Norway: permits, calibres and seasons
Norway offers moose and red deer in the forests and fjords, wild reindeer on the high plateaus and some of Europe's best ptarmigan hunting. Visiting hunters register in the Norwegian Register of Hunters, pay the annual hunting fee and, for big game with a rifle, document a shooting test. EU and EEA residents travel on the European Firearms Pass; others need a police licence applied for two months ahead.
At a glance
Register of Hunters · hunting fee NOK 540 · shooting test
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
5 steps- Proof of your right to huntOfficial source
Your hunting licence from home and proof that you passed the hunting exam. Many destinations base their guest licence on it.
- Firearms licence from your home countryConfirm with authority
Carry the licence for every firearm you take, issued in your own name.
- European Firearms PassOfficial source
With a European Firearms Pass you can use the green customs lane, for stays of up to three months. Carry the firearm and the pass, and show them on request.
- Temporary import permit for your firearmsOfficial source
Residents outside the EU/EEA cannot use the European Firearms Pass. Apply to the Norwegian police district where you will stay for permission to bring your firearms in temporarily, well before you travel. Use the police application form and send it no later than two months before arrival. Present the firearm and the licence to customs when you arrive.
- 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
4 steps- Register in the Norwegian Register of HuntersOfficial source
Email the Register of Hunters documentation that you may hunt the same type of game at home, with your date of birth and postal address. You get a Norwegian hunting licence number.
- Pay the Norwegian hunting feeOfficial source
NOK 540 for all game, or NOK 420 without moose, red deer and wild reindeer (2025–26). Valid 1 April–31 March. Pay in My hunting profile and carry the proof.
- Shooting test for big gameOfficial source
For big game with a rifle, pass the Norwegian shooting test or document equivalent qualification from your home country. You must be at least 18.
- Permission from the landownerOfficial source
Hunting rights belong to the landowner. Book through the landowner, a hunting team or an outfitter.
Ammunition by animal
Source: Norway · Forskrift om utøvelse av jakt, felling og fangst §§ 15–16 · Store norske leksikon – storviltjakt (updated June 2026)
| Animal | Rifle | Shotgun |
|---|---|---|
 | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Fallow deerDåhjort | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
ReindeerVillrein | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug Yes |
MouflonMufflon | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
Brown bearBjørn | Expanding bullet, calibre at least 6.5 mm, bullet at least 9.0 g (lead core) or 7.8 g (lead-free), E100 at least 2 200 J. | Shot No Slug No |
 | Expanding bullet, E100 at least 980 J. | Shot Yes Slug CheckDuring the special roe buck hunt (10 Aug–25 Sep) only rifle is allowed. |
Eurasian lynxGaupe | Expanding bullet, E100 at least 980 J. | Shot Yes Slug Check |
WolverineJerv | Expanding bullet, E100 at least 980 J. | Shot Yes Slug Check |
Eurasian beaverBever | Expanding bullet, E100 at least 980 J. | Shot Check Slug Check |
Red foxRødrev | No energy minimum, but .22 LR may not be used: it is limited to game up to hare size, and never hare. | Shot Yes Slug No |
HareHare | No energy minimum, but .22 LR may not be used: it is limited to game up to hare size, and never hare. | Shot Yes Slug No |
CapercaillieStorfugl | No energy minimum. .22 LR may only be used on game up to the size of a hare. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Black grouseOrrfugl | No energy minimum. .22 LR may only be used on game up to the size of a hare. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Willow ptarmiganLirype | No energy minimum. .22 LR may only be used on game up to the size of a hare. | Shot Yes Slug No |
Seasons
See the year wheel →Official source Miljødirektoratet – hunting seasons 2022–2028
| Animal | General season |
|---|---|
| Moose | All: 25 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Red deer | All: 1 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Roe deer | Adult buck: 10 Aug – 23 Dec Other roe deer: 25 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Reindeer | Wild reindeer: 20 Aug – 30 Sep |
| Fallow deer | All: 25 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Mouflon | All: 25 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Wild boar | All year (sows with piglets protected): All year |
| Eurasian beaver | All: 1 Oct – 30 Apr |
| Eurasian lynx | Quota hunt: 1 Feb – 31 Mar |
| Hare | South of Troms: 10 Sep – 28 Feb |
| Red fox | All: 15 Jul – 15 Apr |
| Capercaillie | All: 10 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Black grouse | All: 10 Sep – 23 Dec |
| Willow ptarmigan | South of Troms: 10 Sep – 28 Feb |
Elk, red deer, roe deer and beaver only where the municipality has opened hunting. No hunting 24–31 December or over Easter.
Known costs
| Norwegian hunting fee, all game (2025–26) | NOK 540 |
Official fees we have confirmed. The hunt itself, trophy fees, travel and insurance come on top.
Questions
Do I need to register to hunt in Norway as a visitor?
Yes. Non-residents email the Register of Hunters with documentation of their hunting qualification at home, then pay the hunting fee.
Can I bring my rifle to Norway from outside the EU?
Yes, with a licence from the Norwegian police. Apply on the police form at least two months before arrival and present the firearm to customs.
How far ahead should I start planning a hunt in Norway?
The longest step takes about 42 days. Start at least that far ahead of your first hunting day, and earlier for popular seasons.