Red deer hunting in Vestland
Season: Sep 1 – Dec 23
Red deer is among the huntable species in Vestland. Red deer hunting on the west coast of Norway takes place in steep hillsides with the fjord below you. The terrain demands good fitness and sure-footed legs. In many areas, hunting is done as driven stand hunting in teams, where hunters are placed at strategic posts while drivers push the animals past.
Season in Vestland
Sep 1 – Dec 23
The long season gives flexibility. September is the rut, with active stags. October and November are the main period for team hunts in many areas.
All hunting seasonsDistribution
Red deer are densest along the west coast, from Rogaland to Møre og Romsdal. In recent decades they have spread strongly east and north, and are now found in most counties.
Terrain
Red deer thrive on steep, wooded hillsides along fjords and valleys. Coastal woodland of oak, hazel and pine is typical red deer country. Further inland they tend to stay in mixed forest with access to farmland.
Weight
Live weight: hind approx. 80–120 kg, stag approx. 120–220 kg. Carcass weight approx. 55% of live weight.
Terrain in Vestland
Vestland is the land of fjords and mountains. Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Nordfjord cut between steep mountains. The coast is mild and wet with lush forest, while the interior has large mountain areas. Hardangervidda in the east is Europe's largest high mountain plateau. Vestland has Norway's densest red deer population.
Hunting red deer
Use the rut in September and October. Listen for roaring early in the morning. Red deer move along fixed trails between feeding areas, and these make good stands.
Plan the hunt
Other game in Vestland
Sep 25 – Oct 31 (limited range)
Roe deer huntingAug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)
Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Wild reindeer huntingAug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)
Western capercaillie huntingSep 10 – Dec 23
Black grouse huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Mountain hare huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Greylag goose huntingAug 10 – Dec 23
Red fox huntingJul 15 – Apr 15
Red deer hunting in other counties
Frequently asked questions
When is the red deer hunting season in Vestland?
The season for red deer in Vestland is Sep 1 – Dec 23. Local regulations can shorten or extend this.
Where does red deer live in Vestland?
Red deer are densest along the west coast, from Rogaland to Møre og Romsdal. In recent decades they have spread strongly east and north, and are now found in most counties.
Can I find grounds to hunt red deer in Vestland?
Yes. Landowners across Vestland offer hunts on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available grounds.
Ready to hunt in Vestland?
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