Caribou herd size, structure, recruitment and distribution in the Paamiut region were last investigated in 1995. To obtain information on current conditions, this study first documented local knowledge about the two caribou herds, Neria and Qassit, in the Paamiut region. Hunter interviews and community meetings were held. The knowledge gained structured the subsequent aerial reconnaissance for caribou minimum count, herd structure, autumn recruitment rates (calves/100 cows) and distribution. The helicopter reconnaissance took place between 28 September and 4 October 2000. As per local hunter instructions a series of spaghetti transects were flown over the ranges of Neria and Qassit herds. A fresh snow layer covered the terrain for all flights and greatly improved caribou sightability, since the presence of fresh tracks allowed rapid localization of actual animals.