Denmark: permits, calibres and seasons
Denmark has well-managed estates with red, fallow and sika deer, and classic driven pheasant days. Every foreign hunter needs a Danish guest hunting licence, applied for about four weeks ahead. Rifle hunters need an extra rifle endorsement. All rifle ammunition must be lead-free, and slugs are not allowed.
At a glance
Gæstejagttegn · rifle endorsement for rifle hunting
What you need
Steps for a visiting hunter. Some depend on where you live. The Trip Planner filters them to your situation and adds deadlines.
Before you leave home
6 steps- Proof of your right to huntConfirm with authority
Your hunting licence from home and proof that you passed the hunting exam. Many destinations base their guest licence on it.
- Proof of rifle qualificationCheck before travel
The rifle endorsement asks for proof that you may hunt with a rifle at home, such as a shooting test certificate. Check what Denmark accepts from your country.
- Firearms licence from your home countryConfirm with authority
Carry the licence for every firearm you take, issued in your own name.
- European Firearms PassConfirm with authority
Issued by the firearms authority in your home country, with each firearm you travel with entered in it. Usually valid five years. Processing time and fee vary by country, so apply well ahead. Carry it together with proof that the trip is for hunting.
- Temporary import permit for your firearmsCheck before travel
Residents outside the EU/EEA cannot use the European Firearms Pass. Apply to the Danish National Police for permission to bring your firearms in temporarily, well before you travel.
- Invitation or hunting agreementConfirm with authority
Written proof of the hunt from your host, outfitter or landowner. Border and police checks ask why you are carrying firearms.
Permits at the destination
2 steps- Apply for a guest hunting licence (gæstejagttegn)Confirm with authority
Apply online to the Danish agency at least four weeks before the first hunt; processing takes about four weeks. Include your home hunting licence, proof of payment, date of birth and an address in Denmark. The police check your record first. Pay via jagttegn.dk after approval; the fee is not refunded. Valid for one hunting year, 1 April–31 March.
- Rifle endorsement on the guest licenceConfirm with authority
For rifle hunting, include documentation that you may hunt with a rifle at home and a copy of your firearms licence or European Firearms Pass.
At the border
1 step- Carry documents for firearms and ammunitionCheck before travel
Bring a reasonable amount of ammunition for the hunt only. Accessories such as sound moderators and sights cannot go in the pass. Ask Danish police whether a declaration is needed for these.
During and after the hunt
1 step- Report your bagConfirm with authority
Guest hunters must report the game they shot.
Ammunition by animal
Source: Denmark · Bekendtgørelse nr. 1479 of 5 Dec 2023 (from 1 Jan 2024)
| Animal | Rifle | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
 | Class 1: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 6 mm, E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Fallow deerDåhjort | Class 1: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 6 mm, E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Sika deerSikahjort | Class 1: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 6 mm, E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Class 1: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 6 mm, E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
MouflonMufflon | Class 1: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 6 mm, E100 at least 2 000 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Class 2: lead-free expanding bullet, diameter at least 5.5 mm, E100 at least 800 J. | Shot Yes Slug NoNo shotgun on roe bucks 16 May–15 July. Slugs are not allowed in Denmark. |
Red foxRødrev | Class 3: lead-free bullet, E100 at least 175 J. Rimfire is exempt from the lead rule. | Shot Yes Slug No |
HareHare | Class 3: lead-free bullet, E100 at least 175 J. Rimfire is exempt from the lead rule. | Shot Yes Slug No |
PheasantFasan | No statutory bullet minimum found. Use a calibre and load suited to the animal. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Shotguns may be no larger than 12 gauge and hold at most 2 cartridges; barrel at least 55 cm. Gauges smaller than 20 only on pigeons, ducks, crows and similar. No lead shot.
Seasons
See the year wheel →Official source Danish hunting season order, BEK nr. 470 of 17 May 2024
| Animal | General season |
|---|---|
| Red deer | Stag: 16 Oct – 31 Dec Young stag: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Hind: 1 Oct – 31 Jan Calf: 1 Sep – 28 Feb |
| Fallow deer | Buck: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Doe and fawn: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
| Sika deer | Stag: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Hind and calf: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
| Roe deer | Buck: 16 May – 15 Jul, 1 Oct – 31 Jan Doe and kid: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
| Wild boar | Boar: 1 Sep – 31 Jan Sow and piglets: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
| Red fox | All: 1 Sep – 31 Jan |
| Hare | General: 1 Nov – 31 Jan |
| Pheasant | General: 1 Oct – 31 Jan |
Many islands and local areas have shorter or no seasons. A season revision is under way for 2026.
Known costs
No fixed official fees confirmed yet.
Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.
Questions
How early should I apply for the Danish guest licence?
At least four weeks before the first hunting day. Processing takes about four weeks and includes a police check.
Can I use lead ammunition in Denmark?
No. Rifle ammunition for hunting must be lead-free, and lead shot is not allowed.
How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Denmark?
The longest step takes about 42 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.