Suurriistan

Suurriistan, meaning large game in Finnish, is a term used in wildlife management and hunting policy to designate the set of large-bodied wild mammals that are hunted for meat, population control, and recreation. The category is applied in legislation, conservation plans, and hunting licenses and is differentiated from small game by size, ecological impact, and management approaches.

In Finland, the most prominent member of suurriistan is the moose (hirvi, Alces alces). Other large deer species may be included where present or regulated by regional management plans; the exact list of species categorized as suurriista can vary by region, population status, and specific regulations. The concept is primarily used to guide population surveys, harvest targets, and seasonal restrictions.

Management and regulation of suurriista follows national wildlife law and game management programs. Population control is achieved through licensed hunting, defined hunting seasons, bag limits, and quotas. Data collection and monitoring are carried out by authorities such as the Natural Resources Institute Finland (Luke) and Metsähallitus, with input from regional hunter associations to inform harvest plans and conservation objectives.

Ecologically, suurriista play a significant role in forest ecosystems through grazing and browsing, influencing vegetation composition and stand structure. Economically, they contribute to rural livelihoods, hunting tourism, and the supply of game meat. Balancing harvest levels helps prevent overgrazing, supports biodiversity, and reduces conflicts with forestry operations and road safety.

See also: pienriista (small game) and poronhoito (reindeer herding) in Finland.