Bachelor herd of reindeer bulls
Hunting

Reindeer Hunting Guides & Outfitters

Icon of the Arctic

Reindeer have been hunted by people for thousands of years, and it could be argued that they're one of the reasons we survived the ice age. Book one of our curated reindeer hunts, in Greenland, Norway, Finland, and we even a few opportunities in Alaska where there are a few feral herds.


Vetted Outfitters

We’ve been on these hunts ourselves and they have our stamp of approval. If you're ready to plan your adventure, contact us for personalized packages.

At Outdoors International, we rigorously vet our outfitters through a multi-step process that includes in-depth background checks, on-site evaluations, verification of licenses and insurance, and references from past clients to ensure they meet our high standards for safety, ethics, and success rates. If an outfitter passes this test, they are considered "OI Endorsed."

Annually, we require detailed reports from each outfitter covering operational updates, hunt statistics, and compliance with regulations, allowing us to maintain transparency and adapt partnerships as needed. Additionally, we collect post-hunt feedback directly from our clients via automated surveys sent immediately after their trips, aggregating this data to refine outfitter performance metrics and inform future recommendations—helping us build a data-driven business that minimizes risks and maximizes client satisfaction.

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Reindeer Hunting in Norway

Thrilling Reindeer Hunt in Norway

Our reindeer hunt kicked off immediately due to impending weather, showcasing the guides' commitment to a successful experience rather than sticking rigidly to schedules. We enjoyed exceptional hospitality and a hearty meals. Our first morning, I got a large bull after passing on an average one. My father went after another herd and got a nice bull too.

Marc C. / OI Client

Differences Between Reindeer and Caribou

Reindeer and caribou are essentially the same species: Rangifer tarandus. The key distinction lies in geography, domestication, and human interaction rather than biology. Here's a breakdown to clarify:

  • Biological Similarities: Both are large deer adapted to cold climates, with males and females growing antlers (unique among deer species). They migrate long distances, feed on lichen and vegetation, and have wide hooves for snow travel. Genetically, they're identical, and interbreeding occurs where ranges overlap.
  • Geographical and Cultural Differences:
    • Caribou: This term is used primarily in North America for wild populations. Caribou are completely wild and undomesticated, roaming in herds across tundra and boreal forests. Subspecies of caribou include barren-ground caribou, mountain, central barren-ground, Quebec-Labrador (migratory), woodland, and Arctic Islands caribou (more sedentary).
    • Reindeer: Refers to the same animal in Eurasia, where they've been semi-domesticated for thousands of years by indigenous peoples like the Sami in Scandinavia or Siberian nomads. These are often herded for meat, milk, hides, and transport. In North America, "reindeer" sometimes describes introduced or farmed populations, like in Alaska.

In essence, the difference is semantic and contextual: caribou are wild North American versions, while reindeer imply Eurasian or domesticated ones.

Places with Reindeer/Caribou Populations and Hunting Opportunities

Reindeer/caribou thrive in Arctic and sub-Arctic regions. Hunting them is regulated worldwide to ensure sustainability, often tied to conservation, indigenous rights, and ecosystem management.

Region/Location Population Type Hunting
Alaska, USA Mostly wild caribou with some free-ranging (but non-migratory) introduced reindeer in some areas. Legal for residents and non-residents via permits from Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game. Seasons: Fall (Aug-Oct) for migration hunts.
Canada (Yukon, Northwest Territories, Nunavut) Wild caribou (barren-ground subspecies, herds up to 500,000). Regulated by territorial governments; indigenous priority (e.g., Inuit rights). Non-residents need guides. Seasons: Aug-Nov.
Scandinavian Countries (Norway, Sweden, Finland) Semi-domesticated reindeer herded by Sami people; wild populations in mountains. ~250,000 in Norway alone. Limited hunting; mostly for locals or with special permits. Sami have herding rights, but public hunts exist in controlled areas. Seasons: Sep-Oct. Why: Culls excess animals to maintain herd health and reduce road collisions.
Russia (Siberia, Yamal Peninsula) Large domesticated reindeer herds (~2.5 million total); some wild. Managed by indigenous groups like Nenets. Hunting regulated by federal laws; often requires guides or tours. Seasons: Vary by region, typically fall/winter.
Greenland Wild caribou, but sometimes referred to as reindeer (~100,000, rebounding after overhunting). Residents are prioritized, but there are a few guided hunts for non residents available. Seasons: Aug-Oct.
Iceland The Icelandic reindeer has been recognized by Safari Club International as a distinct species from the European reindeer. So, there is now a new name for the avid reindeer trophy collectors to add to their lists. Reindeer hunting takes place in the highlands in the east of Iceland, in an area to the west of Egilsstadir which reaches to the foot of the Vatnajökull glacier. The hunting area is strictly controlled and is accessible only by a few foreign hunters yearly.
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