Hunting tourism can be defined as a form of tourism where a person travels outside his/her municipality of residence for the purpose of hunting. This definition includes both domestic and international travel for hunting. Hunting does not have to be the only purpose for the trip, but it is a central element in it. Full reference: Matilainen, A. & Keskinarkaus, S. (eds.) (2010): The Social Sustainability of Hunting Tourism in Northern Europe. Helsinki: University of Helsinki, Ruralia Institute.
Sustainable hunting
The use of wild game species and their habitats in a way and at a rate that does not lead to the long-term decline of biodiversity or hinder its restoration.
Such use maintains the potential of biodiversity to meet the needs and aspirations of present and future generations, as well as maintaining hunting itself as an accepted social, economic and
cultural activity. When hunting is conducted in such sustainable manner, it can positively contribute to the conservation of wild populations and their habitats and also benefit society. –
Scott Brainerd
Social sustainability
Social sustainability in all its forms is probably one of the most problematic issues concerning the development of the hunting tourism sector. The views of key stakeholders, such as landowners,
local hunters and local people must be acknowledged for the sustainability of the operations and local communities in the long run. The general public’s view of hunting tourism is a delicate
issue and their attitudes strongly influence the development of the institutional context of the sector.
The social sustainability of hunting tourism has been studied by analysing the opinions of key stakeholder groups in four northern countries: Iceland, Finland, Scotland and Sweden. A cross
country comparison has also been conducted.
Finland (in English) coming soon
Cross country comparison (in English)
The complete report (in English)
