Wild reindeer hunting

Wild reindeer hunting on the mountain plateaus demands fitness, fieldcraft, and patience.

Wild reindeer hunting is one of the most demanding things you can do as a hunter in Norway. The hunt takes place on open mountain plateaus above the treeline, often far from roads and people.

Wild reindeer travel in herds and can cover great distances in a short time. You can sit for hours without seeing an animal, then suddenly have a herd of 50 right in front of you. The ability to read the terrain and predict the animals' movements is crucial.

The hunt is a combination of stalking and stand hunting. You move through the terrain, glass with binoculars, and when you find a herd, you plan your approach based on wind and terrain. Often you must take a long detour to get on the right side of the wind.

The season is short: August 20 to September 30. The first days can be good, but experienced hunters know that the reindeer change their behavior after being hunted for a few days. Toward the end of August and into September, the bulls gather harems, which can create opportunities.

Equipment must withstand everything. The mountain plateaus offer rain, snow, wind, and sunshine, often on the same day. Good mountain boots, layered clothing, a light backpack, good binoculars, and a rangefinder are the minimum. A tent or bivouac may be necessary for multi-day trips.

The most important wild reindeer areas are Hardangervidda, Setesdal Vesthei/Ryfylke, Rondane, Snøhetta/Dovrefjell, and Nordfjella. Applications for culling quotas are submitted through the wild reindeer boards.

Wild reindeer is Norway's only surviving wild reindeer population in Europe. Hunting is an important part of management and helps keep the population healthy and adapted to the grazing conditions.