Wildlife

Wildlife conservation and management of hunting wild birds and mammals is one of the Environment Agency of Iceland‘s roles.

The Agency manages the hunting of reindeer in Iceland

Hunting license

All hunters of birds and mammals in the country must hold a valid hunting card. When applying for a hunting card for the first time, hunters must undergo an examination. 

Foreign hunters must have a gun license, a hunting card, and at least two Icelandic referees.

Courses

The Agency organizes hunting courses for those who want to obtain a hunting card or a gun license.

The courses are a mixture of online lectures and practical exercises in a shooting range. The courses are completed with an examination.

Management of hunting

The Agency manages the hunting of birds and mammals. That includes issuing hunting cards, issuing statistics on hunting and determining the hunting season and areas for hunting. 

The management of hunting is done in close cooperation with the Icelandic Institute on Natural History.

Wildlife conservation 

Protection of domestic animals and wildlife conservation is an important part of the agency‘s role. 

It is not permitted to import and distribute foreign species in Iceland without the permission of the Environment Agency of Iceland.

Import of Alien Species

It is forbidden to import or disperse a living alien species in Iceland, except with a permission from the Environment Agency of Iceland.

Application process

Management plans

The Agency evaluates the status of the wildlife and issues management plans for species.