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Hunting in Finland
Hunting is part of the traditional way of life and living in our northern nature. Finland was originally inhabited in pursuit of game and fish. It continues to be an important form of recreation and a means of getting food. The busiest hunting season starts on August 20, the opening of the water fowl hunting season.
The Finnish Wildlife Agency has drafted a guide for foreigners for getting the required permits.
In Finland, a hunter must pay the annual Game Management Fee. In addition, hunters must have a hunting permit for the area where they plan to hunt. For some game animals, such as elk, a hunting permit granted by the Finnish Wildlife Agency is required. Game animals may only be hunted in their assigned hunting seasons. Further information is available at The Finnish Wildlife Agency.
Permits for hunting are granted by the owner of the land. On state-owned land, permits issued by Metsähallitus. Permits are available by calling the sales number +358 20 69 2424, which is open on weekdays from 9:00 –15:00.
There are often restrictions on hunting in nature reserves.
Further information on the types of permits, prices, and hunting areas is available at the Metsähallitus wildlife services website
The fees paid by hunters for permits are used for the improvement of the habitats of game animals. In recent years the revenue has been used for purposes including the improvement of thousands of hectares of wetlands for willow grouse, black grouse, and bean goose. It is hoped that expert game management would help the species benefit from the fact that they are hunted.
Other important sources of information for hunters include The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and The Finnish Hunters’ Association
Hunting Seasons in Wyoming 2025: Big Game and Small Game, Licenses, and Regulations Guide
Plan your 2025–26 Wyoming hunt with our comprehensive guide—season dates, bag limits, license info, tag draws, and key species from mule deer and elk to waterfowl and furbearers.
Wyoming’s sprawling high plains, rugged mountain ranges, and river bottoms make it a premier destination for hunters chasing trophy mule deer, massive elk herds, and elusive bighorn sheep. Whether you’re glassing antelope on sage‑brush flats at dawn or slipping into timber for black bear, the Cowboy State delivers diverse seasons, clear bag limits, and robust license systems. Here’s your all‑in‑one guide to Wyoming’s 2025–26 hunting calendar, from archery openings through late‑winter waterfowl hunts.
What Is There to Hunt in Wyoming?
Wyoming supports an incredible lineup of game:
Big Game: Mule deer, white‑tailed deer, elk, pronghorn antelope, moose, bighorn sheep, mountain goat, black bear, grizzly bear, bison, gray wolf
Small Game & Upland Birds: Sage, dusky, and ruffed grouse; pheasant; partridge; cottontail rabbit; snowshoe hare; squirrels
Waterfowl & Migratory Birds: Ducks, geese, sandhill crane, snipe, rails, mourning dove (HIP & federal stamps required)
Furbearers & Predators: Coyote, raccoon, fox, beaver, muskrat, mink (many open year‑round)
What Animals Can You Hunt Year‑Round in Wyoming?
Several species carry no closed season on private lands, helping control populations and providing off‑season action: coyote, beaver, muskrat, fox, raccoon, wolverine, wolf, and mink. Public‑land rules may vary by unit.
Wyoming Big Game Hunting Seasons 2025–26
Because seasons differ by game management unit, always confirm dates on the WGFD website. General season windows include:
Deer (Mule & White‑tailed):
Archery: Sept 1 – 30, 2025
General Rifle: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Pronghorn Antelope:
Archery: Aug 15 – Oct 4, 2025
General: Oct 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Elk:
Archery: Sept 1 – 30, 2025
Rifle: Oct 1, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Moose:
Archery: Aug 15 – Sept 30, 2025
General: Sept 10 – Nov 20, 2025
Bighorn Sheep & Mountain Goat:
Archery: Aug 1 – 31, 2025
General: Aug 1 – Nov 30, 2025
Black Bear:
Spring Archery/General: Apr 15 – May 14, 2025
Fall Archery/General: Aug 1 – Nov 15, 2025
Bison:
Area 2: Aug 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Grizzly Bear:
Units 1–6: Sept 15 – Nov 15, 2025
Gray Wolf:
Selected Units: Sept 15 – Dec 31, 2025
Wild Turkey:
Spring: Apr 20 – May 31, 2026
Fall: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Wyoming Small Game & Waterfowl Seasons 2025–26
Grouse & Partridge:
Sage Grouse: Sept 20 – 30, 2025
Ruffed & Dusky: Sept 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Partridge: Sept 15, 2025 – Jan 31, 2026
Pheasant: Varies by unit; often Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2025
Rabbit & Hare: Sept 1, 2025 – Mar 31, 2026
Ducks & Geese (Pacific/Central Flyways):
Ducks: Sept 27 – Jan 9, 2026
Geese: Sept 1 – Jan 1, 2026 (varies by zone)
Sandhill Crane (Limited & General): Early Sept dates
Rail & Snipe: Sept 1 – Nov 9/Dec 16, 2025
Mourning Dove: Sept 1 – Nov 29, 2025
Bag Limits by Species
Deer, Elk, Pronghorn, Moose, Sheep, Goat, Bison: 1 per season/tag
Black Bear: 2 per season (unit dependent)
Turkey: 1 per day (2 per season)
Ducks & Geese: 7 & 5 per day (sub‑limits apply)
Crane: 1 per season (quota hunts); 3 per day (general)
Grouse/Partridge: 3 per day (9 in possession)
Pheasant: 3 per day (9 in possession)
Rabbit & Hare: 10 & 4 per day
Furbearers & Predators: No daily limit; reporting required
License & Tags Information for Wyoming Hunters (2025–26)
All hunters need a valid Wyoming hunting license and appropriate tags/permits:
General Licenses: Resident and nonresident fees apply
Big Game Draw Tags: Tier I & II for elk, deer, pronghorn, sheep, goat, bison
Registration Tags: Black bear, grizzly bear, moose, bison
Waterfowl Stamps & HIP: Mandatory for migratory birds
Hunter Education: Required for hunters born after Jan 1 1966
Hunting Methods: Bow, Rifle, Muzzleloader
Wyoming authorizes:
Archery: Traditional, compound, and crossbows (in some units)
Firearms: Center‑fire rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders (unit‑specific seasons)
Special Methods: Dogs and bait allowed for bear and turkey in designated areas
Regulations & Resources
Stay legal by reviewing WGFD regulations, including:
Shooting Hours: ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Unit Maps & Boundaries: Carry printed or offline maps
Harvest Reporting: Online or via registration stations within 15 days
CWD & Predator Zones: Know your area’s special rules
Before you head out, always verify season dates, bag limits, and license requirements on the official Wyoming Game and Fish Department website to stay compliant and ensure a legal, ethical hunt.
This guide was created based on information from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WG&FD): https://wgfd.wyo.gov/Regulations/Big-Game-Regulations/Deer-Seasons
Hunting Seasons in VANCOUVER ISLAND: Opening and Closing Dates, License Requirements and Essential Rules
Vancouver Island is a hunter’s paradise, offering dense forests, rugged mountains, and abundant wildlife. However, navigating the region’s hunting seasons, regulations, and best practices requires careful planning. Whether you're pursuing black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, or black bears, understanding the legal framework and optimal hunting periods is crucial for a successful and ethical hunt.
Understanding Hunting Seasons in Vancouver Island
Hunting on Vancouver Island follows British Columbia’s provincial regulations but is influenced by the island’s unique ecosystems. The BC Wildlife Branch sets annual seasons based on wildlife population health, breeding cycles, and habitat conditions. Unlike mainland BC, Vancouver Island has distinct coastal hunting zones, affecting when and where you can hunt certain species.
For example, black-tailed deer—the island’s most sought-after game—have a general season running from September 10 to December 10, though exact dates vary by zone. The rut peaks in late October and November, making this the best time for calling and stalking. Meanwhile, Roosevelt elk, a prized but tightly managed species, are primarily available through Limited Entry Hunts (LEH) in September and October.
Black bear hunting is split into two seasons: spring (April 1–June 15) and fall (September 1–November 30). Spring hunts focus on baiting in certain zones, while fall hunters often target bears feeding on berries and salmon streams. Cougar seasons run from October to March but require special permits due to conservation efforts.
Small game hunters can pursue grouse and ptarmigan from September 1 to December 31, while waterfowl seasons typically open in October and run through January, depending on species and migration patterns.
Key Restrictions and Protected Species in Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island enforces strict rules to ensure sustainable hunting. Some species, like the Vancouver Island marmot and sea otters, are fully protected. Wolves and mountain goats have limited entry hunts, and elk harvests are restricted to bulls with at least three-point antlers in most zones.
Temporary closures also apply during breeding seasons. For instance, bear hunting is prohibited from June 15 to August 31 to protect sows with cubs. Similarly, waterfowl hunting is banned in spring and summer to avoid disrupting nesting birds.
Hunters must also follow sex and age restrictions — some areas only allow the harvest of spike-fork bucks, while others prohibit taking female elk entirely. Always check the latest regulations, as adjustments occur based on annual wildlife surveys.
Licenses, Permits, and Legal Requirements in Vancouver Island
Before heading into the field, hunters must obtain:
- A BC Hunting License (required for residents and non-residents).
- Species-specific tags (sold separately for deer, bear, elk, etc.).
- Limited Entry Hunt (LEH) permits for controlled species like elk and cougar.
Non-residents face additional rules, including mandatory guide requirements for certain big game species. International hunters must also declare firearms upon entry into Canada.
Local organizations like the BC Wildlife Federation and Vancouver Island Hunting Association (VIHA) provide updates on regulation changes, hunter education courses, and conservation initiatives.
Penalties for Violating Hunting Laws
The consequences for breaking hunting regulations are severe. Hunting out of season can result in fines up to $100,000 CAD, firearm confiscation, and even jail time. Shooting protected species, such as wolves without a permit or eagles, carries heavy penalties under the Species at Risk Act. Even minor infractions, like failing to carry a license, start at $345 CAD per offense.
Best Time and Tactics for a Successful Hunt in Vancouver Island
Each season demands different strategies:
- Fall (September–December): Ideal for deer (rutting activity), elk (bugling season), and waterfowl (migration peaks).
- Spring (April–June): Prime for black bear over bait or fresh green growth.
Coastal weather is unpredictable, so waterproof gear, layered clothing, and durable boots are essential. North Island zones offer remote, less-pressured hunting but require boat or ATV access. South Island areas have more private land, so securing permission early is key.
Always verify the latest regulations through the BC Hunting Synopsis before your trip. Respect seasonal closures, follow fair chase principles, and contribute to conservation by reporting violations. Vancouver Island’s hunting opportunities are world-class—but only if we protect them for future generations.
