Requirements for obtaining a hunting license in different countries of Europe.

November 2, 2024

Hunting is a popular activity among Europeans and foreigners who come to different countries of the continent from all corners of our planet. It is incredibly diverse, exciting and accessible even to novice hunters. To be able to get your trophy, everyone must first obtain a hunting license. It is issued by competent organizations only to those who meet specific requirements. Each country has its own, so hunters must learn all the nuances of obtaining this document in advance. In our article, we have collected all the necessary information on this issue, which will help you quickly get a hunting license in each of the famous European countries among hunters.

General criteria for obtaining a hunting license
Certain general compliance criteria in Europe will allow you to obtain a hunting license. First, this concerns restrictions related to the hunter's age. Different countries set their minimum age limit below which a person is always denied a license. In all other cases, the hunter is checked for compliance with other general criteria. One of them is the need to know about hunting and everything related to it. Most European countries even conduct special preparatory courses and assign exams to assess candidates' awareness of various matters. In all European countries, to obtain a hunting license, you must present a document permitting the possession and use of weapons. It is issued considering its requirements, which often differ not only in countries but also in their parts. Another important criterion is the mental and emotional health of a person. Without confirmation, a hunter will be denied a license in almost all European countries.
A characteristic feature of most European countries is issuing licenses only to people who are members of hunting associations. The latter must be official and have a certain status in the country. Membership in such associations is a kind of insurance that the hunter will comply with the rules of the seasons, adhere to safe methods of using weapons and will not kill animals unnecessarily.

What do you need to obtain a hunting license in different European countries?
As mentioned earlier, each European country has its hunting laws. This feature creates specific difficulties when obtaining a hunting license. It is issued based on specific rules and considering particular requirements for candidates, which often differ significantly even in neighboring countries. In this regard, we suggest you study the nuances of obtaining a hunting license in European countries that are most suitable for this activity.

Germany
Germany is one of the best countries for hunters. It has more than 300,000 square kilometers of hunting grounds, characterized by various landscapes and an abundance of unique ecosystems. German forests are best suited for hunting. They are full of multiple game species, which will be a good trophy for any hunter. Popular animal species include mouflon, red deer, wild boar, roe deer and fox.
To hunt in Germany, you need to get a special license. It is issued exclusively to persons who have reached the age of 18. All candidates applying for a hunting license must pass the most difficult exam. Its written part is a test that includes questions on various hunting-related topics. These include zoology, wildlife conservation, laws regarding hunting weapons, and the rules for shooting animals in the country. In addition to the written part, the exam has a practical part. While testing candidates, specialists evaluate their skills in safe weapon handling and target shooting accuracy. Even after this, the exam is not over. In the end, everyone who wants to obtain a hunting license will have a conversation on topics related to hunting. If the exam is passed successfully, candidates must receive a license that allows the possession and use of firearms during hunting. It is issued only after checking the hunter's data (a special commission studies the person's biography in detail). The candidate must also prove that he needs a license. An additional requirement for hunters in Germany is the presence of insurance. It guarantees that in the event of illegal actions during hunting, a person can financially compensate for the damage caused.

France
Those who are looking for something special in hunting should go to France. This country has a centuries-old history of this activity and can offer everyone many exciting things. In France, you can hunt almost anywhere. Its territory has many dense forests, vast plains and mountains of different heights. Such a variety of landscapes will allow everyone to find the optimal location for hunting. Among the most famous trophies in France, it is worth highlighting wild boars, red deer, roe deer and various birds (most often, partridges and pheasants).
In France, each region has its own hunting rules. At the same time, a license is issued according to a single algorithm, considering a basic set of criteria. First of all, the commission pays attention to the person's age. Persons under 16 years of age will be denied a hunting license. Just like in Germany, candidates are faced with an exam. In France, it is much simpler and not so time-consuming. The written part includes a test of knowledge of the country's hunting legislation and safety rules. The practical part only involves assessing the candidate's ability to shoot accurately and use their firearms correctly.
An important feature is that in France, a license will only be issued to persons of a particular hunting association. The latter must be officially registered in the country and agree to support the hunter. Also, liability insurance will be required to obtain the desired document. It provides for coverage of various expenses associated with the hunter's illegal activity or the consequences of an accident.

Spain
Spain is a true paradise for hunters. About 80% of its territory is suitable for hunting and active pastimes in nature. Suitable places for getting a good trophy are evenly distributed throughout the country, which gives hunters the opportunity to independently choose a priority region. Depending on this, it will be possible to hunt on flat territory, in forests or in mountainous terrain. Most experienced hunters come for the Spanish ibex or red deer. For beginners, the favorites are wild boars and several species of partridges. Spain has its own unique rules for issuing a hunting license. The most unusual is that it can be issued even to persons aged 14. However, certain conditions must be met, and guarantees must be provided that the teenager will be on the hunt with an adult. In Spain, all candidates must pass a simple exam of two stages. The first of these will be a theory test. It includes questions about the country's hunting laws, wildlife protection and weapons safety. The second stage is practice. During the test, you must show the examiners your ability to use a gun and shoot accurately and safely.
Each region of Spain has its own unique hunting rules. The listed requirements can be supplemented by several points that will be mandatory only in a particular territory. Because of this, hunters need to choose a region in advance and only then try to get a license. It should also be noted that insurance is mandatory in Spain. It will guarantee that the victim will have enough money for treatment in an accident. It can also compensate for damage caused to the nature of the country.

Italy
Italy is a particular European country where even a simple hunt becomes a unique and unforgettable event. In almost every region, you can find a dozen places where the chances of getting a good trophy are high, even for beginners. Tuscany and Sardinia are considered the best in this regard. In Italy, private and state hunting grounds are equally common. All of them have a unique landscape and offer a large number of different games. The most popular in Italy are deer, wild boar, and roe deer. Pheasants and rabbits are also considered popular species. In Italy, a hunting license is issued only after age 18, and there are no exceptions to this rule. The exam that all candidates must pass is more of a permit to own a weapon rather than to obtain a license. It includes theory and practice. The first is a test during which everyone is asked to answer questions about wildlife, weapons, laws and safety rules. Persons who have scored specific points are admitted to the practical part of the exam. It consists of demonstrating safe gun handling skills and a shooting test.
Another mandatory criterion all candidates must meet is a recognized hunting association membership. It must document this fact and have no claims against the hunter. Some regions also require insurance. It will guarantee financial compensation for damage caused to a person (for example, another hunter) or wildlife.

Portugal
This European country is not so popular with foreign hunters. In most cases, they prefer visiting neighboring Spain and spending their time there. However, Portugal is perfect for hunting. Anyone who is not too lazy to appreciate it will get maximum pleasure. A diverse landscape characterizes Portugal. Forests, meadows and mountainous areas are equally common on its territory, so hunters will have plenty to choose from. Partridges, rabbits and various ungulates stand out among famous trophies. Waterfowl hunting is also popular in Portugal. To obtain a hunting license, the candidate must meet the age criterion. In Portugal, hunting is allowed from age 16, so all younger applicants will be immediately eliminated. There is no upper limit. To become the owner of the desired license, you need to pass a standard exam. It is not much different from the one held in Spain, so to avoid repeating ourselves, we will not describe its stages in detail.
An essential feature of the laws of Portugal is that only physically and mentally healthy people can become hunters. In this regard, to obtain a hunting license, all candidates must present a special medical certificate. Its presence will prove that the hunter will not use weapons for various illegal purposes. Also, candidates for a license in Portugal are required to have insurance. It can compensate for damage caused by an accident or the actions of the hunter, which entailed negative consequences for the wildlife of the country (for example, in the event of the killing of a rare animal species, hunting of which is prohibited).

Great Britain
This country is the cradle of European hunting culture. It has formed many traditions known today and has enormously contributed to the development of hunting on all continents. There are many ancient forests in Great Britain, where dozens of generations of our ancestors hunted. Also, there are wetlands and places with an exotic ecosystem in different parts of it, as for Europe. All this makes it possible for many animals to exist in Great Britain, which often become a priority target for hunters. First of all, this concerns the red deer. In addition, roe deer, fallow deer, pheasants, rabbits and waterfowl are famous.
In Great Britain, hunting is allowed from the age of 14. It is from this age that you can apply for a license. However, even if you have one, people under 21 can only go hunting accompanied by adults. Such non-standard rules are found only in a few European countries. Then, to obtain a license in Great Britain, you must demonstrate to a special commission knowledge of the country's hunting legislation and methods of safely handling weapons. Unlike other European countries, this procedure is not an official exam and is a good tradition before the first hunt of beginners.
Only members of recognized hunting clubs and associations in the UK can obtain a license. This rule is mandatory and is observed in all cases without exception. Also, before issuing a license, candidates are asked to provide a certificate for their hunting rifle. It is issued only after a person has submitted a corresponding request to the police and undergone a thorough check. Ultimately, you must take out insurance like hunters do in other European countries.

Sweden
Hunting has always been popular in Scandinavia, so it is actively carried out in all its countries today. In Sweden, you can hunt almost anywhere. You can get permission to shoot a particular animal species, even in protected areas. This country offers hunters forests rich in game and mountainous regions with a diverse ecosystem. Among the priority species, large representatives of ungulate mammals stand out. Wild boars and some species of birds (for example, wood grouse) are also well-known trophies. There are places in Sweden for lovers of exotics. There, you can hunt animals such as beavers and lynxes.
In Sweden, the rules for issuing a hunting license are not very different from those of most other European countries. The first criterion that is paid attention to is age. Only persons over 18 will pass the test and gain access to the next stage. Then, all candidates will need to pass a short exam. It includes standard testing that assesses the hunter's knowledge of many important issues and a practical test of shooting skills. All of the above takes a minimum of time compared to exams in other European countries. To obtain a hunting license in Sweden, you must first join one of the recognized associations. Membership in it will guarantee that a person knows all the nuances of local hunting and will not do various stupid things. Also, candidates are required to have a document for weapons. It is issued separately and provides for a rather complex identity verification procedure (they study everything from biography to various medical indicators). An additional factor required to obtain a hunting license will be insurance.

Norway
Norway is a geographical neighbor of Sweden, which implies close ties between the countries in various fields of activity, including hunting. This feature makes the hunting traditions and laws of both countries very similar. Norway provides dozens of locations for hunting, where people are rare and do not interfere with the everyday existence of animals. Among them are numerous forests, mountainous areas and vast meadows. There is always much game in these places. Most often, hunters come to Norway for elk and reindeer. Between attempts to get these trophies, they diversify their event by hunting small mammals (hares, squirrels, etc.) and birds (partridges, black grouse, etc.).
As mentioned earlier, you must undergo the same procedure as in Sweden to obtain a hunting license in Norway. However, there are still some differences in it. The main one is the maximum permissible age of candidates. In Norway, it is at least 16 years old. To obtain a license, hunters must pass an exam that includes written testing and practice. The first involves correctly answering questions about the country's wildlife, hunting laws, and rules for safe hunting behavior. The practical part consists of test shooting and assessing skills in using a particular weapon. In Norway, all candidates for a license must be members of one of the local associations. This rule is standard in Scandinavia, so, unsurprisingly, it applies in this country. Applicants must also provide a license to own and use a firearm and proof of having adequately executed insurance.

Finland
If a hunter wants to learn about Scandinavian hunting traditions, it is best to go to Finland. In this country, people use various hunting methods, including those popular many years ago. The territory of Finland offers hunters dozens of different locations. There are dense forests, hundreds of magnificent lakes with their inhabitants and unique wetlands. All of these places are home to a large number of animals and birds. The most popular among hunters in Finland are white-tailed deer, elk, bears, and black grouse.
In Finland, only people over 15 can obtain a hunting license. At the same time, they must provide guarantees that they will hunt exclusively in the company of adults. All hunters must follow a standard registration procedure in local associations and clubs. Without this, the chances of obtaining a license will be zero. Also, each candidate must pass a test to determine the level of skills and mastery. If necessary (if the test fails), the association in which the hunter is registered will allow him to take additional training courses, allowing him to pass the exam successfully in the future.
Particular attention is paid in Finland to issuing a permit to own a weapon. Without this document, obtaining a hunting license would have been impossible, so each hunter would have been forced to undergo the most complex procedure. In addition to proof of normal health and mental health, the candidate must provide many other documents. Often, this process takes longer than obtaining a hunting license.

Austria
This country is fantastic in every sense of the word. It is incredibly diverse, attractive for travelers, and a favorite among many European hunters. On its territory, there are alpine areas where wild nature reigns. In addition to them, there are forests, numerous small ponds and grassy meadows. All these places are beautiful habitats for hundreds of animal species. Among them, the favorites among hunters are different types of deer, wild boars, and mouflons. There are also birds in Austria, but not as many of them as in other European countries. To obtain a hunting license, you must meet the age criterion. In Austria, the minimum age is 18, so younger hunters will always be refused. Also, all applicants for a license will need to pass a two-stage exam. It is not as tricky as in neighboring Germany, but it cannot be called overly simple either. The first stage of the test is a written test. Most of the questions asked concern wildlife, firearms and the laws in force in the country. The second part of the exam is practice. It allows the commission to assess the hunter's skills in using weapons and the person's ability to handle their main hunting attribute safely.
To obtain a hunting license in Austria, you must first join one of the local associations. There are quite a few in the country, so everyone will have something to choose from. Next, you must provide all the documents for the weapon and obtain permission to use it. In some cases, the hunter may be required to have mandatory insurance.

Poland
Poland is one of the best hunting sites in Eastern European countries. It will allow every hunter to get a good trophy and maximum pleasure from observing wild nature. The hunting grounds in this country are pretty extensive. They include numerous forests, regions with marshy terrain and places near agricultural areas. All this makes hunting in Poland as diverse and exciting as possible. Most often, people hunt small game in this country. The most popular species are hares, partridges, and pheasants. Among larger animals, hunters' priorities are red deer and wild boars.
In Poland, only persons over 18 can be issued a hunting license. They must pass a comprehensive exam, including theory and practice. The commission evaluates each candidate's knowledge and skills during such an examination. Based on its results, a decision is made to issue or refuse a license. The latter happens rarely, but such an option is still not excluded. As additional documents, you will need a permit to carry and use weapons. It is issued in the country where the hunter comes and is confirmed by local competent organizations. Hunting laws provide for the issuance of licenses exclusively to persons who are members of the Polish Hunters' Association. This rule is mandatory even for foreigners who must become members of such an organization in advance. Hunters are also required to have insurance that will cover any possible expenses.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is a top favorite for many hunters. This country is ideal for hunting and offers foreigners the most straightforward rules for obtaining a license. There are many forests in the Czech Republic. All of them are full of life, so fans of different types of hunting will have something to do. The country also has hills and mountains, making it attractive for beginners and experienced hunters to try their luck. Among the animals that live on state and private lands, the most common prey are sika deer and mouflon. Roe deer, wild boars and fallow deer are always considered alternatives. Birds are also not uncommon in the Czech Republic, so if desired, you can hunt them.
As mentioned, obtaining a hunting license in the Czech Republic is enough to go through a standard procedure. It is straightforward and does not take much time. First, you should know you can only hunt in the country from age 16. Everyone who meets this criterion can register for a particular exam. It is approximately the same as in most European countries. The written part consists of a few questions on hunting theory and safety rules, and the practical part covers such essential aspects as shooting accuracy and proper use of weapons. In the Czech Republic, candidates for a license are not required to join a local hunting association. However, membership in one will add to the hunter's biography and simplify the entire procedure. In some cases, a person may be required to present a completed insurance policy, which is necessary to obtain guarantees for compensation for potential damages.

Belgium
For many hunters, Belgium is the central mystery. This country has never been a center of hunting culture, so it only adopted the traditions of its neighbors and other Europeans. Despite this, Belgium is an exciting option today for those who have already tried their hand in more popular hunting countries. Driven hunting is in demand on its territory. Here, it is considered the primary way to obtain trophies. The latter most often include roe deer, wild boars and hares. In Belgium, they also like to hunt waterfowl and pheasants.
Belgian laws do not allow people under 18 to take up arms. In this regard, their chances of obtaining a hunting license are zero. Everyone else will have to go through several standard verification stages before they are issued the desired document. The primary test for many is the exam. It isn't easy, and it covers the main topic and many related topics. For example, the tests may include questions about local features of wildlife management and environmental protection. Those who successfully pass the written part will gain access to the practical part. It consists of assessing the hunter's shooting skills and the skills to handle hunting weapons permitted in Belgium safely.
In Belgium, there are only two additional criteria that all candidates must meet. The first is the need for pre-arranged insurance (mandatory in the country), and the second is to present a weapons license issued by the country from which the hunter comes. Membership in one of the local hunting associations is often used as a bonus that increases the chances of success. Having it will simplify and speed up the entire procedure.

Netherlands
Regarding hunting, the Netherlands is far from being the first in Europe. This is due to the small number of hunting grounds, located mainly in areas where agricultural activity is developed. There are several good forests near various farms where you can shoot a valuable trophy. Despite the small selection of locations, the Netherlands attracts the attention of hunters with the opportunity to get a sizeable wild boar or roe deer. Rabbits, ducks and geese are also famous in the country.
In the Netherlands, most hunting laws are pretty laconic. On the one hand, this reduces the number of requirements for hunters. On the other, it does not give them alternative options for obtaining a hunting license (it will be issued only if all the necessary conditions are met). In the Netherlands, the minimum age of a hunter is 18 years. Anyone who meets this criterion can receive documents for a weapon and present them during all verification stages. The latter includes a standard exam test. It touches on many important topics related to hunting and wildlife management. Candidates also demonstrate their shooting accuracy and ability to handle weapons correctly to a special commission.
In the Netherlands, all hunters are members of a local hunting association. Even foreigners must join such an organization and apply for a license. Another important feature is providing certificates proving the hunter's mental health. Without them, a hunting license will be denied.

Croatia
This wonderful country is a great place to spend a holiday. It is rich in various natural and architectural attractions and is interesting because it offers much exciting entertainment. The latter includes hunting. It is available in most of Croatia, and its distinctive feature is the diversity of the landscape. Mountains, plains and hilly areas covered with dense forests are equally common here. This feature allows for a variety of ecosystems that are not similar. Thanks to this, there are many animals in Croatia. Popular hunting species include red deer, bears, wolves, chamois and mouflon. You can also get wild boars, pheasants, rabbits, and other representatives of the fauna in the country.
Only people over 18 can apply for a hunting license in Croatia. If this criterion is not met, it will not be possible to shoot animals legally. Then, all candidates must obtain a special certificate indicating successful exam passing. The latter consists of two stages. The first requires answering questions about local legislation and wildlife, and the second requires proving your ability to use firearms safely.
An essential feature of the procedure for obtaining a hunting license in Croatia is purchasing a special hunting card. It is issued for a certain period until the end, during which you can freely hunt in Croatia.
You can hunt in Europe only if you have the appropriate license. Each country has its own; the hunter must meet specific requirements to obtain it. In some cases, they will be extremely strict and minimal in others. Everything depends solely on the specifics of a particular European country's hunting legislation and the requirements for individuals' use of firearms. In any case, hunters who love their business and are well-versed in all its nuances can obtain the necessary documents without any problems. It will allow you to hunt in the territory of a particular European country and get maximum pleasure from the time spent.