Professional hunters

What does a professional hunter do? – Tasks and work environment

A professional hunter works with wildlife management, hunting, and often also provides advice within forestry and nature conservation. Tasks include planning and conducting hunts, monitoring game populations, inventorying wildlife, and ensuring balance between different species. Professional hunters are also responsible for preventing damage to forests and agriculture caused by wildlife and sometimes participate in training sessions for hunters and landowners. The work environment is largely outdoors, often under varying and sometimes harsh weather conditions, requiring good physical condition and experience working independently in nature.

Salary development over time

Professional hunters have experienced a clear positive salary development over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 40,100 SEK per month, which increased to 41 600 SEK in 2023 and reached 43 100 SEK in 2024. This increase corresponds to a salary improvement of just over 7.5% during the period, which is slightly higher than the general salary growth in many other professions. The positive trend can partly be explained by increased demand for specialist skills in wildlife management and forestry, as well as a growing need for advice on sustainable nature management. Education level and experience also influence salary levels, with those holding research degrees or long experience often earning in the upper salary range.

Professional hunter salary – a complete overview

• Average salary: 43 100 SEK/month
• Lowest salary: 27,000 SEK/month (female, private sector, high school education)
• Highest salary: 48,300 SEK/month (male, public sector, research degree)
• Hourly wage: 259 SEK
• Gender differences: Women earn 97% of what men do (women: 42 200 SEK, men: 43 400 SEK)
• Regional differences: Limited official statistics, but higher salaries occur in regions with a large forestry industry

Education and qualifications

To work as a professional hunter, a combination of practical experience and formal education in wildlife management, hunting, or forestry is usually required. Many have completed natural resource programs at high school with a focus on forestry or hunting, and higher education at university level is common for more qualified positions. Some employers also require specific certifications and documented hunting experience.

• High school education: Natural resources program (3 years), often with a focus on forestry or hunting
• University education: Forest master’s or game management programs (3–5 years)
• Certificates: Hunting license and sometimes firearm license
• Practical experience: Extended internships or trainee positions with hunting companies or within forestry management
• Courses: Continuing education in wildlife management, ecology, and nature conservation is recommended

Common benefits and compensations

Professional hunters often have access to work clothing, specialized equipment, and sometimes also service weapons or vehicles. Opportunities for further training and participation in industry conferences are common, as well as wellness allowances and insurance covering risky work tasks. In some cases, accommodation near the workplace is offered, especially when working on larger estates or in mountain areas.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a professional hunter is relatively high, especially for the most attractive roles with broad responsibilities or higher salaries. Challenges often include staying updated on legislation, environmental regulations, and new methods for wildlife management. Physical strain, work under sometimes difficult weather conditions, and the need to act quickly in emergency situations place high demands on knowledge and endurance. Additionally, the availability of permanent positions varies depending on the region and economic conditions in the forestry sector.

Tips for those who want to become a professional hunter

To succeed as a professional hunter, it is good to develop a strong sense of nature and the ability to work independently under varying conditions. Precision is crucial for safety and documentation, so early training in routines and organization is advisable. Practical experience, such as through hunting internships or summer jobs in forestry, provides valuable insights and networks. An interest in continuous development, such as participating in courses on ecology or wildlife management, is also an advantage. Good collaboration skills facilitate work with landowners and colleagues. Additionally, patience and endurance are important, as the work often involves long days and sometimes waiting for the right moment. Finally, building physical and mental resources to handle work environment challenges is recommended.

Key facts about Professional Hunters

• Education level: High school or university education in natural resources/forestry
• Work environment: Outdoors, often in forests and terrain under varying weather conditions
• Typical employment: Permanent employment with forestry companies, estates, or public sector
• Demand: About 360 job openings within the group according to latest data
• Gender distribution: Men dominate the profession, but the proportion of women is steadily increasing

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years in the profession, a professional hunter can advance to leadership roles such as hunting manager, wildlife manager, or advisor within forestry and nature management. Further education opens opportunities for specialization, for example in ecology or nature tourism. According to the latest job forecasts from the Employment Service, no exact assessment is made for professional hunters as an individual group due to limited data, but there are about 360 job openings in related specialist roles. Future prospects are influenced by developments in forestry and the demand for sustainable wildlife management, where technical skills and the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders become increasingly important.

Frequently asked questions about Professional Hunters

• What does a professional hunter earn?
  - A professional hunter has an average salary of 43 100 SEK per month, with variations depending on experience, education, and employer.
• What education is required to become a professional hunter?
  - Typically, a high school education in natural resources, often supplemented with university studies and a hunting license.
• What is the work environment like for a professional hunter?
  - The work environment is mainly outdoors in forests and terrain, often under varying and sometimes challenging weather conditions.
• Are there many job openings for professional hunters?
  - There are approximately 360 job openings within the group of specialists and advisors in forestry.
• What personal qualities are important for a professional hunter?
  - Independence, precision, endurance, and an interest in nature and wildlife management are important qualities.
• Are there differences in salary between men and women?
  - Yes, women earn on average 97% of what men do within the profession.
• Can one further education within the profession?
  - Yes, further education in ecology, wildlife management, and nature tourism are possible career paths.