Wild reindeer hunting, 2011

Out of a felling quota of 13 850 animals, 5 423 were felled. This results in a felling percentage of 39. In 2010, the felling quota was 10 521, while the felling percentage was 52.

Increased felling on Hardangervidda

The Hardangervidda plateau is Norway's largest wild reindeer area . In the last part of the 1990s, 3 000-4 000 wild reindeer were felled in this area every year. Four years ago the wild reindeer in the Hardangervidda area were preserved except for one hunting ground. The preservation took place due to reduced stock of wild reindeer. Gradually, the restrictions have been eased. In 2011, 1 388 animals were felled; an increase of 418 animals from the previous year. The felling percentage was 28.

Reduced felling in most of the wild reindeer areas

Behind Hardangervidda, most of the other wild reindeer areas had reduced felling in 2011. Of these, most wild reindeer were shot in Ottadalsområdet wild reindeer area. In total, 571 animals were shot; a decrease of 68 from 2010. In Forelhogna and Rondane wild reindeer area, 535 and 530 animals were harvested respectively.

More reindeer hunters

Statistics on wild reindeer hunters in 2011 will be published next year. Figures show that 8 400 hunters hunted wild reindeer in the autumn of 2010; an increase of 400 from the year before.

Tables:

• Table 1 Wild reindeer felled, by age, sex and wild reindeer area. 1996-2011*
• Table 2 Wild reindeer hunting. Licences issued, animals felled and per cent felled. 1952-2011*