Reindeer herding and gathering by helicopter — efficient and gentle
The helicopter is today the most important tool for modern reindeer herding in the mountains. We have extensive experience with herd gathering, driving to reindeer corrals, slaughtering and marking — in close cooperation with reindeer owners in Trøndelag, Helgeland and southern Nordland.
Why choose a helicopter for reindeer gathering?
Reindeer herds are often spread across vast mountain areas that are extremely difficult to reach by other vehicles. Traditional gathering by snowmobile or on foot takes days and requires a large crew. With a helicopter we gather the herd efficiently in hours instead of days.
Equally important — perhaps more so — is that the helicopter is considerably gentler on nature. No vehicle tracks across fragile mountain terrain, no disturbance of other wildlife, no wear on vegetation. Many reindeer owners choose us precisely for these environmental reasons.
Services for the reindeer-herding industry
- Gathering of reindeer herds — driving to the corral for calf marking, slaughtering or relocation
- IR search for animals — a thermal camera locates the reindeer in dense terrain or poor visibility
- Relocation between summer and winter pastures
- Search for losses following predator attacks
- Monitoring and surveillance of the herd throughout the year
- Transport of personnel, equipment and feed to gathering and slaughter facilities
How the operation is carried out
Operators most often fly the Eurocopter AS350 BA — powerful enough to perform in mountain terrain, yet light enough for precise manoeuvring close to the herd. The pilot understands reindeer behaviour and drives the herd naturally without frightening the animals.
We work closely with the reindeer owners on the ground to ensure an efficient and responsible operation, and deliver services throughout the year — from calving in spring to the slaughter season in autumn.
Pricing and booking
Reindeer gathering is normally priced as an hourly rate including mobilisation and reporting. Fixed framework agreements can be arranged for reindeer-herding districts, siidas and companies with recurring needs throughout the year. Emergency assignments (predators, herd drift) are mobilised within hours.
Send us details of the location, number of animals, type of gathering and preferred date — we will provide a quote within one working day.