Wilderness.
Hunt. Fish. Gather.

Guided expeditions in the Swedish alps with Mikael Gustafsson — 20+ years in these forests, mountains, and waters.

Book an Expedition Meet Your Guide

The Guide

Mikael Gustafsson — hunter, fisherman, and wilderness guide. Local to Kaxnäs. Over twenty years reading these forests and waters.

Mikael doesn't just guide — he lives the land year-round. He knows where the capercaillie lek in spring, where char run in autumn, and where moose bed down when the snow comes. Two exceptional hunting dogs work alongside him, specialists on birds and small to medium game.

When you book with Mikael you get access to terrain most hunters never see — private leases, remote waters, and local knowledge no map can give you.

Philosophy: This isn't trophy hunting. Mikael believes in the full experience — tracking, the wait, the shot, the field dressing, and honoring the animal by using everything. He'll teach you to read the land, not just hunt it. Come as a client, leave as a friend — many do.

The Dogs

Two well-trained hunting dogs, custom to the terrain. Specialists on forest birds, grouse, and ptarmigan. Their nose and Mikael's direction — you'll see game you'd never find alone.

Big game, small game, birds. Seasons, terrain, and a guide who knows where the game moves.

Big Game

Moose (älg) and brown bear (björn). Serious expeditions on vast hunting grounds. Mikael handles all logistics — blinds, transport, tracking, field dressing.

Season

Moose: Sep–Oct. Bear: Aug–Oct.

Requirements

Valid hunting license. Weapon permit. Bear exam for bear hunts.

Small Game

Hare, red fox, pine marten. Fast, dynamic hunting with dogs. Accessible for most fitness levels. High success rate.

Season

Hare: Sep–Feb. Fox & marten: Aug–Mar.

Requirements

Hunting license. Weapon permit (or borrow ours).

Birds

Capercaillie (tjäder), black grouse (orre), ptarmigan (ripa), and other forest birds. Mikael's dogs excel here — world-class forest and alpine bird hunting.

Season

Forest birds: Aug–Jan. Ptarmigan: Aug–Feb.

Requirements

Hunting license. Shotgun permit. Dogs included.

Game by Season

SeasonBig GameSmall GameBirds
Spring (Mar–May)Bear (limited)Capercaillie, Black Grouse (lek — observation only)
Autumn (Aug–Oct)Moose, BearHare, FoxCapercaillie, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan
Winter (Nov–Feb)Hare, Fox, MartenPtarmigan

Summer — Off-Season for Hunting, Open for Everything Else

Hunting is closed June–July. But summer in the Swedish alps is spectacular — endless daylight, warm temperatures, and nature in full bloom. Fly fishing is at its peak. Hiking, wildlife tracking, and custom expeditions run all summer. The wild cooking course works year-round with local game and seasonal wild ingredients.

Fly fishing, spin fishing, and ice fishing in alpine waters. Wild fish, no crowds.

Fly Fishing

Target grayling (harr), brown trout (öring), and arctic char (röding) in rivers and alpine lakes. Mikael knows the productive stretches — when, where, what fly.

Season

Jun–Sep (ice-free). Peak grayling: Jul–Aug. Char: Aug–Sep.

Ice Fishing

Winter angling (pimpelfiske) and tip-up fishing (angelfiske) on frozen lakes. Perch, pike, and char through the ice. Heated shelter tents provided.

Season

Dec–Apr (ice conditions permitting).

Fish Species

SpeciesSwedishMethodsWatersSeason
GraylingHarrFly fishing, spinRivers, streamsJun–Sep
Brown TroutÖringFly fishing, spin, iceLakes, riversJun–Sep, Dec–Apr
Arctic CharRödingFly fishing, ice fishingAlpine lakesJul–Sep, Dec–Apr
PikeGäddaSpin, ice fishingLarger lakesMay–Sep, Dec–Apr
PerchAbborreSpin, ice fishingMost watersYear-round

Fishing Licenses (Fiskekort)

Not included in packages unless stated. Mikael helps you purchase the correct license.

Different waters = different licenses managed by local fishing associations (fiskevårdsområden). Day passes: ~50–200 SEK. We tell you exactly which license you need and help you buy it online or at ICA Ladan in Kaxnäs.

Important Fishing without a valid license results in fines. We ensure everything is in order.

Take more than a memory home. Learn to cook, cast, and tie — skills for life.

Wild Cooking

Full-day course in Mikael's forest house, deep in the woods. Prepare a complete meal using only what you hunt and gather — game, wild herbs, berries, mushrooms. Open-fire techniques. Traditional Swedish wilderness cuisine.

Seasonal Menu varies with what nature provides.

Included All ingredients, equipment, forest house venue, meal.

Not included Transport to forest house (arranged — snowmobile in winter).

Fly Fishing Course

Half-day or full-day. Casting technique, reading water, fly selection. Beginner to intermediate. Learn on rivers Mikael has fished for 20 years.

Included Rod, reel, flies, waders (on request), instruction.

Not included Fishing license (~50–150 SEK).

Fly Tying

Evening or half-day workshop. Materials, patterns, and the local flies proven in these waters. Tie grayling flies, char streamers, and dry flies for trout. You keep what you tie.

Included All materials, vice, tools, instruction, your finished flies.

Not just hunting and fishing. Explore the Swedish alps on foot, track wildlife, or build a custom expedition around your interests.

Hiking & Wildlife Tracking

Guided day hikes and multi-day treks through the forests and alpine terrain around Kaxnäs. Mikael reads the landscape — tracks, trails, and signs most people walk right past. Learn to identify tracks, spot game from a distance, and understand the rhythm of the wilderness.

What You'll See

Moose, reindeer, fox, hare, capercaillie, black grouse, ptarmigan, golden eagle. No guarantees — but Mikael knows where to look.

Season

May–October. Peak wildlife viewing: May–June (calving season), September (rut).

Included Guide, transport, coffee/tea, binoculars (on request).

Not included Accommodation, meals (can be arranged).

Custom Expeditions

Have a specific goal? Want to combine activities your way? Mikael builds custom trips — hunting in the morning, fishing in the afternoon, cooking in the evening. Or a multi-day trek with wildlife tracking and fly fishing along the way. Or winter survival and ice fishing. If it happens in these forests and mountains, Mikael can make it happen.

Examples

Winter bushcraft weekend · Alpine lake fly fishing trek · Photography + wildlife tracking · Family nature immersion · Corporate wilderness days · Bachelor/bachelorette outdoor adventures.

Pricing Custom expeditions priced individually. Contact us with your idea.

Ready-made experiences. Every package is customisable — contact us to build your own.

Hunt & Cook

1 Day

Included

  • Half-day guided hunt (birds or small game)
  • Mikael's hunting dogs
  • Evening wild cooking course — forest house
  • Full dinner — game, wild herbs, open fire
  • Transport (4WD)

Not Included

  • Hunting license & weapon permit
  • Accommodation (we help arrange)

Two-Day Adventure

2 Days · 1 Night

Included

  • 1 day guided hunt (birds/small game, dogs)
  • 1 day guided fishing (fly or ice)
  • Fishing equipment — rods, flies, ice drills
  • Transport (4WD, snowmobile in winter)
  • 1 night accommodation — Jänsmässholmen
  • Day 1 dinner + Day 2 lunch

Not Included

  • Hunting license & weapon permit
  • Fishing license (~50–150 SEK/day)

Full Week Immersion

5–7 Days · Custom

Included

  • Mix of hunting, fishing, cooking
  • Mikael's dogs for all hunt days
  • All fishing equipment
  • All transport (4WD, snowmobile, boat)
  • Accommodation arranged
  • Most meals + optional fly tying evening

Not Included

  • Hunting license & weapon permit
  • Fishing licenses
  • Alcoholic beverages

Licenses, equipment, rules, and what to expect. Read before you book.

Licenses & Permits

Hunting License

All hunters must hold a valid Swedish jägarexamen or equivalent recognized by Swedish authorities. EU/EEA licenses generally accepted. Non-EU: contact us early — allow 4–8 weeks for permit processing.

Weapon Permit

Valid firearm permit required for your weapon. Foreign hunters: temporary import permits can be arranged — start early.

Fishing License

Not included. ~50–200 SEK/day depending on water. We guide you through purchase.

Weapons & Safety

Bring Your Own

Standard calibers: .30-06, .308, 6.5×55 (big game). 12ga (birds). Transport unloaded in case.

Borrow Ours

Available for small game and bird hunting under Mikael's supervision. Must be arranged in advance. Not available for big game.

Safety

Safety briefing before every hunt. Weapon unloaded during transport. Muzzle discipline at all times. Zero tolerance for unsafe handling — trip ends immediately, no refund.

Equipment

We Provide

Fishing rods, reels, flies, ice drills, ice tents, waders (on request), life vests, first aid, GPS/radio, 4WD, snowmobile, game carriers.

You Bring

Layered clothing (wool base → fleece mid → waterproof outer), sturdy boots (insulated in winter), gloves, hat, sunglasses, personal medication, camera. Detailed list after booking.

Winter

Temperatures as low as -30°C. Proper gear essential — we advise on rentals if needed.

Snowmobile

When

Winter access to remote hunting grounds, ice fishing, forest house. Season: Dec–Apr.

Who Drives

Mikael drives. Clients ride passenger. Want to drive? You need a valid snowmobile license — let us know when booking.

Provided

Snowmobile, fuel, helmet, warm overalls/boots (on request), safety briefing.

Rules

Designated trails and local regulations. Protected areas off-limits. Mikael knows all legal routes.

Accommodation

Jänsmässholmen

Hotel at the foot of Offerdalsfjällen, ~40 min west of Kaxnäs. 18 rooms, 36 beds. Bar, restaurant, sauna, relax area. Included in Two-Day and Full Week packages.

Other Options

Local cabins and guesthouses. We help arrange. See Projekt Kaxås for listings.

Rules & Ethics

Swedish Hunting Law

All hunting follows Swedish regulations — bag limits, seasons, permitted methods. Mikael ensures full compliance.

Ethical Hunting

Clean shots only. Wounded game tracked immediately with dogs. Nothing wasted.

Catch & Release

Fishing primarily catch-and-release unless you want to keep fish. Follow size and bag limits.

Leave No Trace

Pack out what you pack in. This is Mikael's home — respect the land, water, and wildlife.

What Clients Say

“An unforgettable hunt. Mikael's knowledge of terrain and game is astonishing. Two capercaillie and a black grouse in one morning. The dogs are phenomenal.”
— Johan, Stockholm
“Came for the fly fishing, left with cooking skills I never expected. Preparing grayling I caught myself over open fire in a forest house — that meal changed how I think about food.”
— Emma & Fredrik, Gothenburg
“Mikael shares more than a guide service — he shares a philosophy of life. Ice fishing on a frozen lake at sunset, complete silence except the ice singing. Pure magic.”
— Anders, Copenhagen
“Best course I've ever taken. Fly tying with Mikael — patient, funny, deeply knowledgeable. I've been tying my own flies since and catching grayling on them.”
— Lisa, Umeå
“10/10. We went out with Mikael's dogs and caught our own dinner. Four birds in a morning — cleaned, cooked, and served by sunset. Doesn't get better than that.”
— Markus & Sara, Malmö
“Third year coming back. Each time Mikael finds new water, new trails, new game. The man knows every inch of this land. Already planning year four.”
— Henrik, Oslo
“Took my 14-year-old son on his first hunt. Mikael was incredible — patient, safe, and made sure my boy got the shot. Father-son memory for life. The wild cooking after was the cherry on top.”

Kaxnäs, Jämtland — deep in the Swedish alps between Åre and Östersund. Clean air, wild water, vast forests.

Location

Jämtland county. ~60 km to Östersund, ~70 km to Åre. Nearest airport: Åre Östersund (OSD), ~50 min drive. Remote enough for true wilderness — accessible enough to reach in a day.

Nature

Europe's cleanest air (WHO, 2018). Water you can drink straight from the lake. Forests, mountains, rivers, alpine tundra — all within range of Kaxnäs. The region shifts dramatically with seasons.

Beyond the Hunt

Skiing: Almåsa Alpin (10 km), Åre (70 km). Hiking trails. Snowmobile routes. Riding, tennis, ice rink. Year-round adventure for companions who don't hunt or fish.

Local Services

ICA Ladan — grocery store in Kaxnäs, well-stocked. Gas station — fuel and basic supplies. Fjällkonditoriet — bakery and café. Wärdshus — local inn and restaurant. School & preschool — Kaxnäs has a growing school (thanks to 66 new children since Projekt Kaxås started). Pharmacy and health center in Änge (~15 km). Building supplies and sports rental also available locally.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Swedish hunting license?

Yes. Swedish jägarexamen or recognized equivalent from EU/EEA. Non-EU hunters: contact us early — we help with temporary permits. Allow 4–8 weeks.

Can I borrow a weapon?

Small game and birds: yes, under Mikael's supervision. Must arrange in advance. Big game: no — bring your own rifle with valid permit.

Are fishing licenses included?

Generally no — purchased separately (~50–200 SEK/day). We tell you exactly which license and help you buy it. Takes five minutes.

What if the weather is bad?

We hunt and fish in most conditions. Extreme weather (storms, unsafe ice): we reschedule or adjust. -30°C is normal in winter — dress right, you'll be fine.

Can beginners join?

Absolutely. Most clients aren't experts. Mikael tailors every expedition to your level. Courses are beginner-friendly. Novice hunters: start with small game or birds — accessible, high success.

What accommodation is included?

Jänsmässholmen (18 rooms, restaurant, sauna) is included in Two-Day and Full Week packages. Other packages: we help you book. Cabins and camping available on request.

How do I get to Kaxnäs?

Fly to Åre Östersund Airport (OSD), ~50 min drive. Rental cars available. Train to Östersund then bus/taxi. We can arrange pickup — ask when booking.

How far ahead should I book?

As early as possible. Prime seasons (Sep moose hunt, Aug–Sep bird opener) book out months ahead. Minimum 2 weeks for simple packages, 4–8 weeks if you need license help.

What's the cancellation policy?

Full refund (minus admin fee) with 30+ days notice. 50% at 14–30 days. No refund under 14 days unless we resell your dates. We recommend travel insurance.

Minimum group size?

No minimum — solo hunters and anglers welcome. Maximum varies (4–6 for hunting, flexible for fishing). Contact us with your group size.

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