If you plan to hunt big game with a rifle in Norway in 2026, the storviltproven shooting test is one of the requirements you need to have sorted before the hunt. It is an annual shooting proficiency test designed to check that your rifle and shooting skills meet the rules for big game hunting.
The basic process is straightforward. You complete 30 mandatory shots and then shoot at an approved animal figure. The test is linked to the specific rifle or rifle barrel you intend to use. Once you pass, the result can be documented digitally through Min jegerdokumentasjon and Jegerregisteret.
Key Takeaways
The storviltproven shooting test is an annual requirement for big game hunters using rifles in Norway. The core process is 30 mandatory shots followed by one approved animal-target option.
The test applies separately to every rifle or rifle barrel that will be used. It does not replace the jegerprøven, jegeravgift, landowner permission, hunting rights or species-specific hunting dates.
For 2026, hunters should keep the result properly documented through Min jegerdokumentasjon or an approved paper certificate. Viltnemnda can provide useful background on Norway’s wildlife-management system, while Landbruksdirektoratet and Lovdata should be used for the current rules.
What is the storviltproven shooting test?
The storviltproven is Norway’s annual shooting test for hunters who use rifles when hunting big game. Landbruksdirektoratet requires the test for each rifle or rifle barrel that will be used during the hunt.
It is different from the jegerprøven. That is the general hunter education and exam. The storviltproven is a separate practical requirement, so passing the hunter exam does not automatically complete it.
What does the test look like in 2026?
The test has two parts. First, you complete 30 mandatory shots with a rifle. These are made at a normal target over at least two days, with no more than 15 approved shots per day.
After that, you complete shooting at an animal figure. You choose one of three approved routes: wild reindeer, bear, or the recognised elk shooting programme.
Does every rifle need its own test?
Yes. If you plan to hunt with several rifles, or different barrels on a system rifle, the shooting test must be completed separately for every rifle or barrel you will use.
How do the 30 mandatory shots work?
The 30 mandatory shots are completed before the animal-target part. They are documented practice shots from the same hunting year.
The mandatory shots can use different shooting positions. Normally, they must be spread over at least two days, with a maximum of 15 approved shots per day. Qualifying scheduled competition shooting can also count.
The rifle must be suitable for legal big game hunting. Its calibre must meet the required impact-energy standard for at least one big game species, and prohibited weapon types cannot be used.
What are the three animal-target options?
After the 30 mandatory shots, the hunter chooses one approved option.
Wild reindeer figure: The standard route requires five shots for each rifle, with all five inside the specified 30 cm target area. The distance is at least 100 metres, and the required legal hunting ammunition must be used.
Bear figure: This route uses a bear target at three different distances. The programme has 10 shots in total and tests the hunter across different shooting situations. It is an approved route for the storviltproven.
Elk shooting: This route uses the recognised 15-shot elk programme. It has three exercises: five shots at a stationary elk from a sitting or kneeling position, five at a stationary elk while standing, and five at a running elk while standing. Each exercise has its own hit requirement.
You choose one approved route for the rifle being tested.
Why does the annual test matter?
A large animal is not automatically an easy target. Real hunting can involve changing distance, movement, weather, awkward positions and pressure.
The annual test creates a clear minimum shooting requirement before a rifle is used for big game hunting. Norwegian law also requires hunting to be carried out in a way that avoids unnecessary suffering and danger to people, domestic animals and property.
The test therefore links the legal requirement with practical shooting preparation.
How does Jegerregisteret fit into the process?
Jegerregisteret is part of the documentation system used by Norwegian hunters. When the test is recorded through Min jegerdokumentasjon, the result can also appear on Min jegerside in Jegerregisteret.
A paper certificate is also available, so digital documentation is not the only option.
When hunting big game with a rifle, you must be able to show documentation that the required shooting test has been passed.
What about jegeravgift, hunting dates and landowner permission?
Passing the storviltproven does not give you the right to hunt. It is only one part of the overall requirements.
You also need valid jegeravgift documentation for the current hunting year. The hunting year runs from 1 April to 31 March, and proof of paid jegeravgift must be carried while hunting.
You also need permission from the landowner or other rights holder. This can, for example, be provided through a hunting licence or another valid arrangement.
Norwegian hunting seasons are separate again. They depend on the species, and local rules can affect the dates that apply in a particular area. So a passed shooting test does not mean the hunting season is open everywhere.
For elk, deer and roe deer, the approved hunting area and local management rules can also matter.
What weapon requirements should hunters check?
The rifle used for the test must meet the requirements for legal big game hunting. The calibre must satisfy the relevant impact-energy requirement, and prohibited weapon types cannot be used.
The test must match the rifle or barrel you plan to use. If you change rifles, check whether another test is required.
Ammunition rules can differ between the animal-target options. For example, the wild reindeer route requires legal expanding hunting ammunition, while other approved routes can use full-metal-jacket ammunition under their stated rules.
Check the current official instructions before visiting the range.
What changed for the storviltproven in 2026?
Norway’s new Viltressursloven entered into force on 1 July 2026, replacing the previous Viltloven framework. It includes provisions covering hunter registration, hunting fees and competence requirements, including authority for rules concerning a shooting test.
Landbruksdirektoratet’s current guidance still describes the practical test as 30 mandatory shots followed by an approved animal-target option.
Min jegerdokumentasjon can also connect the mandatory shots and passed test with your Jegerregisteret record.
What should you check before hunting?
A simple checklist can save trouble later:
- You have passed the jegerprøven and are registered as required.
- Your current jegeravgift is paid and documented.
- You have passed the storviltproven for every rifle or barrel you will use.
- Your rifle and ammunition meet current big game rules.
- You have valid landowner or rights-holder permission.
- You have checked the relevant hunting season dates and local restrictions.
- You have the required hunting and weapon documents with you.
The shooting test is one box on the checklist, not the whole hunting permission.
What if you cannot use the normal shooting positions?
Hunters who cannot complete the test in the ordinary positions because of illness or disability can apply to Landbruksdirektoratet for a dispensation. Medical documentation is required.
Sources Note
This article uses current Landbruksdirektoratet guidance and Norwegian legislation in Lovdata, checked for the 2026 test framework, documentation rules and legal change. It explains the rules in plain English rather than replacing official guidance.
FAQs
Is the storviltproven required every year?
Yes. Hunters using a rifle for big game hunting must complete the shooting test for the relevant hunting year.
Do I need the test for every rifle?
Yes. Each rifle or rifle barrel that you plan to use for big game hunting needs its own approved test.
Is it the same as the jegerprøven?
No. The jegerprøven is the general hunter education and exam. Storviltproven is the annual shooting test for rifle-based big game hunting.
Can I document the test digitally?
Yes. Min jegerdokumentasjon can record the mandatory shots and passed test, and the information can appear on Min jegerside in Jegerregisteret. Paper documentation is also available.
Does passing the test permit me to hunt?
No. You still need the other required conditions, including paid jegeravgift, valid hunting rights or landowner permission, and compliance with the applicable season and species rules.
Where should I check the latest rules?
Check Landbruksdirektoratet for current shooting-test and documentation guidance and Lovdata for the legal text. Local authorities can also provide information about area-specific hunting rules.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational and informational purposes. Hunting rules, season dates, weapon requirements and local restrictions can change. Always check the latest official information from Norwegian wildlife and hunting authorities before hunting in 2026.
