Finding good hunting ground can be frustrating, especially if you don't know any landowners or aren't already part of a hunting team. Here's what years of searching have taught me.
How to Find Hunting Ground in Norway
Finding good hunting ground can be frustrating, especially if you don't know any landowners or aren't already part of a hunting team. I've spent a good few years searching, asking around, and figuring things out the hard way — and thankfully there are more paths in than most people realize.
Here I share what I've learned about finding hunting ground in Norway, whether you're a new hunter or simply looking to try somewhere fresh.
Public vs. private hunting ground
The first thing to understand is the difference between state land and private land. About 27 percent of Norway's land area is state-owned, and most of it is managed by Statskog. In practice this means that large parts of Troms, Nordland, Trøndelag, and portions of Hedmark have hunting available to anyone who holds a valid hunting licence (jegeravgift) and a hunting permit (jaktkort).
On state land you can usually buy a hunting permit directly, without knowing anyone or sitting on a waiting list. This applies primarily to small-game hunting. Big-game hunting on state land is typically allocated by draw or through local hunting teams.
Private land is a different story. The landowner decides who gets to hunt, and the terms vary widely. Some lease ground to the same hunting team year after year. Others offer single days or short periods. Prices range from a few hundred kroner for a day of small-game hunting to tens of thousands for a week of elk hunting with accommodation.
Where do people find hunting today?
Traditionally, hunting ground has been passed around by word of mouth. You know someone who knows someone, or you belong to a team that has held the same ground for generations. That model still works — but it shuts a lot of people out.
In recent years digital platforms have made it much easier to find and book hunting ground. On Hunta you can search for available ground across the whole country, filter by species and season, and book directly. That removes much of the social barrier that has kept many hunters on the outside.
Other ways in:
Landowner associations and outfield councils (grunneierlag og utmarksråd) often have hunting available. Most municipalities have one or more, and it can be worth contacting them directly. Not all of them advertise online.
Mountain boards (fjellstyrer) manage hunting on the state commons (statsallmenningene). There are around 95 fjellstyrer across Norway, and they offer both small-game and big-game hunting. Permit sales often open on fixed dates, so it pays to keep an eye out.
Local classifieds and Facebook groups are a surprisingly good source. Many landowners who lease out sporadically post in local groups. It takes a bit of patience, but good opportunities do come up.
Tips if you're just starting out
How to Find Hunting Ground in Norway
•6 min read
Finding good hunting ground can be frustrating, especially if you don't know any landowners or aren't already part of a hunting team. Here's what years of searching have taught me.
How to Find Hunting Ground in Norway
Finding good hunting ground can be frustrating, especially if you don't know any landowners or aren't already part of a hunting team. I've spent a good few years searching, asking around, and figuring things out the hard way — and thankfully there are more paths in than most people realize.
Here I share what I've learned about finding hunting ground in Norway, whether you're a new hunter or simply looking to try somewhere fresh.
Public vs. private hunting ground
The first thing to understand is the difference between state land and private land. About 27 percent of Norway's land area is state-owned, and most of it is managed by Statskog. In practice this means that large parts of Troms, Nordland, Trøndelag, and portions of Hedmark have hunting available to anyone who holds a valid hunting licence (jegeravgift) and a hunting permit (jaktkort).
On state land you can usually buy a hunting permit directly, without knowing anyone or sitting on a waiting list. This applies primarily to small-game hunting. Big-game hunting on state land is typically allocated by draw or through local hunting teams.
Private land is a different story. The landowner decides who gets to hunt, and the terms vary widely. Some lease ground to the same hunting team year after year. Others offer single days or short periods. Prices range from a few hundred kroner for a day of small-game hunting to tens of thousands for a week of elk hunting with accommodation.
Where do people find hunting today?
Traditionally, hunting ground has been passed around by word of mouth. You know someone who knows someone, or you belong to a team that has held the same ground for generations. That model still works — but it shuts a lot of people out.
In recent years digital platforms have made it much easier to find and book hunting ground. On Hunta you can search for available ground across the whole country, filter by species and season, and book directly. That removes much of the social barrier that has kept many hunters on the outside.
Other ways in:
Landowner associations and outfield councils (grunneierlag og utmarksråd) often have hunting available. Most municipalities have one or more, and it can be worth contacting them directly. Not all of them advertise online.
Mountain boards (fjellstyrer) manage hunting on the state commons (statsallmenningene). There are around 95 fjellstyrer across Norway, and they offer both small-game and big-game hunting. Permit sales often open on fixed dates, so it pays to keep an eye out.
Local classifieds and Facebook groups are a surprisingly good source. Many landowners who lease out sporadically post in local groups. It takes a bit of patience, but good opportunities do come up.
Tips if you're just starting out
If you've recently passed your hunter's licence exam and are wondering how to actually get out into the field, here are a few things I wish I'd known earlier:
Start with small game. Ptarmigan (rype) or woodland bird hunting is easier to access than elk or deer. The barrier to entry is lower — both in price and in social connections required. You don't need an established team to get started.
Be willing to travel. Competition for hunting ground is fiercest in Østlandet and around the major cities. Head further north or into more remote valleys and you'll often find excellent hunting at reasonable prices.
Book early. The best ground disappears quickly, especially in popular areas. Many landowners open for bookings in winter or early spring for the coming autumn season.
Ask locally. Never underestimate the value of making a phone call or dropping into the local shop. A lot of ground is leased out without ever appearing online. People appreciate a direct approach and genuine interest.
Read the rules. Every piece of ground has its own rules on hunter numbers, species, use of dogs, and access. Read the conditions carefully before you book so there are no surprises.
What does it cost to lease hunting ground?
Prices vary enormously. A day of small-game hunting on state land can cost anywhere from 100 to 300 kroner. Private hunting ground for ptarmigan typically runs between 200 and 1,000 kroner per day, depending on location and quality.
Big-game hunting is more expensive. Elk hunting can cost anything from 5,000 to 50,000 kroner or more for a hunting team, depending on quotas, terrain, and facilities. Red deer hunting often comes in a little lower, but prices vary just as much.
On Hunta, prices are listed upfront so you know exactly what you're getting into before you make contact. That makes it much easier to compare options and find something that fits your budget.
What should you look for in a hunting area?
Beyond the price, there are a few things worth considering:
Wildlife numbers. A large territory with few animals makes for poor hunting. Ask about harvest statistics from previous seasons. Good landowners are open about this.
Access. How far is the drive? Do you need a boat? Are there tracks into the ground, or does it mean long walks carrying all your kit? Think this through before booking, especially if you have a lot of gear.
Facilities. Some areas offer overnight accommodation in cabins or huts. Others have nothing at all. Both can work perfectly well — but it's good to know what you're signing up for.
Terrain type. Mountains, forest, bog, coastline. Different species thrive in different habitats, and it's an advantage to match the terrain to what you want to hunt.
Digital platforms are making it easier
Ten years ago it was nearly impossible to find hunting ground without knowing the right people. That has changed. Digital services like Hunta give you the ability to search, compare, and book hunting ground without going through a web of personal contacts.
That doesn't mean your personal network has lost its value. My best hunting experiences have been with people I know well, on ground we've come back to for years. But for those who don't have that network yet, it's good to know there are other ways in.
Check out available ground on Hunta and find your next hunt. For an overview of hunting seasons and regulations, visit the knowledge centre. It's simpler than you think.
If you've recently passed your hunter's licence exam and are wondering how to actually get out into the field, here are a few things I wish I'd known earlier:
Start with small game. Ptarmigan (rype) or woodland bird hunting is easier to access than elk or deer. The barrier to entry is lower — both in price and in social connections required. You don't need an established team to get started.
Be willing to travel. Competition for hunting ground is fiercest in Østlandet and around the major cities. Head further north or into more remote valleys and you'll often find excellent hunting at reasonable prices.
Book early. The best ground disappears quickly, especially in popular areas. Many landowners open for bookings in winter or early spring for the coming autumn season.
Ask locally. Never underestimate the value of making a phone call or dropping into the local shop. A lot of ground is leased out without ever appearing online. People appreciate a direct approach and genuine interest.
Read the rules. Every piece of ground has its own rules on hunter numbers, species, use of dogs, and access. Read the conditions carefully before you book so there are no surprises.
What does it cost to lease hunting ground?
Prices vary enormously. A day of small-game hunting on state land can cost anywhere from 100 to 300 kroner. Private hunting ground for ptarmigan typically runs between 200 and 1,000 kroner per day, depending on location and quality.
Big-game hunting is more expensive. Elk hunting can cost anything from 5,000 to 50,000 kroner or more for a hunting team, depending on quotas, terrain, and facilities. Red deer hunting often comes in a little lower, but prices vary just as much.
On Hunta, prices are listed upfront so you know exactly what you're getting into before you make contact. That makes it much easier to compare options and find something that fits your budget.
What should you look for in a hunting area?
Beyond the price, there are a few things worth considering:
Wildlife numbers. A large territory with few animals makes for poor hunting. Ask about harvest statistics from previous seasons. Good landowners are open about this.
Access. How far is the drive? Do you need a boat? Are there tracks into the ground, or does it mean long walks carrying all your kit? Think this through before booking, especially if you have a lot of gear.
Facilities. Some areas offer overnight accommodation in cabins or huts. Others have nothing at all. Both can work perfectly well — but it's good to know what you're signing up for.
Terrain type. Mountains, forest, bog, coastline. Different species thrive in different habitats, and it's an advantage to match the terrain to what you want to hunt.
Digital platforms are making it easier
Ten years ago it was nearly impossible to find hunting ground without knowing the right people. That has changed. Digital services like Hunta give you the ability to search, compare, and book hunting ground without going through a web of personal contacts.
That doesn't mean your personal network has lost its value. My best hunting experiences have been with people I know well, on ground we've come back to for years. But for those who don't have that network yet, it's good to know there are other ways in.
Check out available ground on Hunta and find your next hunt. For an overview of hunting seasons and regulations, visit the knowledge centre. It's simpler than you think.
