The bear is protected in Sweden and, like other large predators, may only be hunted under strictly controlled forms.
The license hunting of bears is allowed in seven of Sweden's counties and this year's quota of 465 bears is about twenty fewer than last year's, reports the magazine Svensk Jakt. It is also a significant decrease from the record year 2023, when 649 bears were allowed to be shot.
Accidents and incidents
Västerbotten accounts for the largest increase in bear allocation for this year's hunt, where 100 bears are allowed to be shot, more than twice as many as last year. Gävleborg accounts for the largest decrease with 70 bears, compared to 125 last year.
According to the Swedish Hunters' Association, encounters with bears are often harmless – but the organization also points out that accidents and incidents occur.
Therefore, the association urges hunters to be cautious, to read up on the bear's body language and to practice shooting specifically for bear hunting before going out.
The association also reminds that bears that have cubs may not be felled, and that bait hunting is only allowed according to special rules.
Bait hunting increases
Bait means trying to lure animals to a place by laying out food. Each bait must be reported to the county administrative board and there are also strict rules about what you are allowed to lure with.
Prior to this year's bear hunt, 1,827 bear baits have been reported so far – and more may be added as the total number has not been compiled yet.
The registration of baits for bear hunting has increased sharply in recent years. This is because, since 2023, it has been allowed to release dogs in connection with the bait, as well as to use a camera to check for presence.
The license hunting may continue until October 15. From October 1, any remaining quotas may be redistributed between the hunting areas.
Last year's allocation in parentheses.
Norrbotten: 24 (24)
Västerbotten: 100 (48)
Jämtland: 108 (121)
Västernorrland: 85 (85)
Gävleborg: 70 (125)
Dalarna: 75 (80)
Värmland: 3 (3)
Source: Svensk jakt
In 1927, the bear was protected in Sweden. Then there were only about 130 left, after centuries of hunting.
As early as 1893, the bounty on bears was abolished and when the Sonfjället National Park in Härjedalen was established in 1909, it was, among other things, to give the bear a sanctuary.
In 1942, the Swedish population was estimated to be 294 bears and it was decided that it was large enough to withstand hunting. This led to a form of autumn hunting being reintroduced in Sweden in 1943.
Today, there are approximately 2,500 bears in Sweden.
Source: Scandinavian Bear Project
