Hunting information
Plan your hunting tripPlanning your hunting trip
Hunting licences and documents
Hunters in Iceland must hold the required hunting card and firearm licence. If you are travelling from abroad, contact us well before your trip so we can confirm the documents and local arrangements you need.
Read the official hunting card guidance on Ísland.is. Bring the required valid documents with you and discuss any plans to travel with your own firearm or equipment in advance.
Hunting seasons and species
The overview below covers general hunting periods in Iceland; it is not a list of every trip we offer. Rules, permitted days and local restrictions can vary by species, area and year. Check the current official hunting seasons before planning your trip, and contact us to confirm the options.
Year-round species
Subject to the current rules and local restrictions.
20 August–15 March
1 September–15 March
15 April–14 July
Arctic skua hunting is restricted to protected eider nesting colonies and their surroundings.
Parasitic Jaeger – Only near eiders nest
1 September–25 April
15 July–15 September
Reindeer bulls require a specific hunting permit.
Reindeer – male (with special license)
1 August–20 September
Reindeer cows require a specific hunting permit.
Reindeer – female (with special license)
1 July–15 August
Traditional net hunting, where the relevant harvesting rights apply.
Rock ptarmigan: dates vary by region and year
Check the current permitted hunting days for the area before making travel plans.
Season information checked on 29 October 2026 against Náttúruverndarstofnun’s official hunting seasons. Always check the latest rules before hunting.
Weather and what to bring
Iceland’s weather can change quickly. Check the Icelandic Met Office forecast and warnings for the area before your trip. Wind, rain and snow can affect both the conditions and the plan for the day.
Dress for the conditions
Bring warm layers, windproof and waterproof outer clothing, suitable footwear, a hat and gloves. Confirm with us which clothing and equipment you should bring and what can be provided for your trip.
Plan around the current forecast for your location and dates, rather than a historic annual temperature table.
Useful planning sources: Icelandic Met Office and Visit Iceland’s clothing guide.
Plan a guided hunting trip in Iceland with our local team. Tell us what you have in mind and we will help you explore the options.
Iceland Hunting Guide
Phone: +354 449 9905
Email: info@icelandfishingguide.com
Address: Týsnes 2B, 603 Akureyri, Iceland