Mountain hare hunting in Vestland

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Mountain hare is among the huntable species in Vestland. Hare hunting with a running hound is one of Norway's finest hunting traditions. The dog picks up the hare's scent and drives it in a large circle, while the hunter positions themselves along known travel routes and waits for the hare to come back.

Season in Vestland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

All hunting seasons

Distribution

The mountain hare is found throughout Norway, from the coast to the mountains. The densest populations are in Innlandet, Trøndelag and Northern Norway. Numbers fluctuate in cycles.

Terrain

Varied. The hare lives in coniferous forest, mountain birch woodland, on plateaus and in the cultivated landscape. It likes a mix of open and dense cover.

Weight

2.5–5 kg

Terrain in Vestland

Vestland is the land of fjords and mountains. Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Nordfjord cut between steep mountains. The coast is mild and wet with lush forest, while the interior has large mountain areas. Hardangervidda in the east is Europe's largest high mountain plateau. Vestland has Norway's densest red deer population.

Hunting mountain hare

Hare hunting with hounds is best on light snow. Take a stand at known crossings and runs. The hare often follows the same route as last time.

Plan the hunt

Mountain Hare handbook

Species facts, behaviour and identification.

Hunting in Vestland

County terrain, species and statistics.

Game reception stations

Where to deliver and process game.

What is the hunting worth?

Estimate the value of hunting on your ground.

Other game in Vestland

Red deer hunting

Sep 1 – Dec 23

Moose hunting

Sep 25 – Oct 31 (limited range)

Roe deer hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)

Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Wild reindeer hunting

Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)

Western capercaillie hunting

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Black grouse hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Greylag goose hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23

Red fox hunting

Jul 15 – Apr 15

Mountain hare hunting in other counties

Agder

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Innlandet

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Møre og Romsdal

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Nordland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Rogaland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Troms og Finnmark

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Trøndelag

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Vestfold og Telemark

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Viken

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Frequently asked questions

When is the mountain hare hunting season in Vestland?

The season for mountain hare in Vestland is Sep 10 – Feb 28/29. Local regulations can shorten or extend this.

Where does mountain hare live in Vestland?

The mountain hare is found throughout Norway, from the coast to the mountains. The densest populations are in Innlandet, Trøndelag and Northern Norway. Numbers fluctuate in cycles.

Can I find grounds to hunt mountain hare in Vestland?

Yes. Landowners across Vestland offer hunts on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available grounds.

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