The association is a voluntary body whose main task is to look after the interests of hunting and hunters. Many hunters are also landowners but more than half lease shooting rights or belong to co-operative associations.

Since 1985 all newcomers to hunting have had to pass an examination comprising five separate parts, both theoretical and practical. Passing this examination is an essential condition for possession of firearms.

However, foreign visitors can obtain permission to bring their own firearms and use them in Sweden.