Hunting rights belong to the landowner, and are not included in the right of free access. Hunting is therefore only allowed if you obtain permission from the landowner, which may mean the state, a local authority or an individual.

The only exception is that you do not need permission from a landowner to hunt seabirds on the sea from the shoreline or from a boat (but you must have been resident in Norway for at least the past year). In addition, all hunters must hold a hunting licence or similar permit.

All hunters must pay a yearly hunting fee before the start of the hunting season. Anyone hunting for the first time must also pass a hunting proficiency test. The minimum ages for hunting small and big game are 16 and 18 years respectively. Hunting may be carried out on government property, state common land and private property.

All wildlife species, including their eggs, nests and lairs, are protected unless otherwise stated in Norwegian legislation or decisions made under the legislation. Hunting seasons for game species are laid down by the Directorate for Nature Management. The legislation distinguishes between large and small game species. Small game includes species like ptarmigan, capercaillie, black grouse, geese, hare and red fox, and the most important species of large game are moose, roe deer, wild reindeer and red deer.

For large game, hunting is organised in areas ("vald") that must be above a stipulated minimum size, and the local authorities issue quotas for the relevant species in these areas. For both large and small game, the landowner may limit the length of the hunting season and the number of animals a hunter may shoot per day. In areas where lynx hunting is permitted, the regional carnivore management boards set the quotas.

Hunters must be skilled in handling firearms, traps and other equipment, and have an adequate knowledge of game species hunted and relevant rules and regulations. This is why anyone who is resident in Norway and planning to hunt for the first time must take a hunting proficiency test. They must follow an obligatory 30-hour course and take a theory test.

The courses are arranged by adult education associations, and the municipalities hold the written tests and issue certificates to candidates who have followed the course and pass the test. There is a fee for the course and test. Permanent residents of other countries do not need to take the test if they can provide proof of a similar qualification for hunting in their own country.