From Iceland — Most Reindeer Mercifully Spared Being Hunted

Most Reindeer Mercifully Spared Being Hunted

Published August 17, 2016

Andie Sophia Fontaine
Photo by
Art Bicnick

Slightly fewer reindeer have been hunted so far this year than last year, and the majority allowed to be hunted this season are still running free.

RÚV reports that reindeer hunting season is upon us once again, lasting from July 15 to September 15 for bulls, and August 1 to September 20 for cows. Within this window, a quota of 1,300 reindeer may be hunted by those with the license to do so.

However, only 300 of these creatures have been hunted so far. This is slightly less than the number hunted at the same time last year, and the season draws to a close soon.

Reindeer are not native to Iceland, but were imported from Norway in the 18th century. Since then, they have done fairly well for themselves, even as their paths continue to cross with people to results both tragic and hilarious.

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