Hunter fined after accidentally shooting hunting companion in Siikalatva

Oulu District Court has fined a hunter and banned him from hunting for three years after he accidentally shot a hunting companion during a moose hunt in Siikalatva, Yle reports.

The man was convicted of aggravated causing of bodily injury and a hunting offence. He was ordered to pay 5,000 euros in fines, and the rifle he used was forfeited to the state.

The incident took place in November 2025 in the Jousineva area during a legally authorised moose hunt. The convicted man was leading the hunting party, which also included the injured man and two others. The hunters were positioned along a road, about 260 metres apart.

The hunting party leader shot at a moose that had been wounded and moved onto the road. The injured man heard the shot and saw the moose approaching him along the road from more than 100 metres away. The leader then decided to kill the wounded animal and fired at it.

The bullet probably ricocheted off a branch stub, changing its trajectory before striking the other hunter about 260 metres away. It hit the left side of his upper body, penetrated the upper chest and caused serious injuries.

The defendant denied committing any offence. He argued that the bullet had ricocheted and that he had been entitled to kill the wounded moose. The district court nevertheless found that his actions were punishable.