Hunting in Norway - Rules and procedures

Hunting in Norway – Rules for Foreign Hunters

Introduction

Norway is one of Europe’s most spectacular hunting destinations. Vast forests, mountain plateaus, and healthy wildlife populations attract hunters from around the world looking for species such as moose, wild reindeer, capercaillie, ptarmigan, and trout.

However, hunting in Norway is strictly regulated. Foreign hunters must follow several legal requirements before participating in hunting activities.

In this guide, we explain the most important rules for foreign hunters visiting Norway, including registration, hunting rights, firearm rules, and practical preparations.

Can Foreigners Hunt in Norway?

Yes. Foreign hunters are allowed to hunt in Norway, but they must meet the same legal requirements as Norwegian hunters.

To hunt legally, you must:

• Be registered in the Norwegian Register of Hunters (Jegerregisteret)

• Pay the annual Norwegian hunting fee (jegeravgift)

• Document your hunting qualifications from your home country

• Have permission to hunt on specific land (hunting rights)

• Follow Norwegian firearm and hunting regulations

Authorities may check your documentation during hunting, so it is important to carry the required papers at all times.

Registration in the Norwegian Register of Hunters

All hunters in Norway must be registered in the national hunter registry.

Foreign hunters can be registered by documenting that they are legally qualified to hunt in their home country.

To apply for registration, documentation must normally be submitted to the Norwegian Register of Hunters, which is managed by the Norwegian authorities.

Information about the process can be found through the Norwegian authorities and public registers operated by Brønnøysundregistrene.

Typical documentation includes:

• Proof of hunting license or hunter education

• Supporting documentation from your home country

• Date of birth and address

Please contact Vildr.no if you need assistance with the application to the Norwegian Register of Hunters.

Once approved, you will receive a Norwegian hunter number, which allows you to pay the annual hunting fee.

Getting Help with Registration and Hunting Fee

For foreign hunters, the registration process can sometimes be confusing, especially when documentation must be submitted to Norwegian authorities.

Through Vildr, we can assist foreign hunters with:

• Guidance on registering in the Norwegian hunter registry

• Submitting the required documentation

• Completing the process so you can pay the Norwegian hunting fee (jegeravgift)

This makes it easier for visiting hunters to prepare their trip and ensure they meet all legal requirements before arriving in Norway.

The Norwegian Hunting Fee (Jegeravgift)

Every hunter must pay the Norwegian hunting fee each year.

The hunting year runs from April 1 to March 31, and the fee must be paid before participating in hunting activities.

You must be able to show proof of payment while hunting.

Typical cost: around NOK 400–500 per year.

Hunting Rights – Permission and Hunting Areas

In Norway, hunting rights belong to the landowner. This applies to both privately owned and publicly owned land. Public land does not mean that hunting is automatically open to everyone – you still need a valid hunting permit or hunting card for the specific area.

To hunt legally, you must have:

• A hunting card, lease or other permission giving you the right to hunt

• Documentation showing where and when you are allowed to hunt

Hunting access can be obtained in several ways:

• Renting hunting terrain directly from a private landowner

• Buying a hunting card for publicly or privately managed land

• Booking a hunting experience through a marketplace such as Vildr

Exclusive vs. Shared Hunting Areas

Hunting arrangements vary considerably between areas.

Some hunts take place on exclusive hunting grounds, meaning the area is reserved for you or your hunting party during the agreed period and you will normally not encounter other hunters.

Other hunts take place in large shared hunting areas, where several hunters may have valid permits at the same time. In these areas, it is possible to encounter other hunters while hunting. This is particularly common in some areas for ptarmigan hunting and wild reindeer hunting.

The conditions for each hunt should therefore specify whether the hunting ground is exclusive or shared.

Vildr connects international hunters with Norwegian landowners and hunting-right holders offering both private and publicly managed hunting opportunities.

Big Game Hunting Requirements for Foreign Hunters

If you are permanently resident outside Norway and legally qualified to hunt big game in your country of residence, you are exempt from taking the Norwegian annual big game shooting test.

You must, however, be able to provide documentation showing that you meet the requirements for big game hunting in your country of residence. This documentation should be carried with you while hunting in Norway.

Please note that some landowners and hunting areas may have additional shooting-practice requirements. In certain parts of Forollhogna, for example, hunters are required to document up to 80 practice shots during the hunting year.

Requirements vary between hunting areas, so always check the specific rules for the area where you will be hunting.

Requirement for a Tracking Dog

When hunting big game in Norway, hunters must have access to a certified tracking dog (ettersøkshund) in case an animal is wounded and needs to be tracked.

If you do not have access to a certified tracking dog yourself, you must have an agreement with someone who does and who can assist if needed.

For visiting hunters, we recommend using Sporio.no to find and arrange access to a certified tracking dog in the area where you will be hunting.

This requirement helps ensure that wounded animals can be tracked quickly and that the hunt is carried out responsibly and ethically.

Bringing Firearms to Norway

Foreign hunters are allowed to bring firearms into Norway, but the rules depend on whether you have a European Firearms Pass (EFP).

With a European Firearms Pass

If you hold an EFP:

• No separate Norwegian permit is required

• Firearms can be brought into Norway temporarily

• You must present the firearm and EFP if requested by customs

This permission typically applies for stays up to three months.

Without a European Firearms Pass

If you do not have an EFP, you must:

• Hold a valid firearm license in your home country

• Apply for temporary firearm import permission from Norwegian police

• Submit the application before travel

• Declare the firearm at customs upon arrival

Many visiting hunters choose to rent firearms locally, which simplifies the process.

Taking Game Meat Home

Hunters may normally take meat from their own harvested game home for personal consumption, but import rules depend on the country of destination.

For hunters travelling to countries within the EU/EEA, bringing Norwegian game meat for personal use is generally permitted. However, national customs rules and temporary restrictions related to animal diseases may apply.

For countries outside the EU/EEA, additional import requirements, health certificates or restrictions may apply. Hunters should therefore always check the current regulations in their home country before travelling.

Different rules apply if the meat is intended for sale or commercial distribution rather than personal consumption.

Taking Hunting Trophies Home

Hunters can normally take trophies from legally harvested game out of Norway, including antlers, horns, skulls, hides and mounted trophies.

The requirements depend on how the trophy has been prepared and the country you are travelling to.

A fully prepared or mounted trophy is generally the simplest to transport. Fresh or untreated trophies – such as skulls, antlers with remaining tissue, raw hides or capes – may require veterinary documentation, treatment or a health certificate before they can be transported across borders.

Hunters must also comply with the import regulations of their home country.

Additional permits may be required for species covered by CITES regulations.

If you plan to take a trophy home, we recommend arranging the preparation and required documentation with your outfitter or a local taxidermist before departure. Vildr can also point you in the direction of highly skilled taxidermists and specialist shipping companies experienced in preparing and transporting hunting trophies internationally.

Final Thoughts

Norway offers unique hunting experiences with pristine wilderness and strong wildlife populations.

By understanding the legal requirements, registering in the Norwegian hunter registry, paying the hunting fee, and securing hunting rights from landowners, foreign hunters can enjoy safe and legal hunting trips in Norway.

With the right preparation, hunting in Norway can become an unforgettable outdoor experience.