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Sami reindeer husbandry
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer. In the spring, Saanti sijte (Essand reindeer herding district) and Gåebrien sijte (Riast/Hylling reindeer herding district) migrate with the reindeer herds from Femund in the south, through Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen to their calving areas in the north in the reindeer herding districts. In summer and autumn, Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer before they follow their natural migration route south towards the winter pastures in Femund. Some reindeer may also remain in the area over the winter.
Sami reindeer husbandry
Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer. In the spring, Saanti sijte (Essand reindeer herding district) and Gåebrien sijte (Riast/Hylling reindeer herding district) migrate with the reindeer herds from Femund in the south, through Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen to their calving areas in the north in the reindeer herding districts. In summer and autumn, Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen are important grazing areas for reindeer before they follow their natural migration route south towards the winter pastures in Femund. Some reindeer may also remain in the area over the winter.
Southern Sami reindeer herding
This industry is the most significant factor in maintaining the Southern Sami language and culture. The landscape of Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen has always been shaped by the presence of reindeer. The open mountain birch forests have been shaped primarily by grazing reindeer. Here, you will find Sami cultural relics from the Viking Age to the present day. The diversity of cultural monuments reflects the Sami’s long-standing use of the landscape.
In early times, they hunted wild reindeer in large trapping pit systems. Later, this hunting-based reindeer herding was replaced by nomadic reindeer herding with milking the reindeer, and the entire family moved with the reindeer throughout the year. Today, a more extensive form of reindeer herding is practiced, but the reindeer still migrate between their seasonal pastures, governed by weather and grazing conditions. The reindeer follow the ancient migrations between the winter pastures around Femunden to the green pastures in the north.
The wild nature and low human activity in the area give the reindeer the necessary peace to graze.
Southern Sami reindeer herding
This industry is the most significant factor in maintaining the Southern Sami language and culture. The landscape of Skardsfjella and Hyllingsdalen has always been shaped by the presence of reindeer. The open mountain birch forests have been shaped primarily by grazing reindeer. Here, you will find Sami cultural relics from the Viking Age to the present day. The diversity of cultural monuments reflects the Sami’s long-standing use of the landscape.
In early times, they hunted wild reindeer in large trapping pit systems. Later, this hunting-based reindeer herding was replaced by nomadic reindeer herding with milking the reindeer, and the entire family moved with the reindeer throughout the year. Today, a more extensive form of reindeer herding is practiced, but the reindeer still migrate between their seasonal pastures, governed by weather and grazing conditions. The reindeer follow the ancient migrations between the winter pastures around Femunden to the green pastures in the north.
The wild nature and low human activity in the area give the reindeer the necessary peace to graze.
The 8 seasons of Sámi reindeer herding
Gijre-daelvie / Spring-winter: The reindeer migrate north from the Femund region towards the calving country. They are on the move.
Girje / Spring: Calving.
Girje-giesie / Spring-summer: The reindeer wander down to graze on green pastures in the valleys.
Giesie / Summer: ID-marketing of calves. In hot weather, the reindeer drive high into the mountains, partly to avoid insects.
Tjaktje-giesie / Autumn-summer: Uncastrated males are slaughtered.
Hunting / Autumn: Rutting season. Bucks find harems ahead of mating.
Tjaktje-daelvie / Autumn-winter: The reindeer move south – slaughter.
Daelvie / Winter: The reindeer move towards Femund for the winter. They are on the move.
Reindeer protection rules
As a hiker, please be considerate and remember:
- Keep your distance from grazing reindeer.
- Let reindeer herds pass by in peace.
- Be very careful around reindeer in winter and in spring during calving season.
- Leave reindeer herds on snowdrifts in peace in the summer. The reindeer stand there to avoid insects and cool down.
- Keep dogs on a leash.
- Enjoy the sight of the beautiful reindeer; use binoculars.
Reindeer protection rules
As a hiker, please be considerate and remember:
- Keep your distance from grazing reindeer.
- Let reindeer herds pass by in peace.
- Be very careful around reindeer in winter and in spring during calving season.
- Leave reindeer herds on snowdrifts in peace in the summer. The reindeer stand there to avoid insects and cool down.
- Keep dogs on a leash.
- Enjoy the sight of the beautiful reindeer; use binoculars.
Contact us
Verneområdestyret for Skardsfjella og Hyllingsdalen
Postboks 2600
7734 Steinkjer
Tlf. 73 19 93 11
Email: fmtlmsb@statsforvalteren.no
