Wild reindeer hunting in Vestland

Season: Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)

Wild reindeer is among the huntable species in Vestland. 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 Vestland

Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)

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 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 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.