Traditionally, the right to hunt without restriction in Sweden was granted to most everybody, if only due to lack of regulation. The rise of feudalism, however, saw constraints on hunting privileges of the common people. Although the feudal system in Sweden was not as strictly layered as, for example, that of England, it nevertheless resulted in hunting becoming the prerogative of the aristocracy. Although frowned upon by the Catholic Church in the Middle Ages, the popularity of the hunt only increased from century to century. King Frederick I of Sweden (1676-1751) was rumored to enjoy the sport so much, that hunting six bears and countless other animals in a matter of three days was not an unusual feat.

The popularity of hunting did, however, result in a decrease in available game. In 1615, as one of many game laws to come, King Gustavo Adolphus (1594-1632) instituted an anti-poaching law that was punishable by exile to Sweden’s North American colonies. Currently, Swedish game laws are very strict. Anyone who regularly hunts in Sweden must pay fees as part of a wildlife conservation effort.

     Sources:
     Thomas, Keith. “Man and the Natural World”. Oxford University Press: New York, 1983.
     Salo, Leo J. “History of Wildlife Management in Finland”. Wildlife Society Bulletin. Allen Press, 1976.
     Lloyd, Lewis. Scandinavian Adventures. Schulze and Company: London, 1853.
     Lloyd, Lewis. Field Sports of the North of Europe. Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley: London, 1830.