Wild reindeer hunting in Rogaland

Season: Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Setesdal Vesthei/Ryfylke)

Wild reindeer is among the huntable species in Rogaland. Wild reindeer hunting is about being alone in the mountains with the plateau stretching in all directions and no guarantee of seeing an animal. You need to read wind and weather, understand migration routes, and have the patience to wait.

Season in Rogaland

Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Setesdal Vesthei/Ryfylke)

A short and intensive season. Quotas vary greatly between the wild reindeer areas, and some areas may have very limited hunting. An application for a felling permit is required.

All hunting seasons

Distribution

Wild reindeer are found only in the mountain areas of Southern Norway. The most important areas are Hardangervidda, Setesdal Vesthei/Ryfylke, Rondane, Snøhetta, Nordfjella and Forollhogna. Norway is responsible for the last remaining wild reindeer populations in Europe.

Terrain

Open high-mountain terrain above the treeline, typically 1000–1800 m above sea level. Plateaus with moss, lichen and heather. Wild reindeer move between summer and winter pastures and can cover great distances.

Weight

Live weight: cow approx. 60–90 kg, bull approx. 90–150 kg. Carcass weight approx. 55%.

Terrain in Rogaland

Rogaland has Jæren with Norway's flattest landscape in the west, and Ryfylke with mountains and fjords in the east. Jæren is important for geese and waterfowl, while Ryfylke offers red deer hunting on steep hillsides and wild reindeer hunting on the heath areas. The coastal landscape has mild winters and green grass almost year-round.

Hunting wild reindeer

Check the weather forecast and wind carefully before the trip. Plan the hunt for days with stable wind. Spend plenty of time with the binoculars. Reindeer can stand completely still and are hard to spot.