Hunting is one of the most direct and immersive ways to experience nature. It involves moving through forests and open terrain with careful attention to detail. Hunters observe tracks, wind patterns, and animal behavior. Every decision matters, and each moment requires focus and awareness. Taking a life comes with serious ethical considerations, where skill must be matched with respect. Through this process, hunters build patience, self-control, and a deeper understanding of their place in the natural world.

Types of hunting: Big game and small game

Hunting is typically categorized into two forms: big game hunting (storviltjakt) and small game hunting (småviltjakt). These approaches differ in scale, equipment, and required skills.

Big game hunting involves animals such as moose, red deer, wild boar, and reindeer. These species require powerful rifles, specialized training, and strict regulations. The process is deliberate and often collaborative, with hunters working together and sometimes using dogs to track or drive game. Patience and precision are essential.

Small game hunting covers species like grouse, ptarmigan, hare, ducks, and foxes. Hunters can apply a wider range of techniques, which makes this approach feel more accessible, especially for newcomers. They commonly use shotguns or small-caliber rifles, and they may move through diverse landscapes or wait in concealed positions during the hunt.

Common game and methods

In big game hunting, moose is one of the most sought-after animals, often pursued during autumn with elevated stands or silent forest tracking. Red deer and wild boar are also prominent targets, especially in wooded and rural regions.

Hunters often pursue small game like grouse and capercaillie in coniferous forests, sometimes using pointing dogs. They hunt ducks and geese near water, typically in the early morning or late evening during migration. Hunters track hares and foxes across open terrain or snow-covered ground by following visible signs such as tracks or burrows.

The tools and tactics change based on the species and terrain, but all demand awareness and adaptability.

The deeper value: Connection and respect

Many people think of hunting as the moment the shot is taken. In reality, it begins with preparation, continues through careful observation, and often ends in reflection. Hunting brings people closer to nature by requiring them to move with it rather than against it. Hunters become deeply aware of weather, movement, and silence. They learn to read the landscape through scent, shadow, and sound.

This closeness leads to respect. Ethical hunting focuses on taking clean shots, making full use of harvested animals, and following seasonal rules and quotas. It encourages stewardship by recognizing that humans play a role in maintaining the balance of wildlife and their habitats.

REAL Meals: Field-ready and field-tested

When spending time in the wilderness, especially during long or physically demanding hunts, staying fueled is essential. Many hunters across the Nordics rely on REAL Meals, including REAL Turmat and REAL Field Meal, for their dependable quality and good taste.

Their freeze-dried format makes them lightweight and easy to pack, while preparation is simple: just add hot water. After hours in cold forests or wet marshlands, a warm and flavorful meal provides both comfort and energy. Their long-standing presence in hunting backpacks speaks to their quality and convenience.