Sweden is committed to long-term conservation of viable populations of wild animals occurring naturally in the country. The Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is the sectoral agency responsible for management of wild mammals and birds. Hunting forms part of wildlife management.
Nowadays, you must have passed the Swedish hunting examination to be eligible for a firearms licence, although there are some exceptions. Those possessing a firearms licence for hunting weapons issued before 1985 are not required to take the hunting examination. Certain foreign hunters are also exempt. Read more about it under the Hunting register article.
Conditions for hunting
The Government decides the dates of the hunting season for various game species. Schedules 1-4 of the Hunting Ordinance give the dates applying in various counties. You can also find the dates on the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management website. The association has been delegated responsibility for providing information about certain hunting issues.
The Swedish EPA is the sectoral agency responsible for hunting issues. The examination of hunters is administered by the hunting associations. Training courses are arranged by study associations and others.
You must have passed the Swedish hunting examination to be eligible for a firearms license, although there are some exceptions. Those Swedes possessing a firearms license for hunting weapons issued before 1985 are not required to take the hunting examination. Certain foreign hunters are also exempt.
Foreign hunters need special permits to bring their weapons to Sweden. You also need a special permit by the police if you want to keep your weapons for more than three months in Sweden. For more information contact police and customs.