Where to hunt Seal
Seals inhabit coastal areas of nearly all continents, but there are few places left where there is both a seal hunting tradition and sufficient numbers of the animals that don’t also enjoy a protected status. One of these areas is the Baltic Sea, in particular the Gulf of Bothnia, shared between Sweden, Finland, and the Åland Islands, an autonomous archipelago belonging to Finland. Its rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, countless islets, winter ice fields, and vast open waters provide ideal habitat for seal populations. Seal hunting in the Baltic is a time-honored tradition, with local communities relying on harvest of the grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica) for thousands of years. Seal populations in the Baltic have fluctuated over the years due to conservation efforts, hunting bans, and natural changes in the ecosystem. Today, hunting is strictly regulated, ensuring that it remains sustainable and continues to be a part of the region’s rich maritime heritage.
Countries
Price distribution
Seal hunting is a specialized and seasonal hunt, and unless you’re a resident, is not a DIY proposition. Guided hunts are usually priced between €850 and €1,500 a day, depending on country, group size, and whether it includes accommodation (on board of a yacht or in a cottage). Some outfitters offer combination packages, incorporating fishing and traditional Baltic hunting experiences, making the trip both a sporting and cultural adventure.
Discover Fennoscandia
Most seal hunting offers on our online marketplace for hunting trips take place around the Baltic Sea. This is a part of Fennoscandia, an area comprising Finland, Sweden, and Norway. From moose and capercaillie to unexpected white-tailed deer, the unique natural environments of the region offer one-of-a-kind hunting opportunities that go beyond seal hunting. Learn more about Fennoscandia from our blog.
18 Oct 2024 Hunting in Fennoscandia: What you need to knowWhen to hunt Seal?
Seal hunting seasons may start as early as middle of April and last until middle of September, depending on the country. Early season is best if you want to experience the hunt on the ice fields. For hunting from boats in the open water, most outfitters recommend the peak of the summer, when long days offer more flexibility (around Summer Solstice, the sun never sets in these latitudes).
Hunting methods
Seal huntingis about cautious approach and precise shooting, and requires a lot of patience, marksmanship, and knowledge of marine conditions. A classic way is stalking the seals as they rest on ice fields. This technique, used for centuries by Baltic coastal communities, requires skill in stealth and an understanding of the ice’s stability and movement. To approach the seals within shooting range, everything about the hunter, including the rifle, should be camouflaged in white. A classic local trick is to build a white shield on small sleighs, which also serve as a rest for the rifle, and crawl towards the seals pushing the sleigh before you. In the summer, the hunters cruise shores and small islands in boats, trying to find a group of seals as it rests on the beach or a small islet. In any case, precision is essential, as even a heavily wounded seal may dive and sink, leaving an unretrieved animal, something that neither the code of ethics nor the hunting regulations allow. Seal hunting is strictly controlled, with quotas and permit systems ensuring sustainable harvests and minimal disruption to seal populations.
Why hunt Seal?
Seal hunting in the Baltic Sea is deeply rooted in the cultural history of the area, with coastal communities relying on seals for food, clothing, and trade for centuries. Beyond tradition, modern seal hunting plays a critical role in wildlife management, as growing seal populations have significantly impacted Baltic fish stocks, affecting local fisheries. A successful seal hunt is a true test of skill, requiring sharp shooting, patience, and an understanding of the sea. For those looking for a unique and historic hunting experience, the Baltic Sea offers an opportunity to participate in a traditional, sustainable hunt in one of Europe’s most breathtaking coastal landscapes.
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