Available: 3 days Traditional Hunting for Moose with Dogs in Lapland

[willie_gunn]

Mate, you didn't need to type that mahoosive long post just to justify your purchase of a beaver fur muff! I'm sorry that your missus looked at your ebay account but please don't involve us.

Glyn

If she had looked at my eBay account I doubt she'd still be my missus

willie_gunn

 

[RIK E G]

willie
im only pullin your chain pal anyway i loved the trip couldnt fault it had a ball

 

[tusker]

You looking for next year?

I would seriously look at Estonia. The hunting culture there has more central European elements, that is there's more places which cater for paying guests. That said, moose hunting can be a bit challenging if you want to do it with dogs. The dogs must be kept on leash until start of October, so the first few weeks they are not at their best. Also moose tend to be shot early in the season. During September you can shoot bull moose by ambush or stalking (female and calfs start in October). The Estonian legislation changed this year and I don't remember all the details. Maybe they can now train the dogs during September.

You can also combine wild boar with moose in Estonia. If flights to Tallinn are hard to get or expensive, you can usually fly to Helsinki, meet the (Finnish) organizer and then take a ferry to Estonia.

I'm not very comfortable recommending since I don't know both parties. It would be impossible to know what the hunters expect from the hunt etc. A recommendation as I see it works both ways, I would be also recommending the guests to the organizers. That's amplified because the best places I know, at least for "price/performance", are strictly speaking not commercial (nobody's making living, the monies paid go to cover the yearly expenses). Even when we go, they always ask that there's maximum 1-2 hunters who haven't previously been there. This way the hunt goes smoothly and good relationships are formed and maintained. The Estonians also visit Finland (mainly for whitetail deer).

i am off to Estonia in 2 weeks to hunt Moose and Boar. I will post all about it when I return. We are flying to Helsinki being met by some Finnish friends and taking the ferry to Tallin. Very excited. Tusker

 

[EMcC]

i am off to Estonia in 2 weeks to hunt Moose and Boar. I will post all about it when I return. We are flying to Helsinki being met by some Finnish friends and taking the ferry to Tallin. Very excited. Tusker

Good Luck with that Mark. Look forward to some pictures on your return.

 

[willie_gunn]

i am off to Estonia in 2 weeks to hunt Moose and Boar. I will post all about it when I return. We are flying to Helsinki being met by some Finnish friends and taking the ferry to Tallin. Very excited. Tusker

Lucky blighter!

Very much looking forward to reading the report.

One of the dog men on our Swedish moose hunt spends a lot of his time hunting with two Saami's who he reckoned were the most skilful hunters he'd ever met. His only advice to me was not to shoot a reindeer, as the compensation to the Saami would have cost more than the flight out!

Just had an invite to shoot bear in Sweden next year. I like the idea, but it would mean justifying buying another calibre....hang on, what am I saying!!

​willie_gunn

 

[tusker]

Good Luck with that Mark. Look forward to some pictures on your return.

Thanks Eddie and yes hoping to get lots of photos. You been Boar hunting yet?
Tusker

 

[EMcC]

Thanks Eddie . You been Boar hunting yet?Tusker

Lituania in January, that was good and this season kicks off 1st November.

 

[sikamalc]

I completely agree with my colleague JAYB. I would also add that having hunted Finland several times and dealt with a large number of Finnish clients, whilst also making some very good friends the hunting traditions are different to the UK.
However having run and organised hunts for many years there is really no excuse for not putting in place the basic logistics for a comfortable and enjoyable hunt.

Good warm clean accommodation.
Good wholesome and plentiful food.
Good logistics in transport.
Good guides.

As for the quality and numbers of game, that can be in the laps of the gods depending on time of year, weather etc. One also needs a certain amount of luck with hunting.
I had a long conversation with a member of the fated group whilst on top of a hill in Scotland last week. It would appear the group was told Bear, Racoon dog and Whitetail would be also in the area.
Bear in Finland are limited to a certain amount a year and there was no way on earth that you would have been allowed to shoot one on a Moose hunt, Wolves are protected in Finland and recently several Finnish hunters have been arrested for shooting Wolves. Racoon dogs are present but shooting one on a Moose drive would be rare in my opinion. And lastly there are to my knowledge NO Whitetail deer in northern Finland. They are all in the southern area of Finland near Helsinki.

There seems to be a large amount of people selling cheap hunts with lots of claims these days. To me they appear like mushrooms overnight! If you are going to part with your hard earned cash check references, ask questions, and if you don't get a sensible straight answer, my advice is not to book.

I would also add that like JAYB it appears in general that everyone has been civil on this thread. So thank you gentlemen.
I also see wild Rheindeer was mentioned. There are very if any licences issued for these animals in Finland now as the Wolves have decimated the populations. I hunted three years ago for a beast without success as the temperature dropped to -24. There are also only very few places in Finland where they are present, and to take one on a Moose drive would require a separate licence to be applied to it.



Regards to you all

Sikamalc

 

[jthyttin]

It would appear the group was told Bear, Racoon dog and Whitetail would be also in the area.
Bear in Finland are limited to a certain amount a year and there was no way on earth that you would have been allowed to shoot one on a Moose hunt,

Bear hunt may actually have been a possibility, although a theoretical one (no bear dogs, licenses are scarce etc.)

You may have noticed that I'm in no way defending the hunting organizers but want to give honest info about Finnish hunting.

I don't know where the hunting took (actual) place and what the arrangements were. If e.g. some yhteismetsä (jointly owned forest) was involved, the moose hunting usually includes the right to hunt bears. In northern parts the yhteismetsä usually applies for moose licenses and then auctions them. I'm not sure, and can't be bothered to find out, but I suspect the bear hunting licenses are granted for a greater area and just about anybody with hunting grounds and hunting license can hunt the bear until the licenses are used. There may be a requirement to registrate and maybe small fee. There's a body that keeps count of the licenses in given area and you can check them by SMS or phone call.

So moose hunting in yhteismetsä includes the right to hunt bear and if there's licenses left you could shoot a bear if encountered.

Your notions about raccoon dogs, whitetails and wild/forest reindeers (metsäpeura, Rangifer tarandus fennicus) are correct.

 

[Paul at Fechan]

I've had a while to think about this all now and in reflection from lessons learned I'd be happy to repeat this same hunt and at the same location. Certainly, it would need to be guaranteed that 'elements' were changed to the benefit of guest expectations but while the hunting failed to deliver, I had a positive experience that with tweaks would have been a great experience. I saw cappa, black grouse, ptarmigan and reindeer and all within sight of the Russian border across stunning landscape.

Having also talked with Christian I genuinely think that while the moose can never be guaranteed the experience of stalking into a dogs pursuit of a moose while others take a stand as this is done is an opportunity unfortunately misunderstood by many. To hunt as a group and take a moose as a group has a different spirit and bond about it than one man ego v's a deer.

The hunting is not for everyone, if you want to kill stuff then go canned but this hunting is about as wild as it gets. What is clear though that for the future the details about such a hunt needs to be 100% transparent. It's been a hell of a thread though to allow all providers and not just Hunt n Seek to see the need to cover all your bases.

 

[PointBlank]

Having also talked with Christian I genuinely think that while the moose can never be guaranteed the experience of stalking into a dogs pursuit of a moose while others take a stand as this is done is an opportunity unfortunately misunderstood by many. To hunt as a group and take a moose as a group has a different spirit and bond about it than one man ego v's a deer.

The hunting is not for everyone, if you want to kill stuff then go canned but this hunting is about as wild as it gets. What is clear though that for the future the details about such a hunt needs to be 100% transparent. It's been a hell of a thread though to allow all providers and not just Hunt n Seek to see the need to cover all your bases.

Paul, I think it is probably you who has misunderstood the general opinion. I certainly never assumed I'd shoot a moose myself but would have expected a couple between the team, this was the general consensus between everyone else who was there bearing in mind that was 3 full days of "hunting".

Please don't try and pull the "holistic", "higher-level" of hunting card when it was generally just a catalogue of disappointments, I'm positive there wasn't anyone who's "ego" thought there would be a never ending stream of moose waiting to get shot. I wouldn't consider this to be wild hunting as you state, certainly standing in the cold on a forestry road for three days didn't draw out my inner hunter-gatherer!

Anyway, I have had my refund and as you state I have decided this isn't the type of hunting for me, If I want to stand on a forestry road and see nothing I just go to our pheasant shoot! At least we get a sandwich and a coffee for lunch

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

I've had a while to think about this all now and in reflection from lessons learned I'd be happy to repeat this same hunt and at the same location. Certainly, it would need to be guaranteed that 'elements' were changed to the benefit of guest expectations but while the hunting failed to deliver, I had a positive experience that with tweaks would have been a great experience. I saw cappa, black grouse, ptarmigan and reindeer and all within sight of the Russian border across stunning landscape.

Having also talked with Christian I genuinely think that while the moose can never be guaranteed the experience of stalking into a dogs pursuit of a moose while others take a stand as this is done is an opportunity unfortunately misunderstood by many. To hunt as a group and take a moose as a group has a different spirit and bond about it than one man ego v's a deer.

The hunting is not for everyone, if you want to kill stuff then go canned but this hunting is about as wild as it gets. What is clear though that for the future the details about such a hunt needs to be 100% transparent. It's been a hell of a thread though to allow all providers and not just Hunt n Seek to see the need to cover all your bases.

Paul

Extremely disappointed by your post !!!

What kev has stated is absolutely correct...

As for " This hunt is as wild as it gets" im going to have a serious loss of respect for you..

The so called hunt was Sh't which ill remind you, you actually stated yourself and i also have a pm from you stating the same... The fact you stand on very busy highways capable of taking such huge logging wagons does not give anybody the feel of being on a hunt atall..

Your statement is a disgrace in as much as you remain happy to see and support further SD members taking up this trip... Why ???

 

[sikamalc]

Well I have spoken in the past with my Finnish friends, who are very experienced and good men all round. They find it rather hard to understand how anyone in Finland can offer commercial Moose hunting for groups of overseas clients, and make it that successful and professional.

One or two clients/friends with a good dog and guide on good ground will possibly take a moose in a week, sometimes less. 18 men in 3 days.................. plus bad logistics in running the hunt

 

[Paul at Fechan]

no mate you misunderstand, if it's sorted out or with another host that's sorted it out already! without the wagons and crap obviously and properly into the forest. Jesus read the post, understand my point of view as an optimist and chill guys ffs. You had a bad hunt = I had a bad hunt but I want my fair chance a moose and will take my chances again.

Why all the personal... I learned a lot through a less that ideal experience and aim to move on having let the bad elements go. Your missing the point I was making in that the hunting and experience if properly delivered would be great.

I enjoyed a lot of that trip even though of the problems, sorry you don't see that.

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

no mate you misunderstand, if it's sorted out or with another host that's sorted it out already! without the wagons and crap obviously and properly into the forest. Jesus read the post, understand my point of view as an optimist and chill guys ffs. You had a bad hunt = I had a bad hunt but I want my fair chance a moose and will take my chances again.

Why all the personal... I learned a lot through a less that ideal experience and aim to move on having let the bad elements go. Your missing the point I was making in that the hunting and experience if properly delivered would be great.

I enjoyed a lot of that trip even though of the problems, sorry you don't see that.

Thats complete rubbish Paul

Your making it personal by your assosciation and your clear commercial interest... The fact there has been so many people disappointed on two trips that have spoken out yet you are still willing to gamble peoples hard earned yet again is quite frankly disgusting...

It was diabolical and you know it...

" As wild as it gets" I nearly fell off me bar stool....

Anyway me heads banging this morning

 

[PointBlank]

no mate you misunderstand, if it's sorted out or with another host that's sorted it out already! without the wagons and crap obviously and properly into the forest. Jesus read the post, understand my point of view as an optimist and chill guys ffs. You had a bad hunt = I had a bad hunt but I want my fair chance a moose and will take my chances again.

Why all the personal... I learned a lot through a less that ideal experience and aim to move on having let the bad elements go. Your missing the point I was making in that the hunting and experience if properly delivered would be great.

I enjoyed a lot of that trip even though of the problems, sorry you don't see that.

It wasn't a personal dig at you mate but it was at the style of hunting and what our roles were as paying customers.

In my opinion it would have been more memorable if it was the client in the woods with a rifle and locals doing the standing around the outside instead of the other way around as we experienced, even though obviously costs would be significantly higher but you would actually be hunting the beast. When people are booking for a hunt that is marketed as a "driven" hunt then they would expect as one of the rifles around the outside the action would be coming their way, not as a remote possibility only if you have a dumb moose.

I also enjoyed the trip, just disappointed with the hunting setup and my gripe is being told that we didn't get the local hunting culture... I think we did, there were plenty of local hunters around and not one of them was standing at the edge of the forest block like us.

Well I have spoken in the past with my Finnish friends, who are very experienced and good men all round. They find it rather hard to understand how anyone in Finland can offer commercial Moose hunting for groups of overseas clients, and make it that successful and professional.

One or two clients/friends with a good dog and guide on good ground will possibly take a moose in a week, sometimes less. 18 men in 3 days.................. plus bad logistics in running the hunt

I can completely agree with this with my personal experience.

 

[pheasant sniper 1]

I

no mate you misunderstand, if it's sorted out or with another host that's sorted it out already! without the wagons and crap obviously and properly into the forest. Jesus read the post, understand my point of view as an optimist and chill guys ffs. You had a bad hunt = I had a bad hunt but I want my fair chance a moose and will take my chances again.

Why all the personal... I learned a lot through a less that ideal experience and aim to move on having let the bad elements go. Your missing the point I was making in that the hunting and experience if properly delivered would be great.

I enjoyed a lot of that trip even though of the problems, sorry you don't see that.

Paul

You wanting " to take your chances" with your own money is one thing, but with two failed trips behind you !! wanting to support the same hunt and take a gamble on third time lucky with other peoples money is not acceptable..

Sure we all had a great laugh and made some good friends but we paid for a hunt for Moose which was a disaster..

 

[WAYNE DAVIES]

Well I have spoken in the past with my Finnish friends, who are very experienced and good men all round. They find it rather hard to understand how anyone in Finland can offer commercial Moose hunting for groups of overseas clients, and make it that successful and professional.

One or two clients/friends with a good dog and guide on good ground will possibly take a moose in a week, sometimes less. 18 men in 3 days.................. plus bad logistics in running the hunt

Spot on Malc, when I hunted in Sweden there was three of us hunting with up to five very good dogs out. The one day I swapped between three dogs stalked into a barking dog about six times the first morning and never even seen a moose.

This was on one of the best private estates in Sweden with high numbers and very good dogs and hunters they shoot over 70 moose a year over nearly 40,000 acres and it was still hard work several times loosing the animal over the boundary.

We all got a shot in the last hour of the last day after seeing maybe 30-40 moose in the previous days. Incredible hunting I still can not believe how such a big animal can stay hidden at 25 metres

 

[sikamalc]

Thank you Wayne.

I would add that there seems to be a general upsurge of people selling overseas hunts, and not just on here either, but in general. Many based on a whim and a visit to the country. I am not saying that anyone is intentionally leading members astray on here. BUT I would offer a word of caution about taking overseas hunts, CHECK and INSIST on references. Ask questions to others, if needs be put a post on here and ask for information about the country, its game laws, seasons and if anyone has experience.

If you do not get a straight answer every time, DONT BOOK.

I would add that someone also mentioned taking Wolf in Finland!! They are protected across the whole of Finland. And to my knowledge within the EU. Cities will not to my knowledge accept any culled beast as far as I am aware. You could end up in deep water and loose your FAC.

 

[jthyttin]

I would add that someone also mentioned taking Wolf in Finland!! They are protected across the whole of Finland. And to my knowledge within the EU. Cities will not to my knowledge accept any culled beast as far as I am aware. You could end up in deep water and loose your FAC.

Wolf is protected and is not protected. It's protected (and has long been) in a way that you need license to hunt wolf and the licenses have been scarce. It's not protected like some species which are not even in the list of animals to be hunted.

In Finland for the hunting year 2013-2014 only special licenses for individual problem animals causing great trouble can be granted. In normal years the licenses can be granted in somewhat less restrictive way, at least in northern Finland (reindeer herding area).

I've heard of no indication that in e.g. Estonia no wolf licenses would be granted this year. I tried a few quick web searches, but my Estonian isn't too good and I don't want to bother my Estonian friends to find out for sure. The licenses haven't actually been plentiful in the past but there's always been some licenses in areas we go.