Riistalaki

Riistalaki, also known as the Hunting Act, is the primary legislation governing hunting and wildlife management in Finland. Enacted to ensure sustainable use of game populations and to protect biodiversity, the law outlines the rights and responsibilities of hunters, landowners, and wildlife authorities.

Key aspects of the riistalaki include the definition of game animals, hunting seasons, permitted hunting methods, and requirements for hunting licenses and permits. It also establishes regulations concerning the protection of endangered species and the management of game populations to prevent overhunting or ecological imbalances. The law emphasizes the importance of responsible hunting practices, including the accurate identification of game and the humane treatment of animals.

The implementation and enforcement of the riistalaki are overseen by the Finnish Food Authority (Ruokavirasto) and the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke), in cooperation with local authorities and hunting associations. The legislation is periodically reviewed and updated to reflect current scientific understanding of wildlife populations and ecological conditions, as well as societal expectations regarding hunting and nature conservation. The riistalaki aims to strike a balance between the utilization of game resources for recreational and economic purposes and the long-term preservation of Finland's natural heritage.