Owning a hunting weapon is a practice in various European countries

January 6, 2025

Owning a hunting weapon - a various practice in European countries
Hunting is one of the most popular activities in Europe. In this regard, many exceptional hunting grounds and natural areas on the continent are abundant in various games. They all attract the attention of residents and hunters from around the world. To legally hunt in Europe and avoid various problems with the law, you need to study the features of owning a hunting weapon in advance. Each country has its own, so this aspect should be given maximum attention. So that you do not have to search for this information for a long time, we decided to collect everything you need in our guide. Having carefully read it, you can prepare well for hunting in Europe and get absolute pleasure from it, not a hefty fine or prison term.

United Kingdom
One of the most popular hunting countries is Great Britain. Hunting traditions originated several centuries ago, and many people continue to remember them. The country has many natural locations where different game types can be shot. It also has several exceptional hunting grounds where animals are bred specifically for hunting.
In Great Britain, there are stringent rules for owning hunting and other weapons. Relatively recently, several laws were adopted that further restricted hunters. According to them, each country resident can own only a specific type of firearm. The least complicated thing is obtaining a license to own guns designed for a maximum of 2 cartridges and some semi-automatic rifles. Only an SGC certificate is required in the first case, and an FAC is needed in the second. At the same time, to own automatic weapons and large-caliber semi-automatic rifles, you need to get a special permit from your local HO (Home Office).
Independent hunting in the UK is only allowed from age 21 (from 14 to 21, an adult must be present), so you can only own a personal hunting weapon after reaching this age. Such strict restrictions are standard for almost all of Europe, and the UK is no exception. At the same time, hunters over 21 are not limited in the number of registered hunting rifles and guns. Thanks to this, everyone can own as many weapons as they can safely store at home (in a special gun safe). Remember that you need to indicate why a person takes a weapon in the UK. Hunting is one of them, so hunters do not have problems in this regard.
Owning and using hunting weapons in the UK is prohibited for persons with a criminal record. Depending on the length of the sentence, after release, a person does not have the right to register anything capable of shooting for a certain period. Also, possession of hunting and other weapons is restricted for persons with mental illnesses (identified by a special commission).

Germany
Good hunting awaits lovers of this activity in Germany. The country has extensive hunting territories and is home to many game species. Several unique animals live in different regions of Germany, which are almost impossible to hunt elsewhere in Europe.
Germany has relatively strict laws regarding firearms. To own them, you must obey the so-called Waffengesetz. This law regulates the process of owning and using weapons and the procedure for issuing various licenses, including hunting. Anyone planning to get a trophy in Germany should remember that you are only allowed to pick up a weapon and, therefore, own it from the age of 18. Each gun or rifle requires a separate license, which creates specific difficulties for hunters. Also, according to the Waffengesetz, fully automatic and some other weapons are prohibited, which means that owning them will be considered a violation of local law.
Germany's strict laws regarding hunting and other weapons should also be followed by foreigners who come to hunt in the country. Otherwise, there is a risk of receiving a huge fine or even a prison sentence. The same applies to cases of illegal possession of weapons by residents. It is also essential to know that in Germany, a license permitting the purchase and storage of hunting rifles or guns at home can be revoked for various reasons. The main ones include criminal records, identified mental problems, violations of weapons laws in the past, and much more. In Germany, it is prohibited to carry weapons openly in public places. In this regard, hunters should transport their guns and rifles in exceptional cases or other similar devices. The same applies to storing weapons. They should be kept in a gun safe at home, hidden from prying eyes. All of this makes owning a hunting weapon in Germany quite problematic. Despite this, the Germans, who have long been accustomed to living by strict rules, do not see any difficulties in this and are acquiring weapons in record quantities.

France
This European country has rich hunting traditions. They originated many centuries ago and are still observed by many hunters today. For the latter, dozens of hunting grounds have been created on the country's territory, where animals are bred specifically for shooting. Also, in France, there are many wild natural locations where every hunter can legally obtain a good trophy. France has strict laws that greatly limit people who want to own weapons. So, to buy a gun or rifle, you need to have a license for hunting or sport shooting. Without it, it will be impossible to purchase anything that shoots legally. According to French law, all weapons are divided into four categories. Their types suitable for hunting are included in category C. To buy and own such weapons, you must provide the regulatory authorities with your hunting license and special medical documentation proving the absence of mental problems. With these documents, you can buy and own single-shot guns and various rifles for hunting purposes.
According to the rules in force in France, only legally acquired hunting weapons can be stored at home. At the same time, special conditions for storage must be created, in which persons who do not have the right to use guns or rifles cannot gain access to them. An interesting feature of the local legislation is that after the expiration of the hunting license, it is allowed to own previously purchased weapons. Still, they are prohibited from being used anywhere.
In France, hunters cannot register and store more than 12 weapons at home. The restrictions also affect the number of available cartridges. Hunters can own no more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition for each officially registered gun or rifle. It should also be known that it is prohibited for persons who have not passed a special exam and have not received a hunting license to own hunting weapons in France. It is not issued to people with specific diseases (most often related to the psyche) and persons under 16.

Italy
Many European countries consider Italy to be the best place for hunting enthusiasts. The government has many suitable locations for this activity, each offering the opportunity to obtain a good trophy and enjoy the beauty of the local nature. Choosing one of them will not be regrettable, and the hunter will have a good time.
In Italy, the law regulates the right to own, store and use hunting weapons. Only persons with a hunting license can purchase them. It is issued to people who have reached the age of 18 and have passed several tests. The latter includes passing an exam and providing many documents about mental health, the absence of alcohol or drug addiction, etc.
According to Italian laws, after purchasing a hunting weapon, the owner has only 3 days to register it. Otherwise, the presence of a gun or rifle will be regarded as illegal storage. Hunters are allowed to own any number of weapons classified as hunting weapons. In Italy, this includes rifled or smooth-bore weapons with a caliber of 5.6-12 and a barrel length of more than 30 cm. All guns and rifles must be stored at home in a specially designated place, protected from access by third parties. It is selected in advance and indicated at the time of weapon registration. After this, the storage location change must be officially confirmed. Otherwise, it will not be possible to avoid various fines. Certain restrictions also apply to the possession of ammunition. They must also be registered a maximum of 3 days after purchase. A total of 1.5 thousand hunting cartridges are allowed.
Persons with only a hunting license are prohibited from openly carrying their weapons in public places. They must be transported to hunting grounds in exceptional cases or opaque covers. It is also important to remember that the absence of other licenses, except for a hunting license, prohibits using weapons for purposes unrelated to hunting.

Spain
Spain is an ideal country for hunting enthusiasts. You can hunt almost anywhere in the country without overly strict restrictions. Many natural locations and specially prepared hunting grounds make Spain a popular destination for locals and foreigners.
Two laws in Spain regulate the ownership and use of different types of weapons, including hunting. According to these laws, persons who have received the appropriate license from the Civil Guard have the right to purchase guns or rifles legally. The permit is issued after a thorough identity check to ensure compliance with specific standards. It is usually valid for five years, after which it can be closed or extended.
In Spain, the rights of hunters and sports shooting enthusiasts are identical, so both categories of gun users are always combined into one group. According to this rule, one cannot own more than six hunting rifles. However, the maximum number of rifles is not limited. Owners of semi-automatic guns should also remember that in Spain, hunting is only permitted with this type of weapon, designed for 1-2 cartridges.
Special rules also apply to such an aspect as the storage of hunting weapons. Depending on its type, the owner is subject to certain obligations. For example, hunters who use rifles must confirm that they are stored in a unique safe that has undergone preliminary inspection by the competent authorities. According to Spanish law, having an officially registered hunting weapon automatically opens access to the possession of a certain number of cartridges. The exact number depends on the type of gun or rifle. Annual limits cannot be exceeded (for example, owners of hunting rifles can register a maximum of only 1,000 cartridges per year). In some instances, the established limits can be revised. You must submit a corresponding application and indicate why the hunter needs more cartridges or weapons.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic offers hunting enthusiasts something to shoot at any time of the year. Its territory is home to many forests with diverse game, water bodies, and unique fauna, making it an excellent place for beginners and professional hunters.
The same laws regulate ownership of hunting weapons in the Czech Republic as in most countries of the European Union. At the same time, this process has several unique features that all hunting enthusiasts should know about. First of all, it should be noted that in the Czech Republic, the right of people to own any weapon, including hunting, is enshrined in law. To do this, it is enough to obtain a special license, which is issued after successfully passing a short exam and checking the candidate for compliance with medical and other standards. After receiving the permit, a person can legally buy and use various weapons.
According to Czech laws, every owner of a gun, rifle or pistol must indicate the reason for their acquisition. In most cases, this is self-defense or hunting. The Czech Republic has no special conditions for storing and transporting hunting weapons, unlike many European countries. This is a huge advantage that makes life much easier for hunting enthusiasts. In the Czech Republic, hunting is allowed from the age of 16 or 18. In the first case, permission is issued to people who study in special schools with a hunting program, and in the second - to everyone else. At the same time, you can only own a personal hunting weapon from 18, regardless of where you study. If the gun is used exclusively for hunting, the law does not restrict the amount of ammunition purchased and stored at home. This also simplifies hunters' preparation for the event and allows them to hunt without saving cartridges. Another important nuance is that hunters can store weapons at home in the Czech Republic without unique safes or other protective devices. However, if a gun or rifle is lost, its owner is liable for the negligence shown.

Poland
Poland offers hunters a wide variety of natural locations. This country has many forests, marshy areas, bodies of water, and open plains, each with a unique ecosystem and a unique set of hunting-suitable living creatures.
In Poland, the relevant law regulates the process of owning hunting and other weapons. It was adopted at the end of the last century and has been repeatedly revised. Due to this, many nuances need to be studied in detail by anyone who wants to get a trophy in the country. First, you should know that in Poland, you can own a weapon and use it for hunting from 18 to 21 years old. The minimum age is only an exception for selected individuals (for example, athletes involved in target shooting). In this regard, most hunters can only buy weapons from age 21. It is essential to prove the absence of various addictions and medical contraindications (for example, any mental illnesses).
The following important nuance of Polish legislation is the need to store hunting weapons in unique safes that have previously undergone a certification procedure. This product must be purchased before the gun or rifle and installed indoors in compliance with all requirements. The weapon must be registered no later than 5 days after its purchase. Otherwise, its possession will be considered illegal, with various unpleasant consequences. Also, in Poland, everyone must indicate the purpose for which they purchase and plan to use their weapon. If it is hunting, then a slightly simplified registration procedure is activated.
Polish laws clearly define the types of weapons used for hunting. Only long-barreled center-fire models equipped with magazines for six or fewer rounds are allowed. Hunting rifles must have a caliber of 5.6 mm and higher. High-performance cartridges with a particular set of characteristics are allowed as ammunition. There are also special rules for hunting various animals. For example, you can shoot an elk only with ammunition that retains no more than 2.5 thousand J of energy at a distance of 100 m.

Hungary
Those who want to win a trophy can hunt in Hungary. Minimal restrictions have been created for foreigners and residents, making the hunting process as simple as possible. Despite all the simplicity, those wishing to hunt in Hungary must be guided by the country's current weapons law. It regulates the process of owning and using various weapons and imposes certain restrictions on hunters. First, it should be noted that hunting guns and any other weapons can only be registered by persons over 18 years of age. They must have a clean criminal record, a certificate of absence of mental illness and several additional documents. Candidates must also pass an exam and provide the regulatory authorities with evidence of their membership in one of the country's hunting organizations. Only after this can they obtain permission to own and use weapons.
In Hungary, only double-barreled shotguns and bolt-action rifles are considered hunting weapons. All other types are classified in other categories, for which slightly different rules apply. As in most other countries of the European Union, in Hungary, hunting weapons are allowed only in certain places. At the same time, their possession is permitted regardless of the region of residence of the hunter. The responsibility for storing guns and rifles at home is entirely transferred to their owners. Therefore, in the event of the loss of a weapon, the hunter will receive a particular punishment.
Hungary has several rules regarding the purchase and storage of ammunition. However, they all apply to weapons owners for self-defense and sport shooting. Hunters can buy as many cartridges as they need and take any amount with them on a hunt. However, ammunition can only be used in specially designated hunting areas like the weapon. Any violation of this rule will be considered a serious offense and punished accordingly.

Slovakia
Experienced hunters are unlikely to consider Slovakia an ideal hunting country. However, it is perfect for beginners. Slovakia has enough places to hunt for various trophies. Almost all of them are located far from large settlements and are evenly distributed across the regions.
Today, Slovakia has a slightly outdated law on gun ownership. At the same time, it is constantly being supplemented, making it more in line with modern realities and the requirements of the European Union. To become a gun owner, you must first obtain a special license. Hunters are issued it from 18, while other categories of users can get it even at 15. The process of receiving such a document differs from a similar procedure in most European countries. The unique point is the need to undergo a course in providing medical assistance to people accidentally injured by a shot. In Slovakia, all hunting weapons are classified as the so-called category D. It includes mainly long-barreled weapons intended exclusively for hunting. There are some exceptions, but to activate them, you must go through a highly complex procedure, so most hunters are satisfied with rifles and shotguns of only one type. There are no special restrictions on ammunition for them, which is one of the few positive aspects.
Owning a hunting weapon in Slovakia imposes certain restrictions on its owner. It can only be stored in the place specified during registration, using various safes, cases, and other products that limit access by different people. You also need to transport the weapon to the hunting site correctly. Otherwise, you can get a hefty fine. Another interesting feature of the Slovak legislation is the presence of several departments that issue permission to own a gun or rifle at once. Therefore, in case of a refusal, the hunter can try to carry out a similar procedure in another.

Romania
Romania is an excellent place for hunting enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite activity all year round. The country has many hunting grounds and natural locations, all suitable for hunting various games and are impressively diverse.
The strict rules regarding gun ownership completely overshadow Romania's appeal to hunters. They are considered to be some of the most stringent in the world, so hunting enthusiasts have to go a long way to get the opportunity to get their trophy. First, you should know that in Romania, even an ordinary hunting knife is a weapon, so most often, it has to be registered. This unique phenomenon greatly complicates the preparation process, but according to local authorities, increasing security and reducing the number of crimes committed is possible. According to Romanian law, you can own a hunting weapon from 18. You must undergo a complex identity verification procedure to obtain the appropriate permit. If there are any controversial issues, the document will be denied. Candidates must also pass a two-stage exam, followed by practical training with a professional hunter. They are a mandatory part of the procedure for obtaining a hunting weapon permit, which is why it is delayed for several weeks.
Romanian laws clearly define the types of weapons classified as hunting weapons. First, these are semi-automatic long-barreled models with a magazine for three or fewer rounds. Single-shot centerfire rifles and smoothbore guns of at least 28 cm in length are also considered hunting weapons in Romania. Ammunition is also subject to legislative control. Their permissible amount is selected depending on the license type received by the weapon's owner. Thus, hunters are allowed to own 300 rounds of ammunition per weapon. Exceeding this limit is considered unacceptable and provides for the imposition of various penalties. A suitable place for storing weapons and ammunition should be chosen in advance. It is indicated when registering a rifle, shotgun and cartridges, after which it can only be changed after receiving the appropriate permit. Otherwise, the hunter will also face fines and other troubles.

Austria
For tourists and hunting enthusiasts, Austria is one of the most favorite countries. It attracts attention with its fabulously beautiful alpine meadows, many large and small bodies of water, and dense forests. All these locations are home to many animals that are allowed to hunt.
Austria is a unique country in the European Union. It is the only country where weapons are only partially subject to licensing. This process is regulated by the Waffengesetz law, which describes all the features of owning rifles, shotguns, pistols and shotguns. According to this document, weapons suitable for hunting are assigned categories B and C. These include rifles and shotguns with a break-action bolt, semi-automatic rifles, and multi-shot shotguns. After purchasing them, the hunter must provide evidence of this fact and attach a check to other papers required for registering the weapon.
After waiting for permission to own rifles and shotguns, the hunter automatically receives the right to carry his weapon freely. The latter should not be noticeable to others, so the transportation process should be carried out covertly. To store a hunting weapon, you need to choose a place in advance where unauthorized persons will not have access to it. In Austria, you also do not need to provide this information when registering; you can independently assess the possibility of storing such valuable property under certain conditions. However, if a hunter owns 20 or more weapons, he must provide the regulatory authorities with evidence that he has an adequately equipped gun safe at home. The same applies to ammunition. If a hunter stores less than 5 thousand rounds of ammo, he may not notify them of their location, but if he stores more, he must do so.
An essential feature of Austrian laws is the possibility of going through a simplified weapons registration procedure for persons who have previously received a hunting license. This is an excellent privilege, thanks to which a hunter significantly reduces the time lost when registering his new gun or rifle. It should also be remembered that any license (for hunting, owning a weapon, etc.) is valid for 5 years in Austria. After their expiration, the hunter can extend its validity and obtain the right to own additional weapons (for example, if at the time of registration of the first license, the hunter receives the right to a maximum of 5 weapons, then after the extension, their number will increase to 7).

Switzerland
Switzerland is a country where great attention is paid to protecting nature and ecology. Thanks to this, almost all of its territory has exceptional hunting grounds where various games are bred for hunting. Thanks to such actions, avoiding uncontrolled shooting of animals and preserving the local fauna is possible.
In Switzerland, hunters do not need to obtain any permit to own a weapon. This document has been replaced by a license to purchase a gun or rifle. It is issued in much the same way as in other European countries. You must pass a special exam and undergo a personal data check to obtain a permit. Without any problems, any hunter who has reached the age of 18 can get a document permitting the purchase of a weapon. After that, he can choose any single- or multi-barreled gun or rifle for hunting. When registering the selected model, it will be enough to present a previously obtained license to purchase a weapon.
Owning ammunition is regulated by the same legislative norms as for weapons. Therefore, the above-mentioned permit will be the basis for the unhindered acquisition of the necessary hunting cartridges. In some cases, when a hunter wants to take ammunition that does not correspond to the weapon registered by him, a more complex procedure is activated. It involves providing evidence that specific cartridges will be used exclusively for hunting.
In Switzerland, buying unique safes and other protective structures to store weapons and ammunition is unnecessary. It is important to remember that the hunter is responsible for this property and, in the event of its loss, must immediately report the incident to the police. Similar rules apply to ammunition. They are allowed to be stored in quantities permitted by fire safety regulations. Each region has its own, so in some cases, it will be 200 kg, 250 kg in others, and 300 kg. If you need to keep a more significant number of cartridges at home, you should obtain a special permit from the local fire police.

Croatia
It is no secret that Croatia is among Europe's top ten tourist countries. However, many will be surprised to learn that it also ranks very high on the list of the best places for hunting. This is possible due to the diversity of its ecosystems, all of which have unique fauna, some of which are suitable for hunting.
Croatia does not have the strictest laws governing the process of owning hunting weapons. Thanks to this, almost every citizen of the country who has reached the age of 18 can register a gun or rifle. The exception is people with a criminal record, any addiction, or mental disorders. They are unlikely to be able to obtain a permit to own a weapon. Everyone else will have to successfully pass a two-stage exam, after which the hunter will receive a certificate allowing him to hunt. This document is the basis for the legal acquisition, ownership, and storage of weapons. Croatia's current laws require the registration of all weapons that their owner plans to use for hunting. There are no quantitative restrictions, so hunters can register as many guns and rifles as they want. The same situation applies to ammunition. Only persons who have received the previously mentioned certificate can purchase and store unlimited quantities at home. In Croatia, using weapons initially registered for personal safety when hunting is legal. However, in certain situations, hunters must obtain some additional papers. Another essential feature of Croatian laws is the possibility of using unlimited cartridges during hunting. At the same time, all of them must be purchased legally and registered accordingly.

Slovenia
This small Alpine country has more to offer hunters than many other larger European countries. Its territory has many natural locations overflowing with game suitable for hunting. Each species can become a fantastic trophy and please any hunter.
In Slovenia, the specifics of owning a hunting weapon are spelled out in a special law. It was formed taking into account all the requirements of the European Union, so in many ways, it repeats everything in the laws of other countries of this union. First, this concerns the rules for obtaining a permit to own and use weapons. It is issued by the competent authorities to hunters who are over 18 years old and do not have black pages in their biographies. Also, candidates must be mentally healthy and aware of the rules for using weapons safely.
When registering a weapon in Slovenia, the exact reason for owning it must be indicated. This information is not only entered in a unique column of one of the official papers but also confirmed by documents. In this regard, all hunters must provide a membership certificate in one of the legally existing hunting organizations. It does not matter how long a person has been a member of a particular organization or what roles he or she plays there.
Owning a hunting weapon in Slovenia is less problematic than in many other European countries. However, some unpleasant moments still have to be observed. One is storing guns and rifles in a specially designated place. It must always be locked and accessible only to the owner. Another negative point is the need to store ammunition separately from the weapon. They must also always be in a place inaccessible to strangers. Among the more pleasant features of Slovenian legislation, it is worth highlighting the possibility of legally using silencers when hunting. Unlike many other European countries, this process is not regulated in Slovenia, so such an addition is available to all hunters without exception.

Serbia
Serbia is one of the best places in Southeastern Europe for hunters. The country is known for its vast hunting grounds, the variety of available game, and the variety of hunting options. This attracts hunters from all over Europe who want to obtain a valuable trophy and enjoy the unique local nature.
Serbia is in the top 3 in terms of registered weapons per capita. At the same time, the number of crimes committed with their help is comparable to the same indicator in other European countries. This indicates that the government has well-thought-out laws and hunters who can safely handle any weapon. A special law regulates the process of owning it. According to it, all residents of Serbia who meet several criteria can obtain a permit to register a weapon. These include being over 18 years old, having no criminal record, mental health problems or various addictions, as well as knowledge of the laws regarding weapons and ammunition. The decision to issue a gun permit is made by the police and not a unique body, as in many other European countries.
According to Serbian laws, a permit to own a weapon does not automatically give the right to carry it anywhere. To do this, you need to obtain another remarkable document, which is not issued to everyone. At the same time, owners of hunting rifles and shotguns can transport them in their cars and use them on the territory of hunting grounds. Another essential feature of Serbian laws is the ability to own any number of weapons. At the same time, all of them must be appropriately registered with the police. There are no restrictions on caliber. It can be absolutely any, thanks to which hunters have the opportunity to choose the best option for themselves independently.
Special attention is also paid to ammunition in Serbia. You are allowed to own them in unlimited quantities. At the same time, only cartridges corresponding to the caliber of the weapon registered to the hunter can be purchased. They, like rifles and guns, must be stored in a place inaccessible to unauthorized persons. It can be changed as often as you like without the need to notify the regulatory authorities.

Finland
Many consider Finland the best Scandinavian country for hunting. Its territory is home to many natural hunting locations, including vast forests, lakes, and unique wetlands. These places are ideal for hunting a variety of game. That is why Finland ranks first in Europe regarding the number of officially registered hunters.
In Finland, people over 18 are permitted to own guns. Moreover, even 15-year-old teenagers can use them. However, they must be accompanied by adult gun owners. This and many other features are recorded in the local law, which was adopted in the last century but has been updated and supplemented many times. According to it, people with a special license can own hunting weapons. After this, it is necessary to register all available guns and ammunition to be used legally.
An essential feature of Finnish laws is that owning a gun does not allow carrying it daily. Finns can use their guns and rifles only for the purposes specified during registration. In this regard, hunters are allowed to take them out of the house only if they are going to hunt a trophy. The process of transporting weapons to the hunting grounds is regulated at the legislative level. During the trip to the hunting grounds, the owner of a gun or rifle must unload them and place them in a unique bag or case. Transporting weapons in the open is prohibited by law. Another distinctive feature is that weapons are restricted for each type of game in Finland. In most cases, they affect such indicators as muzzle energy, barrel length, magazine capacity, etc. This dramatically limits hunters and, most often, forces them to take multiple guns for each type of animal with them.
In Finland, gun owners are responsible for their safety. Therefore, there are no special rules for storing them at home. The only point stipulated in local laws is to exclude unauthorized persons from access to guns and rifles. The process of storing ammunition is similarly regulated. At the same time, there are certain limits on the maximum possible number of pieces. The exact number depends on the type of cartridge and its characteristics. However, the permissible value in most cases is 20 thousand or more ammunition.

Norway
Classic Scandinavian hunting is available to everyone who chooses Norway. This country has many beautiful natural locations, some of which are accessible to hiking and skiing enthusiasts and hunters.
In Norway, there are strict rules for gun ownership for residents and foreigners who come to hunt. These rules are spelled out in a highly voluminous special law with many nuances that are difficult to understand. Before starting a hunt, it is essential to study all available information in detail to avoid accidentally violating Norway's hunting laws. If this happens, hunters will face a higher fine than in most European countries.
To obtain a permit to own a hunting weapon, you must undergo the standard procedure and exceptional training. During this, future gun owners are taught how to handle it correctly, safely perform various actions, and much more. After completing this training, the hunter must file a corresponding application with the police, where his identity will be checked for involvement in various illegal activities. Without such and compliance with many other requirements, the hunter will receive the legal right to own a hunting weapon.
According to the laws of Norway, hunters are allowed to own no more than eight weapons. They must be stored in a place inaccessible to strangers. If it is necessary to transport a gun or rifle to the hunting site, it must be done secretly so that others do not see what you are carrying. It is also essential to know that in cases where you must transport a weapon through public places, you must obtain permission to do so in advance from the local police. In this case, you should come up with a good reason why you cannot go around or bypass such a place. Buying and owning ammunition is also a complicated procedure. In Norway, only holders of a hunting license can purchase hunting cartridges. At the same time, it is allowed to choose only ammunition of a caliber corresponding to the characteristics of the registered weapon. Cartridges must be stored and transported in the same way as hunting guns or rifles.

Sweden
Among all the Scandinavian countries, only Sweden allows hunting almost everywhere. For this purpose, the government has exceptional hunting grounds, protected areas (with a special permit), and many wild natural locations. All of them make hunting one of the most popular pastimes in Sweden.
Swedish laws regarding gun ownership are not as strict as in other Scandinavian countries. However, it is difficult to call them overly lenient, either. The police issue permission to own a gun. They carefully study the biographies of candidates and look for dark spots there. If there are none, the procedure for obtaining a license is launched. Most often, it is issued to people who love sport shooting and hunting. There is a different, more complicated procedure for obtaining a permit for those wishing to own a weapon for self-defense.
Unlike other Scandinavian countries, a separate license is required for each gun or rifle in Sweden. There can be a total of 6 of them, which is less than in Finland and Norway. If a hunter needs to have more types of weapons, then his case can be considered individually. At the same time, there will be no guarantee of increasing the maximum number of registered rifles or shotguns, even for professional hunters with an ideal reputation. Only weapons that comply with the laws can be used for hunting. This means that trophies are only allowed with models whose barrel length does not exceed 60 cm. Hunting weapons must be stored in a unique safe. No other options are legal.
An essential feature of Swedish laws is the possibility of using hunting rifles and shotguns for sport shooting. However, this rule does not apply, and attempts to hunt with a weapon registered for sport shooting will be considered illegal. The punishment will follow immediately and will be pretty serious. You should also know that since 2022, hunters have been allowed to use silencers in Sweden freely. Before that, they also had to be registered and receive an appropriate license.

Netherlands
At first glance, the Netherlands does not seem like the best country for hunting. However, many change their minds after the first trip to the forest. The government has several beautiful natural locations where even a beginner can find a large trophy.
The Netherlands has relatively strict laws regarding weapons. In this regard, only athletes, collectors and hunters can own them. To obtain the appropriate permit, the latter must complete a unique training course and pass an exam on knowledge of the basics of hunting, local laws and safety rules for handling weapons. This process can take a long time, so everyone who wants to hunt legally needs to be patient and see it through. After receiving a permit to own a weapon, you can buy rifles and shotguns for the appropriate purpose.
In the Netherlands, all owners of hunting weapons must purchase and install a unique safe for storing them. Otherwise, the previously obtained license may be revoked. In addition, every 3 years, the police will check the storage location of rifles and shotguns for reliability and inaccessibility to unauthorized persons. The weapon itself is also subject to inspection. It must not have any changes in design compared to the data specified during its registration and meet all safety requirements. According to Dutch law, hunters can own a maximum of 7 weapons. However, in some cases, when it is possible to prove the need to purchase another rifle or shotgun, the applicant may be granted an exception.
Ammunition possession is also strictly regulated in the Netherlands. Only cartridges of the caliber corresponding to the registered weapon are allowed. Failure to comply with this rule will automatically result in a fine, the amount of which varies depending on the severity of the violation. Hunters in the Netherlands are allowed to use silencers. However, they must be registered separately, and this process is often even more complicated than registering a rifle or shotgun for hunting.


Belgium
Belgium is a good option for both beginners and experienced hunters. This country is rich in various natural locations, many suitable for hunting. Each is home to many game types, giving hunters complete freedom to choose their priority species.
Belgium has stringent rules regarding gun ownership. Many types are prohibited, and finding them in the country is impossible. Models available for sale can only be purchased after obtaining a permit issued upon completing a multi-stage check. It includes a detailed study of the hunter's biography and passing a special exam. The latter is the most difficult and covers many important topics.
Each region of Belgium has its own rules for owning hunting weapons. In most cases, it can only be stored in a unique safe and used only in places permitted for hunting. Transportation of firearms requires compliance with several basic rules, in which the rifle or shotgun will be unloaded, placed in a closed and opaque case, and protected from accidental falling into the hands of strangers. The same strict rules apply to ammunition. Owning it is only permitted with a hunting license and a weapon permit.
According to Belgian law, hunters must indicate for what purposes they will use their weapons. The list of prohibitions and permitted actions will depend on this. In cases where a rifle or shotgun is registered as a hunting weapon, it cannot be used for any other purposes. Violation of this rule is fraught with serious consequences, up to and including the cancellation of the license. It is also prohibited in Belgium to appear in public places with a hunting or any other weapon. Failure to comply with this law is subject to an even more severe punishment. Before hunting in one of the European countries, you need to study the current rules and features of owning a hunting weapon. With this information, you can easily register a rifle or shotgun and freely use them during the hunt. This will allow you to focus on getting a trophy and avoid legal trouble. In our article, we told you about the various practices of owning a hunting weapon in the most popular European countries. This information will help you properly prepare for the event and get the most out of it.