THE WILD REINDEER HUNT

The Hunt Begins

For my friend Markus and me, reindeer hunting is more than just a sport—it’s a privilege. In Norway, this hunt is largely governed by a lottery system, and we consider ourselves fortunate to have secured one of the coveted permits once again. Traveling into the heart of the wilderness, venturing deep into the mountains in search of these elusive animals, awakens the hunter within us. The hunt demands not only physical strength but also a deep understanding of reindeer behavior—their migration patterns and instincts. This is no easy undertaking; each day involves trekking for kilometers, requiring patience, vigilance, and endurance.

From Carrier to Hunter

My personal journey into reindeer hunting began as a carrier on a friend’s hunt. Carrying the gear and observing the hunt from the sidelines was exhilarating and sparked my desire to try it myself. Since then, I’ve been lucky enough to secure a hunting permit for two consecutive years. Last season, Markus joined me on an expedition to the Hardangervidda, Europe’s largest mountain plateau, spanning approximately 8,000 square kilometers. There, we embarked on an exciting adventure together. Unlike many other areas in Norway, reindeer hunting in this region often requires helicopter transport to access the remote hunting grounds.

In the Land of Wild Herds

On the Hardangervidda, we’ve already had unforgettable experiences hunting wild reindeer stags. This vast region in Norway is home to one of the largest wild reindeer herds, making it a paradise for reindeer hunters. During our week-long trip, we encountered thousands of these majestic animals and witnessed the magnificence of this ancient herd as it moved across the highlands.

The Challenge in Dovre

This year, I set my sights on a new goal: hunting female reindeer in the rugged wilderness of Dovre, located slightly north of the Hardangervidda. This highland area, with its wild and imposing landscapes stretching endlessly in all directions, posed an especially challenging hunt. One particularly tough aspect was waiting for my turn, as the rotation system meant that opportunities for a successful hunt diminished with time.

The Minox X-range 10x42 binoculars proved invaluable, helping us judge the distance to the game and ensure proper identification. With its integrated rangefinder, it became an indispensable tool, providing instant feedback on distances and potential shots

The Taste of the Wild

A successful hunt: an experience that’s hard to top. The meat of wild reindeer, with its deep, rich flavor, tastes like the wilderness itself. It’s a meal infused with nature, leaving us with a sense of fulfillment and a longing to return to the mountains.

Values That Guide Us

At the heart of our hunting trips are core values that guide us every step of the way. Respect for nature, responsible handling of wildlife, and a commitment to sustainable hunting practices drive us. Each hunt is not just about the thrill or the harvest but also about honoring the wilderness, learning from it, and preserving its legacy for future generations. For us, hunting is a lifelong journey, and through Jegerkaran, we hope to inspire others to connect deeply with nature, respect its balance, and uphold these values with pride and purpose.

Autor

Elias Gangstø

One of my three older brothers introduced me to hunting and took me along on trips from an early age. At 14, I passed my hunting exam, and hunting has been my greatest passion ever since. I am incredibly fortunate to have grown up in Bindal, Norway, with almost unlimited access to hunting grounds. Today, together with my friend Markus Brevik, I run the hunting profile Jegerkaran, where we share our adventures on YouTube and on our own website.