I just checked the Cervus elaphus which is their technical name and it is the red deer as you suggested. The hunting licence requires me to sit a theory test and taking a practical shooting test each year which is not an issue. I can then get my rifles and have a passport made for them so I can take them over the border for hunting. It is some stuffing about but once it is done, it's not a big deal to keep current.

I have Norwegian permanent residency and speak the hurgen-flurg (Swedish Chef reference from the muppets there) fluently so figuring out the process and navigating the rules should not be a major issue.

The only concern is that the practical test requires 5 shots into a target and I am hearing rumours that the Mannlicher does not lend itself well to firing more than 3 rounds at a time as the barrel heat really affects the accuracy. Can anyone chime in as to wether this is true or not?

Paul.