        
Sederholm Game Farm
68687 County Hwy C
Highbridge, WI 54846
715/274-7306
sederholmgamefarm@yahoo.com |
REINDEER
HISTORY
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On September 21, 1891,
the first small group of reindeer landed on Amaknak Island,
Alaska, proving that the deer could be transported alive from
Siberia. Photograph in the 1984 Report on Introduction of
Domestic Reindeer into Alaska.
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In September of 1891 Sheldon
Jackson purchased 16 reindeer from Siberian deermen. After
hoisting the reindeer onto the Bear they sailed over 1,500 miles
along the Siberian coast. After a three week journey they
arrived in the harbor of Unalaska on Amaknak Island. This was
the first introduction of reindeer into the United States.
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Reindeer have been domesticated in Eurasia for at
least 5,000 years. In their home land they are a versatile live
stock. They are used for meat, clothing (hide) utensils and
tools (antlers/bones) also riding, packing, driving and of
course reindeer games. The reindeer is not native
to the United States. In 1892, 171 reindeer were brought by boat
from Russia to Amaknak Island, Alaska. This was recognized
as the beginning of the reindeer project.
Siberian
herders were hired to assist in the first transport of reindeer
to Alaska and to train young Eskimos in herding skills.. |
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Reindeer used as mail carriers
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Reindeer as pack animals |
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10 mile sled
race 1917
Reindeer are
docile animals and well adapted to the presence of humans
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Today reindeer live throughout the Arctic in
Russia, China, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Alaska and the lower 48
states. In Alaska they are raised in large herds mainly for
meat. In the lower 48, they are mainly an exhibit animal.
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