Reindeer Herding

The life of a reindeer herder was not always easy. In the early days there were no motorbikes or snowmobiles in those days, so the herders had to get around on foot or on skiis.

David Roland was a reindeer herder. Here is what he said about his first time skiing:
"The first day I was hired, I had to ski out to the herd: fifteen miles. I'd never skiied in my life before. Boy! When I got to the herd I stayed in the tent for two days because my legs were so tired."
David Roland (PWNHC/TTKP Tape 53/Elisa Hart)

Border collies helped herd the reindeer, which made the herders' lives easier. The dogs would keep the reindeer together and bring them to the herder on command.

Roundup was an exciting time. It took a long time to get the reindeer into the corrals . Then they were counted and earmarked, and sometimes given medicine. Some of the animals were slaughtered.