10,000 apply to join Swedish hunting boom

http://www.thelocal.se/36352/20110926/

Published: 26 Sep 11 06:52 CET

Hunting is becoming more and more popular in Sweden with over 10,000 people taking their hunting certificate this year alone, representing a near 10 percent increase on last year.

The start of the autumn means one thing for a growing number of Swedes – the chance to take a gun and chase wild animals.

Courses across the country are in higher demand than ever and for many an occasional hobby is becoming a lifestyle.

For the uninitiated, there are different seasons for different animals, but the most popular prey for Sweden's hunters remain elk and deer.

In southern Sweden, elk hunting can begin on the second Monday in October. Deer can be shot from October 1st to January 31st, while the grouse season opens on August 25th for three months.

There are various other dates to take a note of, depending on location on animal.

It is clearly becoming a popular pastime, but one which is still tightly regulated in Sweden and the thousands of would-be hunters require a gun license, to be over 18 and to have passed an exam.

This training spans involves the hunt itself, what you need to know and do, and how to safely use a gun.

There are also courses covering the different types of hunting, and the laws that govern it, followed by a shooting test.

The test is a prerequisite for owning a gun and using it on a hunt - doubtless to be joined by the throngs of other newbies out in the woods.

The Local/gm