Before starting a discussion on population management of the Icelandic reindeer it might be good present certain historical and ecological points.  Large natural herbivores didn´t exist in Iceland before the reindeer was introduced over 200 years ago and the vegetation is vulnerable to grazing.  Secondly the reindeer live in an area that was, and still is, utilized by farmers as pastures for sheep and other livestock and for wood plantations in the lowlands.

When it became clear that the reindeer were here to stay and were thriving and multiplying, a management plan was needed to hinder deterioration of highland pastures and encroachment of cultivated land.

The management plans have changed and evolved with time.  What started as an uncontrolled harvest with primitive means, by a few keen and sturdy farmers 200 years ago, has become a highly desired and strictly managed hunt. 

The range of the reindeer is separated into nine hunting areas and the annual quota is divided between these areas to disperse hunting pressure and prevent too high density in any region.  Quota is given out yearly based on annual information about density, population size, composition of age and sex and other information.  Condition of pastures or complaints about encroachment on cultivated farmland is also considered. Quota suggestions are put forth annually by East Iceland Natural History Institute to the Reindeer Committee and sent from there to the Ministry of Environment where the final decision is made.

The hunting season is from 15 July until 15 September. Between 15 July and 1 August hunting is restricted to adult bulls outside the main cow-calf areas. Hunters are encouraged to harvest calves that belong to culled females; other calves are protected and so are male yearlings.

The Wildlife Management Department of The Environment Agency of Iceland is in charge of hunting in Iceland and regarding reindeer hunting it works in close collaboration with East Iceland Natural History Institute. Most of the income from the hunting is shared amongst landowners.

Every hunter has to hire a specialized reindeer guide who makes sure that the hunt is performed safely and correctly.  The assistance of experienced guides helps to fill the set quota and thus all management is made more effective and exact.  The reindeer guides record certain information about the killed animal and may gather samples for research purposes if required.