those without a family cottage plan well in advance to secure a reservation!
To experience this wonderful hunting adventure in Finland, you will depart from Italy with a flight to Helsinki, followed by a domestic flight to Ivalo. Upon landing, you will be greeted by the local staff who will manage the details of your trip.
Your hunting day will start at a respectable hour, around 7:30 AM, followed by a transfer from the camp to the hunting area, either on foot or by boat depending on the location (such as if you’re heading to an island). After the morning hunt, you will return for lunch and then continue with the afternoon hunt.
This hunting method is distinctive and refreshingly relaxed, ideal for those who appreciate a slower, more deliberate approach. It typically involves gentle walking in mostly flat areas, where hunters follow the guidance of trained Spitz breed dogs. Known for their keen senses and responsiveness, these dogs expertly track birds like the capercaillie and black grouse, signaling their presence by subtly changing their behavior and even their barking style depending on the species they encounter.
Once a bird is detected, the Spitz dogs will use their tracking skills to drive it up into the trees. Here’s where their special training truly shines: they adjust their barking based on the specific species they’ve located, whether it’s a mature capercaillie, a young cock, or a hen. Each bird species has a distinct bark pattern associated with it, a skill unique to these dogs and honed through generations of careful training and selection.
For the hunter, interpreting these barks becomes an art in itself. Guided by the dog’s signals, the hunter can determine the type of bird in their sights. For instance, a series of strong, deeper barks often signals an older, more experienced capercaillie, while a higher, shorter bark suggests a hen or juvenile. Once the dog’s bark reveals the bird’s type, the guide evaluates the best approach strategy, factoring in the hunter’s position, wind direction, and visibility.
This nuanced communication between hunter, dog, and guide brings a deeper level of understanding and respect for the wildlife. It’s a hunting experience that transcends simple sport; it immerses participants in a centuries-old tradition that emphasizes patience, attentiveness, and a close connection to nature. Not only does this method provide a less strenuous way to hunt, but it also allows hunters to engage deeply with their surroundings, heightening the thrill of each encounter as they move in sync with their canine partners.
This unique method is a must-try for any hunting enthusiast, offering an unforgettable way to experience the thrill of tracking and approaching wild game with the help of these remarkable Spitz dogs, whose innate intelligence and finely tuned instincts make every hunt a lesson in collaboration and skill.
In the late afternoon, upon returning from the hunt, those who wish can enjoy a sauna or perhaps a relaxing soak in an outdoor hot tub.
From a technical standpoint regarding weapons, both rifled barrel rifles and smoothbore shotguns can be used. For those deciding to fly to Finland with their own weapon, arriving from an EU country, it can be imported with a valid European Firearms Pass.
Alongside hunting, you can also enjoy a fishing trip for the region’s most important fish species, the red-fleshed trout.
The hunting season runs from September to October. Autumn is the best time to see Lake Inari, the surrounding flora and fauna, and to experience various natural phenomena: the temperature fluctuations from 20°C during the day to frosts at night, or even the first Northern Lights of the season.
During your stay, you will taste delicious dishes of traditional Finnish cuisine prepared on-site using locally sourced products, such as fish and game. For example, you might enjoy some recipes based on capercaillie that you have previously hunted!
Finland, despite being seen as a wild journey, is recommended for all types of hunters. Immersing yourself in the deafening silence and, if you’re lucky, seeing sparks of sunlight illuminating the Earth’s atmosphere – while a spirit of adaptability is not essential, it will certainly be beneficial!
In short, a journey to Finnish Lapland is a rewarding hunting experience with many nuances and peculiarities on all fronts!
