Hi all, and thanks for the welcome!
As for the hunting and firearms regulations in Norway, these are very strict. Potential hunters have to participate in a four-week hunting course, two nights a week, including some practical shooting with rifle and shotgun, then take a 50-question exam. If you pass the exam, and did not miss any of the lections, you may apply for a hunting permit from the government. You may then apply for a hunting rifle (or shotgun) permit at your local police station. This application takes around three weeks. The police does a background check, and if the applicant has a criminal record or has a history of drug/alcohol abuse the application will be denied. The application is for one spesific caliber only, and automatic weapons are not allowed. There are also restrictions for semi-autos and carbines. You may own a maximum of 6 firearms.
Handguns are a completely different matter. You must be active member of a handgun club at least 6 months, then get a signed verification from the club that you have participated in organized shooting events. The background checks are even stricter. Handguns are not allowed for hunting.
No guns are allowed for selv defense, nor tasers or mace spray (these are banned) or knives. There are very strict regulations for storage of weapons and ammunition in your house. Carrying firearms (or knives) on your person in public is a criminal offense. Firearms cannot be left in your car, without removing vital parts. Firearms must be hidden in the boot/back of your car, under a tarp, when traveling. Not an easy life for hunters or recreational shooters here
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Thre are also strict regulations for what you can shoot with what caliber:
For moose, deer, fallow deer, reindeer, wild boar, sheep, musk or wolves and bears, ammunition with expanding bullets weighing a minimum 9 grams (138.9 grain) and with the following impact energy:
a) For ammunition with a bullet weight between 9 grams (138.9 grain) and 10 grams (154 grain) impact energy must be at least 2700 Joules (275 kgm) measured at 100 meters distance.
b) For ammunition with a bullet weight of 10 grams or more impact energy must be at least 2200 joules (225 kgm) measured at 100 meters distance.
c) When hunting with rifle, small deer, beaver and lynx or felling of wolverine expanding bullets with an impact energy of at least 980 joules (100 kgm) measured at 100 meters distance.
The .357 magnum, in a 20" barrel, will according to articles on the net just creep above the last requirement, in the hottest loads. Unfortunately hunting ammo in .357 magnum is limited here, and we don't have the Buffalo Bore brand. Hornady could be specially ordered, and I have hopes for their 158 grain XTP load.
Reloading is allowed, and I have reloading equipment but am not an experienced reloader, so I may come back to the forum for advice at a later stage
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Deer/moose hunters must have (or have a signed agreement for) a hunting dog. If an animal is wounded you have to call the dog owner and with him pursue the animal until you find it and can put it down.
There are some positive things about hunting and outdoor life in Norway as well though
. Everybody has the right to travel/roam (or camp) on all land within Norway, no matter who owns it:
http://www.miljodirektoratet.no/en/Area ... t-to-Roam/
Also hunting is open to all citizens, once they have met the requirements. Not like in central Europe where it is an activity for the select few.
