Key legislation

The most important national acts governing hunting and game management are the Hunting Act, the Wildlife and Game Administration Act, the Game Animal Damages Act and the Act on Game Management Fee and Hunting Licence Fee. Finnish hunting legislation and hunting activities are based on the principle of sustainable use.

In addition to national legislation, game husbandry and hunting are also governed by EU legislation. The European Union can make international agreements that bind its Member States. EU legislation binding all Member States includes regulations, directives and decisions. The key legal instruments concerning game husbandry and hunting are the so-called Habitats Directive, Birds Directive and the Regulation on trade in seal products.