Hunting

HUNTING

The Wild Taiga region, is situated in Finland, in the north-eastern corner of the European Union in the depths of the northern pine forests. The most impressive of the wild game here are elk and capercaillie. Due to the vast areas of forest a method of hunting quite unique in the world has evolved,  the use of a barking dog. Hunting is a tradional wilderness activity like fishing amonf the locals, and a small amount of travellers are also participating the hunting with the locals.

The attraction of the hunt is based on the chance encounter of the hunter and his dog with the game in the wilderness and offers the hunter a challenging experience.

GAME BIRD HUNTING

In the Northern forests the use of a Spitz for barking at the game-bird is an ancient tradition. Even today the game-bird population in the area is quite stable and can be hunted selectively. When the dog sees or scents the capercaillie it barks, casting its spell over the bird which, if it is not already perched on a branch of a tree, the dog will raise from the ground. The Spitz tries to keep the bird there, pointing out its location until the hunter is in position. Flocks of black grouse which have alighted on trees edging the marshes can also be hunted by stalking or by lying in wait at day break. These methods of hunting demand a high standard of both skill and sporting etiquette.

THRILL OF THE ELK HUNT

Finnish elk hunting is carried out by a group of hunters to whom the importance of a dog is crucial. The dog senses the elk in the forest and starts barking animatedly - allowing the hunter to locate the game and close in on it. After some tense and skilful stalking, the hunter can bring down the standing elk from close range with a well-aimed shot.

Should the elk take flight at the dogs barking, other hunters are at their posts awaiting their chance. Shooting an elk to the bark of a dog is a thrilling experience, even for the experienced hunter. Elk hunting can, of course, be arranged as a drive.

BEAR HUNTING

There are also some 70 bears hunted in whole Finland annually. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has overall responsibility for issues related to large carnivore populations in Finland. The Ministry controls the activities of the Finninsh Wiladlife Agency and the Finnish Game and Fisheries Research Institute through legislation, regulations and the setting of official objectives. The Ministry maintains overall control over the numbers of permits issued annually by the game management districts for the hunting of large carnivores.

Metsähallitus fully observes official rules, principles and guidelines related to the regulation of large carnivore populations in Finland. Metsähallitus participates in the management of large carnivore populations in State-owned lands, in order to help promote the conservation and monitoring of these animals. This work may however also include facilitating the hunting of large carnivores, within strict official regulations and guidelines, and the supervision of such hunting in State-owned lands.

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES

In Finland the right to hunt is based on land ownership but in fact takes place under the auspices of local village based hunting clubs. The clubs around the Kainuu region have expert guides for those wanting an introduction to the secrets of this authentic hunting culture. They have on hand working dogs which have grown-up in the demanding conditions of the far north.

ACCOMMODATION TO SUIT EVERY TASTE

Our hunting trips offer a comprehensive service which includes accommodation of your choice in either city hotels, very good holiday flats or modestly equipped hunting lodges. Regardless of the type of accommodation, a hot Finnish sauna and hearty meals lovingly prepared from pure local ingredients await you after a long and challenging days hunt Kainuu style.