Winter Hunting the Musk Ox in Greenland

Winter hunting takes place during a period when the landscape is covered in snow and the frozen ground allows for efficient travel to remote areas where muskox herds roam. During this time, game animals tend to stay in more compact groups, which increases the chances of successful observation and the selection of an appropriate individual. Although the weather can be challenging, it also creates an authentic atmosphere of Arctic adventure.

In winter, the animals are in peak condition, and their coats reach optimal quality—ideal for processing hides or obtaining a representative trophy. It is also a quieter time of year, when herds are more stable and their movements more predictable.

 

Destination

Greenland / Western Coast and Territories, Kangerlussuaq

 

Event Duration

6 days / 4 hunting days

 

Game

Musk ox, polar reindeer, and small Arctic game (hare, fox, ptarmigan)

 

Transport

Air travel (Vienna - Copenhagen - Kangerlussuaq and back)

 

Meals

Full board

 

Weapons

Provided on-site, included in the tour cost

 

Accommodation

Hunting camp

 

 

Hunting Information

 

Greenland, the world's largest island, is a dream come true for nature lovers and hunters alike. The stunning scenery beyond the Arctic Circle is breathtaking and provides memories that will last a lifetime. Greenland offers untouched hunting areas with fresh air, where there are no electrical poles in sight, and the only sounds you hear are your own and those of nature. At night, the stars are brighter than you’ve ever seen, unless they are overshadowed by the magnificent Northern Lights, which we may see in all their glory in this region.

 

Our hunting area is situated near the inland ice, about a 90-minute drive by off-road vehicles from Kangerlussuaq in western Greenland. Søndre Strømfjord, or Kangerlussuaq as it's known locally, is crossed by the Arctic Circle, meaning that in summer it never truly gets dark, while in mid-winter, there is almost no daylight except for moonlight and the fantastic Northern Lights. During March, when our hunt takes place, there are more than 12 hours of daylight daily as the days lengthen quickly at these latitudes. Winter here offers a good chance to hunt snowshoe hares, ptarmigans, or polar foxes.

 

Hunting the musk ox is truly exhilarating. This animal must be approached with respect as it can charge if it feels threatened. The approach to the musk ox is conducted on ATVs, which have proven to be more effective than dog sleds, although less authentic. Once a herd is spotted in the distance, the hunt begins. The shooting distance of 100 - 200 meters is achieved by stalking, which can cover distances of 200 to 1500 meters. Success rates for the hunt in recent years have been 100%. After a successful musk ox hunt, there will be an option to hunt reindeer for an additional fee. In March, however, old bulls have already shed their antlers, so the hunt will focus on bulls up to 4 years old.

 

Musk Ox (Ovibos moschatus)

 

The musk ox is rightfully part of the European "Big Five." It inhabits the tundra and is more closely related to sheep and goats than cattle. Musk oxen originally inhabited the eastern coast of Greenland, but fjords, glaciers, and waterfalls prevented their colonization of the entire island. In the early 1960s, 27 musk oxen were released near Kangerlussuaq – an unbounded hunting area of 6,600 km². Over the last 40 years, the population has increased, and it is estimated that there are at least 7,000 animals. The vegetation and feeding conditions in this district are so good that musk oxen here are 15% larger than in other parts of Greenland, with fully grown bulls weighing around 400 kg.

 

Equipment and Gear

 

Hunters must be well-dressed during the hunt, and the rental of comfortable seal skin clothing, including an overall, boots, and gloves, will help with this. Due to the spring season, night temperatures are expected to be around -20°C and daytime temperatures around -10°C. The dry air and lack of wind make the perceived temperature quite pleasant. Besides authentic clothing, modern hunting rifles will be prepared for use, included in the tour cost.