Norway has, unlike the rest of Europe, no traditions for keeping deer in parks. But we know from the middle-age that red deer were kept as semi-domesticated animals on the coast of Nordland. During the first part of this century, Fallow deer were imported from Europe to a few locations. Later, some animals have crossed the border from Sweden into southeast.

In Norway interest in deer farming became serious in the early 80s, just after the success in New Zealand had become well known. The first deer-farm was established in 1984. In 1988, Norsk Hjorteavlsforening (NHF - Norwegian Deer Farmers Association) was founded. Today NHF has 75 members totally. In 2004 there are 46 Red deer farmers and 14 Fallow deer farmers. Some parks also keep deers. After the slaughtering period in 1997 approximately 600 Red deer, and 170 Fallow deer were kept in farms in Norway. The average deer-farm has a herd of about 30 female deer.

Deer farming is only slowly growing in Norway, and will hardly become a big industry. Annually Norway imports 25 tons of venison, and in addition Norwegian hunters culls more then 20.000 Red deer (1000 tons). Despite this there still is a high demand for venison in Norway. As the number of deer-farms is increasing, NHF is working on a breeding programme and a common trade system for the farmers.

The Norwegian Red Deer Centre is recently established as a resource centre for everyone with interest for Red deer, whether they are domesticated or wild. The centre will through information, research, courses and seminars raise the knowledge on deer in Norway. In cooperation with NHF the centre will contribute to develop the Norwegian deer-farming industry.

National Representatives Norway