Hunting with scent hounds – what regulations apply?

What is a scent hound?

Hunting with scent hounds is one of the most common hunting methods in Sweden. A scent hound works at a slow pace and usually keeps some distance from the game. The dog primarily relies on its sense of smell and rarely has visual contact with the animal. The hunting dog searches for game and then drives the animal toward the hunter by barking continuously along the trail. Because the dog works at a calmer pace, the game is less likely to be frightened away, which also helps hunters follow the chase and position stand hunters strategically. Scent hounds are mainly used for hunting species such as roe deer, hare, and fox.

 

Common scent hound breeds

The type of hunting dog used often depends on the game being hunted and the terrain. Some common scent hound breeds include:

• Basset Hound
• Drever
• Beagle
• Dachshund
• Scandinavian hounds (such as the Dunker Hound and Finnish Hound)

 

Hunting with scent hounds – regulations and responsibilities

When hunting with scent hounds, there are several laws and regulations that the dog handler must follow. The handler is always responsible for the dog’s actions during the hunt and must ensure that hunting is carried out safely and ethically. Hunting must follow the official hunting seasons and must not cause unnecessary suffering to wildlife.

The dog handler must maintain good control of the dog throughout the hunt and ensure that the dog is properly trained for the intended type of hunting. It is also important to adapt the hunt to the terrain, weather conditions, and current hunting seasons. Hunting periods vary depending on the game species, so hunters must always make sure hunting takes place during the correct season.

 

Safer hunting with MiniFinder Hunter

Since scent hounds often work independently and cover large areas, effective planning and communication between hunters in the hunting team are essential. With the MiniFinder Hunter app, the entire hunting team can easily follow the dog’s movements and gain better control of the chase during the hunt.

MiniFinder Rex is a GPS dog tracker developed specifically for hunting dogs, making it possible to follow the dog’s location directly on your mobile phone. The GPS device includes features such as real-time tracking and a bark indicator, which are especially useful when hunting with scent hounds. The tracker also offers long battery life, which is highly valuable during extended hunting days.

For hunters looking for a smaller alternative, MiniFinder Vexo is also available. It is a more compact dog GPS tracker that still offers advanced features such as real-time positioning and unlimited range. Vexo can also be used alongside your traditional radio tracker for improved precision.

 

Dog GPS hunting season 2026

For many hunters, GPS tracking has become a natural tool for safer and more responsible hunting with scent hounds. By using a GPS dog tracker, hunters gain better control over the dog’s work and can quickly see the dog’s location during the upcoming 2026 hunting season. This not only contributes to more efficient hunting, but also improves safety for both the hunter and the hunting dog.

Want to learn more about hunting with scent hounds? Read more at: Jägarskolan and the Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management.