The shooting test: valid three years, and mutually recognised
Hunting with a rifled bullet weapon or a bow requires the shooting test where the species demands it; the certificate lasts three years.
Article 21 of the Finnish act requires the shooting test (ampumakoe) of anyone hunting with a rifled bullet weapon or a hunting bow, where the species hunted makes it necessary. A government decree names the species for which the shooter must have passed the test. The test is run by the local game management association (riistanhoitoyhdistys), which issues the certificate of a pass and, on request, a copy. That certificate has the standing of an administrative decision under the administrative procedure act, and a pass may be recorded in the hunters' register. The certificate is valid for three years from the test. Article 21a provides for mutual recognition: for the species covered by article 21, a shooter may act on the basis of a certified mutual recognition. Article 22 adds the practical duty: the hunting card or a copy of it, together with proof of identity, must be carried while hunting and shown on request to the person supervising; if they are missing, the documents may still be produced within fourteen days. The same duty applies to the shooting test certificate.