First, I have lived in both countries for some years, so I have good touch into topic...so...

Sheep:

If you want, you may freely hit the sheep in norway and see the outcome (on your own responcebilety...off course, please do post the latest figure)

***Furthermore I do not see any connection to racism here.

who talks about racism? we are talking about real world experiences...

Road use:

***It is important to remember that most forest roads are not public but built and maintained by private persons (forest owners).

few corrections, for the finland:

not all dirt roads are "non public" generally roads leading to private inhibitation cottages ect. can be considered as private, and should be respected... but there is vast array of legal exeptions...for ex. the cabin owner might not even own the land under the road, but there is legal right for road building and use...so common sense helps out of the most trouble...

But in general, if the road has sign and name it is most likely public...and the road is listed in street maps.

for the spring time use,
again if the road surface seems to suffer after winter and using road could damage the surface (leaving deep tracks) I would recommend not to use road...(this is common sense, right?)

If the land owner dont want other to use the road (mainly found in south), there would be signs or the roads would be closed by chains or beam and locked down...where private land owners dont want any unapproved trafik.

again if you have lived in both places for some years you tend to get the feeling about the daily life....Scandinavia is very nice during the summer moths and very secure and hospitable...the examples highlight the common things that can cause the the troubles, so while traveling up there keep your eyes open...some of the animals can be bigger than sheep. for exsample the moose on the cars hood would ruin your day very quicly....