Act on Hunting and Catching (No. 34 of 2023).

This Act establishes the legal framework for the regulation of hunting and catching activities across Greenland’s land and fisheries territory. Its primary goal is to ensure sustainable and biologically responsible use of wildlife resources, balancing conservation, rational seasonal use, economic and employment considerations, cultural and recreational needs, and compliance with international agreements. The law emphasizes integrating both scientific advice and traditional hunters’ knowledge in decision-making, managed by the Government of Greenland (Naalakkersuisut) in cooperation with municipalities and relevant organizations. Oversight is carried out by Greenland’s Fisheries License Control, which can also be supplemented by other authorities.
Access to hunting is tightly regulated through permits and licenses. Two types of hunting permits exist: commercial (erhvervsjagtbevis) and recreational (fritidsjagtbevis). Commercial licenses require a strong connection to Greenland, residence and tax obligations, ownership of necessary equipment, and proof that hunting, fishing, and related activities constitute at least half of the applicant’s gross income. Recreational licenses are available from age 12 for residents. Special dispensations can be granted, for example, for those temporarily abroad for education, for institutions such as schools and social services, or in exceptional personal circumstances. Licenses for specific species are allocated by municipalities, sometimes through lotteries if demand exceeds supply, and children as young as 12 can participate under close adult supervision. Additionally, non-residents can hunt only through paid hunting schemes (betalingsjagt), which require special authorization.
The Act also lays down detailed rules on conservation measures, hunting methods, and use of resources. Naalakkersuisut can impose closed seasons, quotas, species restrictions, and gear limitations. Certain methods are banned, such as drones, poison, automatic weapons, and large motorized vehicles within specified distances of wildlife, though exceptions exist for traditional practices and regulated uses. Hunters are obliged to ensure humane killing of animals, to report wounded or unclaimed animals, and to document all catches. Sale of catch is restricted: only licensed commercial hunters can sell to businesses or institutions, and all sales must be properly documented and registered. Specific provisions govern joint hunts (fællesfangst), use of parts such as hides or bones, and the role of slaughterhouses and approved facilities in commercial processing.
Finally, the law provides for strict monitoring, sanctions, and transitional provisions. Control authorities can stop and inspect vessels, vehicles, and private property, and may require satellite monitoring systems on boats. Violations can result in fines, license withdrawal, confiscation of catch, equipment, or even vessels. Repeat or serious offenses may lead to hunters being banned from holding permits for up to five years. Provisions also address problem animals (e.g., polar bears, wolves), allowing regulated measures to protect communities. The law establishes the Hunters’ Council (Fangstrådet) as an advisory body and mandates statistical reporting and biological sampling to support research and management.