"After Many Years, You Learn How It's Done"

The Dogs Are Everything

"The dogs are everything," Henry Ottosson says, looking towards the dog enclosure in his backyard. "Hearing the dogs' barks – it's something truly special."

Henry has lived his entire life in this red childhood home, and there are no plans to move. "Here outside, I like to fish in the summers, trout among others," says Henry, who enjoys the forest around him.

In the kitchen, Henry has prepared some coffee. He tells us that earlier in the week, he had a wolverine on his trail camera and shows us pictures from his phone. However, most of his time has been taken up by wolf hunting recently.

"We shot a wolf that had been around here for two years, a 37-kilo female that took elk calves, among other things," Henry says. "I put my heart into it."

A Life in the Forest

After coffee, we move into the living room. Countless diplomas and trophies attest to his successes in both shooting and biathlon – a tradition in Östmark.

"Further down the road, Linn Persson grew up," Henry says, referring to the Värmland native who, days after our visit, won her first individual World Championship medal in Oberhof.

The living room walls are adorned with memories from countless hunts over the years, as is the floor. In one corner, Henry has arranged an impressive bear trophy.

"I shot that one in Canada in 1995. I gave myself a trip there as a 50th birthday present," Henry recalls.

706 Moose and Counting

Henry Ottosson is primarily associated with moose hunting. He will celebrate his seventy-eighth birthday in February, but there are no plans to retire as a hunting leader.

"No, I keep everything going – it's so much fun," he says calmly, pulling out some photo albums with memories from the past.

As a hunting leader, Henry has welcomed guests from all over the world, managed releases, and worked as a dog handler. It's a role he enjoys very much, and with 706 moose on his résumé, he's probably one of the best-suited for the job. When asked how it's possible to have taken so many moose, he responds as humbly as expected.

"During the 1980s, there was a moose population explosion, so I shot over 30 moose every year," he says. "It was very interesting."

Advice from a Legend

What advice does Henry have for those who haven't had the same success in the moose forests?

"Well, you should probably have a bit of luck... and then, of course, I have a lot of experience. After many years, you learn how it's done."

Sensitivity is something else that Henry constantly advocates. "You have to be alert and not make too much noise. There are those who chop wood when they're out – and they never get to shoot a moose!" he says, laughing heartily.

Another tip is to let the dog do the work. "Let it hunt and don't be too forceful. That's when it becomes a baying dog."

Hunters from All Over the World

What has brought Henry the most joy over the years?

"The most fun is meeting the hunters. Often, there are new faces every year, and it's very enjoyable," Henry says, noting that there have been many international participants over the years.

"I don't know how many countries, but it's all the way from Australia and New Zealand to Iceland, Russia, Americans, and quite a few Germans."

But it's mostly an invited guest from Spain that Henry remembers a bit more. "He brought a whip and five horses. It was a bit special in the moose forest," Henry chuckles.

Did he get any results? "Yes, he got to shoot a bull, so he got what he wanted," Henry says cheerfully.

NORMA Hall of Fame

There is no doubt that Henry has been a central figure in creating unforgettable – and therefore invaluable – hunting memories for generations of Swedish and foreign hunters. His contributions were recently highlighted when he was honored with a place on the wall in the NORMA Hall of Fame.

However, Henry isn't resting on his laurels. Before we leave his farm in Östmark, he reveals that he is now starting to prepare for the fall. The upcoming moose hunt in 2023 will be Henry's 44th in a row, and as usual, there's a lot to get done.

"Early in the spring, I go out and place 50–60 salt licks," Henry says. "Some get licked up, so I have to replace them during the summer and fall. Then there's also the planning for where the shooters will be stationed."

That sounds like a lot of work – he must be in good shape?

"Yes, but I find it so much fun, and now that I'm retired, I have plenty of time," says Henry, getting ready to explore further into the Östmark forest.