Much of the year is structured around hunting seasons. Autumn and early winter are devoted to bear, moose, red deer, and roe deer. When the snow arrives, everything changes: tracks become easier to see, the dogs work differently, and some types of hunting become both easier and more difficult depending on the conditions. During winter they often hunt fox, roe deer, and forest birds – and as March approaches, lynx hunting begins in areas where a quota has been allocated.
“We constantly adapt to the weather. Hard crusted snow or deep snow can mean we don’t release the dogs at all,” says Märta.
Winter hunting requires planning. When hunting capercaillie and black grouse in treetops, she looks for places where the birds usually perch – often clear-cuts, small forested patches in bogs, or edges of logging areas – where it’s possible to spot them from far away. Daylight hours are short, so she chooses her route before heading out.
Getting close to the birds without disturbing them is a challenge, and the shots are often long – up to 150–250 meters.
“Then I use my backpack or a tree as support. The bird can also get stuck in the tree or disappear into the snow when you shoot it, so you have to keep track of exactly which tree it was sitting in when you fired,” says Märta.
Equipment is an important part of hunting: a headlamp, extra clothing, a first-aid kit, and reliable communication when mobile coverage is poor. In the family’s hunting team, tracking apps are used to see both the dogs’ and the hunters’ positions.
“We can be several kilometers from the nearest road. It’s reassuring to know where everyone is,” says Märta.
The family has five dogs – a Finnish hound for fox and lynx, a Drever for roe deer and red deer, and three East Siberian Laikas for moose and red deer.
Wildlife management also takes a lot of time, especially during winter when they set marten traps and hunt fox. The fur, but not the meat, from marten and fox is used, while meat from other game is shared among family, relatives, and sometimes sold.
“We get a lot of meat over the course of a year, so the freezers are necessary… We have five now,” she says with a laugh.
Even when they are not hunting, the family spends time outdoors. They pick berries and mushrooms, and the children often join them in the forest.
“There’s rarely a weekend when none of us are out. You want to make the most of the days.”
For anyone considering taking up hunting, Märta emphasizes that patience is essential.
“Hunting isn’t about making a kill every time. Sometimes the day is ‘just’ a nature experience. You have to appreciate that too.”
And the foundation is the same for everyone: complete the hunter’s exam and learn why hunting is practiced the way it is.
“The more you understand about wildlife and management, the more you get out of it.”
And as a forest inspector, Märta lives the forest life during working hours as well.
“I love my job. Being out in forests and fields and meeting forest owners who share their experiences – it’s truly the right place for me.”