Daniel Widman, chairman of the Norrbotten Hunters' Association, said mental health issues exist everywhere in society, including among hunters. According to Region Norrbotten Nyheter, Widman described knowledge about how to support others as far too low. The association wants to encourage more people to ask how someone is feeling and to seek help when needed.
The Hunters' Associations in Norrbotten, Västerbotten, and Mittnorrland have collaborated with their respective regions and municipal associations. In Norrbotten, the association works with Region Norrbotten and Norrbotten's Municipalities to increase knowledge. Widman noted that many have known someone who chose to end their life, but few understand in time what to look for.
Knowledge about how to support and act as a fellow human being is far too low. We want to open up and start conversations, both by the campfire and at home on the sofa.
During autumn 2025 and spring 2026, over 30,000 members received a 'Save Lives' card with advice on cardiac arrest and mental health. The association is contributing to a Lund University study mapping hunters' mental health and suicide risk, as well as cultural and structural barriers to seeking help. A theme evening called 'Hunters Talk Too' will be held on May 19 in Luleå, with digital participation available.
Widman cited stigma around weapons and fear of losing licenses as a major barrier. According to Region Norrbotten Nyheter, he described wanting to influence policy through research and dialogue with authorities so hunters can receive help and retain their right to use weapons.
We in the Hunters' Association want to work to get more people to dare to ask how someone is feeling, that more people dare to act when someone needs help, and that more people seek help when life is heavy.
We decided to initiate cooperation with our respective regions and municipal associations.
If we manage to save a single life, that would be fantastic.
Many have known someone who chose to end their life, but few understand in time what to look for or how to act.
The purpose is also to highlight cultural and structural barriers that currently affect hunters' opportunities, ability, and willingness to seek help when the need is greatest.
It is something we want to try to influence by contributing to research. We also want to start a dialogue with authorities so that hunters can receive help and then continue to have the right to use their weapons, which is not obvious today.