Flying Reindeer Hunting Closed
— ADF&G Press Release

Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, Alaska 99811-5526

Press Release: December 23, 2024

CONTACT: Shannon Mason, shannon.mason@alaska.gov

Flying Reindeer Hunting Closed

Rudolph, spotted this summer visiting northern Alaska. © ADF&G

(Juneau) — As flying season fast approaches for magic reindeer, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reminds hunters that the season is closed from December 24 - 25, 2024. Advisory Announcement CO-12-2024 was issued to reindeer named Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Donner, Blizen, and, of course, Rudolph.

Last season, many ADF&G offices reported an increase in the number of calls and questions regarding magic reindeer. Santa's reindeer (R.t. saintnicolas magicals) look similar to common reindeer or caribou but have many characteristics that distinguish them from the seven other common subspecies.

"We do not know why the saintnicolas magicalus don't shed their antlers; some have reported them to be in velvet in December," said Alaska Department of Fish & Game Commissioner Douglas Vincent Lang. "They retain their antlers year-round. The population is small, and their range is limited to the North Pole area, with one notable seasonal exception. Researchers differ over whether the annual night flight of R.t. saintnicolas magicalus may technically be considered a migration."

Santa's reindeer's diet during December consists almost entirely of carrot snacks with a little sparkly oatmeal. This enables them to fly long distances during short periods of time in unfavorable visibility conditions.

While feeding wildlife is generally prohibited in Alaska, it is permissible to provide carrot snacks and glitter-laced oatmeal on Christmas Eve should the faint sounds of harness bells and hoofbeats be detected on the rooftop.

More information on Santa's magic reindeer is available on the ADF&G website:https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=santasreindeer.main