Reindeer hunting in Norway

 

Hunting Period

August 20 - September 30, 2024

 

Rutting Season

Typically during the last two weeks of September (hunting traditionally takes place before the rut for optimal meat quality).

 

Trip Duration

7 days / 6 nights

 

Destination

Norway – Skjåk

 

Game

Arctic Reindeer

 

Transportation

By air

 

Weapons

Import of personal firearm (European Firearms Pass required).

 

Accommodation

Mountain lodge

 

Meals

Simple meals prepared by local staff: Breakfast and dinner at the lodge, lunch (snack) during the hunt

 

Price included

 

• Harvesting a trophy-grade (gold medal) male European reindeer
• Professional hunting guide (1:1 or 1:2 ratio)
• 7-day trip
• Airport transfer to the hunting area and back
• Accommodation at a mountain lodge
• Breakfast and dinner at the lodge
• Food and beverages during the hunt (lunch in the field)
• Hunting license and mandatory hunter insurance
• Basic preparation of the trophy for taxidermy
• Assistance and presence of a HEMING team member and interpreter

 

Price not included

 

• Round-trip airfare (approximately €500 per person, economy class)
• Meals outside the program
• Comprehensive travel and trip cancellation insurance
• Optional activities and excursions on the island
• Trophy transport costs (possible transport of trophies directly upon return from the trip)
• Any items not explicitly listed in the included package

 

Itinerary

 

Day 1: Departure from Vienna in the morning. Austrian or Norwegian Airlines offer the best connections, flight duration approximately 2.5 hours.
Day 1: Arrival in Norway – Oslo Gardermoen Airport in the morning, followed by a 5-6 hour transfer to the hunting area. After arrival, change into "working clothes" and hike 7 km to the mountain lodge with equipment.
Days 2-6: Hunting days. Hunting begins early in the morning before sunrise and continues until 7:00 PM.
Day 7: Transfer to the airport and departure home.
Day 8: Return home.

 

Hunting and Area Description

 

The hunting grounds lie at the borders of three national parks: Jotunheimen, Breheimen, and Reinheimen. Moving through the mountains and endless plateaus offers an unforgettable experience for any visitor, especially hunters. This area is renowned for producing some of the strongest trophies annually.

Hunts start in the morning after sunrise, right after breakfast at the lodge. Spot-and-stalk is the primary hunting method, with local “spotters” constantly in contact via radios to report game sightings and movements. Professional guides bring hunters as close as possible to the herd or group. Typical shooting distances are 150 meters or more, but opportunities at closer ranges (50 meters) may also arise.

For long-range shooting enthusiasts, guides can lead hunters to spots offering shots across valleys at distances between 300 and 600 meters.

Norwegian hunters maintain strong hunting traditions, influencing the entire hunting process and the celebrations following a successful hunt.

 

Accommodation and Meals

 

Accommodation is at a hunting lodge located in the heart of the hunting grounds. The lodge serves as the starting and ending point for each hunting day. Access to the lodge is on foot via a 7 km hike from the parking area. Despite its simplicity, the lodge provides complete amenities for hunters. Personal sleeping bags are required.

 

Weather and Equipment

 

During the August-September hunting season, weather in the Norwegian mountains is unpredictable. One day might end at a comfortable 15°C, while the next morning could bring snowfall.

Hunters should prepare for sudden weather changes by layering their clothing, using functional attire, and wearing a Gore-Tex outer layer. High boots or gaiters are essential due to stream and river crossings.

Recommended gear includes:

• Camouflage clothing for hunting in open terrain
• Rifle calibers: .308 Win, 6.5mm, 7mm, 30-06
• Shooter equipment: binoculars (rangefinder recommended), scope with ballistic turret (optional), bipod, trekking poles for easier walking, and a backpack.