Siikalahti hunting leader charged after shooting fellow hunter

A hunting leader in Siikalahti has been charged with hunting crimes, causing serious injury, and endangering life after accidentally shooting a fellow hunter instead of an elk on November 19, 2025.

According to the prosecutor, the incident occurred when the leader and another member of the hunting party attempted to shoot an elk immediately after stopping a motor vehicle, within 100 meters of the vehicle. The leader's bullet missed the elk and struck the other man in the upper chest, causing life-threatening injuries including lung damage and fractures to the neck, spine, and shoulder blade. The victim's three-year-old child was present during the incident.

The prosecutor is seeking a hunting ban and the surrender of firearms for both men involved, as both are accused of illegal hunting procedures. For the hunting leader, the prosecution is specifically requesting 30 to 50 days of conditional imprisonment in addition to a minimum three-year hunting ban.