Dates are national season limits, not permission to hunt
Check landowner permission, local quotas, closures and protected areas. Hunting and trapping close on 24–31 December, Good Friday, Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday — including species with year-round seasons.
Complete hunter training and check registration, age, hunter fee and permit requirements. Supervised training and foreign hunters have special rules. Start with an experienced hunter or local association.
For big-game hunting with a rifle, check the annual shooting test and ammunition requirements. Moose, red-deer and roe-deer hunting require arrangements for an approved tracking dog.
Equipment checklist
Equipment for moose
Practical suggestions — adapt to terrain, weather and hunting method. This list does not replace training or species-specific legal requirements.
0 / 9 checked. Resets when you change species or reload.
Weapons and species rules
Wild-boar hunting and airguns
Wild-boar hunting in Norway
Wild boar is a non-native species that Norwegian authorities aim to eradicate. See the shared season table below for its hunting period. Sows with suckling young are protected, while the young may be hunted all year. You still need permission from the landowner or rights holder, and holiday closures apply.
Wild boar is classified as big game. Hunting it with a rifle requires the annual big-game shooting test.
Rifle ammunition must use an expanding projectile, have a minimum calibre of 6.5 (.264″ / 6.71 mm), a minimum bullet weight of 9 g with a lead core or 7.8 g if lead-free, and an E100 of at least 2,200 J.
If a shotgun is used, only a single projectile/slug is permitted — not shot.
Register harvested animals in the National Deer Register. Authorities recommend sending a complete sample set to the Norwegian Veterinary Institute; the carcass is then tested for Trichinella free of charge and contributes to disease surveillance.
Short answer: because the weapon rule expressly requires a gunpowder charge.
Section 15 of the regulation says ordinary hunting and culling may only be carried out with a rifle or shotgun using a gunpowder charge. An airgun propels its projectile with compressed air or gas, not gunpowder, so it falls outside the permitted hunting weapons.
The decisive points are therefore the weapon category and propellant defined by law — not simply how powerful the airgun is. A high-powered airgun does not become a lawful hunting weapon merely because its energy may appear sufficient. Rules on owning or using an airgun for target shooting are a separate matter; this restriction concerns use during ordinary hunting and culling.
Polar-bear protection: requirements and recommendations
Required outside settlements
Carry suitable polar-bear deterrents and have the necessary knowledge of precautions. A hunting firearm alone does not replace deterrents and safety skills.
The Governor also recommends carrying a firearm. Arrange lawful access, documentation and training before departure. New visitors should choose an experienced local guide.
At least 300 metres; at least 500 metres from 1 March to 30 June. Do not approach, attract or pursue bears. If you encounter one closer, withdraw; the law has specific exceptions including settlements and cabins/tents.
Check travel zones, notification/permission, rescue insurance and emergency communication. Camps requiring permission need an awake, organised polar-bear watch while occupied. Polar bears are protected and are not a hunting species.
Sea/fjord Sweden–Agder: 10.09–23.12. Local extensions possible.
10.08–23.12
Same sea/fjord exception as Canada goose.
21.08–23.12
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
21.08–23.12
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
21.08–23.12
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
01.10–23.12
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
10.09–28./29.02
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
10.09–28./29.02
Subject to local permissions and restrictions.
01.04–31.03
Holiday closures apply.
01.04–31.03
Holiday closures apply.
01.04–31.03
Holiday closures apply.
01.04–31.03
Holiday closures apply.
Wolf, bear and wolverine: licensed culling follows separate regional decisions, quotas and periods, not ordinary hunting. Coastal seals follow Fisheries Directorate rules. Ptarmigan snaring has municipal and notification requirements. Egg and down collection is outside this hunting overview. See official guidance ↗