Reindeer hunting in Norway: endurance, respect and tradition

More than a pastime

Hunting reindeer in Norway is not just an outdoor pursuit. It is a practice steeped in heritage, stretching back centuries and still woven into the culture of the Norwegian mountains. Each year, hunters from across the country, and far beyond, travel north to take part in what has become one of the most distinctive and carefully regulated hunts in Europe.

For the Sami people, the indigenous community of northern Scandinavia, reindeer have always been at the heart of life in the Arctic. They provided food, clothing and tools, and symbolised survival in a harsh environment. Today, hunting is managed with strict quotas to protect the herds and ensure future generations can continue the tradition.

Written by: Härkila Ambassador Philippe Lavit

When and where to hunt

The season usually runs from mid-August until mid-September, as the herds move down from the high plateaus. Well-known hunting areas include Hardangervidda, Rondane and Dovrefjell, all regions defined by sweeping landscapes and large herds.

On my own trip, I ventured into Reinheimen National Park with a local guide whose knowledge of the land and wildlife proved invaluable. Norway often brings to mind deep snow and freezing temperatures, but at that time of year the mountains showed another face: bare ridges, mild air, and a challenge very different to the winter scenes many imagine.

87 kilometres on foot

Over the course of the hunt, we covered 87 kilometres on foot across steep and uneven terrain. Each climb stretched our stamina further, each river crossing tested our footing, and every unstable slope was a reminder of how tough this landscape can be.

Our guides were crucial. With their eye for detail and constant effort, they created chances that would have been impossible without them.

Ghosts of the north

Reindeer are known as the ghosts of the north for good reason. They move in silence, elusive and unpredictable. The only real strategy is to keep the wind in your face, anticipate their route, and position yourself in front of the herd.

On the second day I watched a great herd sweep across the mountain. Yet I did not fire. I was searching for a bull, and they are the most cunning of all. Always shielded by the herd, they rarely step out into the open.

Living with the land

One of the memories that will stay with me is how we drank straight from the mountain streams. The water was as clear and pure as any on earth, and we never needed to carry bottles.

At night we slept in small cabins deep in reindeer country. Remote, basic and close to the wild, they added a sense of immersion that no hotel could ever match.

The right kit

I relied on the Härkila Expedition system - three layers designed precisely for this type of hunting.

• A breathable base for long climbs
• A foldable waterproof and windproof shell for sudden changes
• A warm layer for the hours of waiting and watching

The camouflage worked perfectly in the stony, mineral landscape, and the layers kept me comfortable and focused. In the mountains, the right clothing isn’t a luxury: it is a necessity.

Fog on the mountain

The mountains can turn against you in an instant. Soon, a thick fog rolled in, making the hunt near impossible.

We often came across discarded antlers on the ground, proof that the herds were there. But seeing the animals themselves was another matter entirely.

A lesson in humility

We left without taking an animal. Yet that too is part of hunting: learning that success is never guaranteed. Failure is not the end, but a reminder of respect for the quarry and the land.

Although I returned empty-handed, the experience remains unforgettable – the wild beauty of Norway, the endurance it demanded, and the deep respect inspired by the reindeer themselves.

Watch the film

The full adventure is available on my YouTube channel Feliew Chasse (Hunting):