Black grouse shooting in Vestland
Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29
Black grouse is among the quarry species in Vestland. Black grouse hunting over a pointing dog in the boreal forest is a classic. The bird tends to sit on the ground on bogs or clearcuts and flushes heavily with a characteristic whoosh. It gives a short shooting window, and you need to react quickly.
Distribution
The black grouse is found throughout mainland Norway, but is most numerous in the coniferous belt from Agder to Troms. The densest populations are in Trøndelag, Innlandet and the inner parts of Northern Norway.
Terrain
The black grouse thrives in the transition between coniferous forest and mountain birch woodland, often in terrain with bogs, clear-cuts and young forest. Bilberry and birch buds are important food.
Weight
Greyhen: 700–1000 g, blackcock: 1000–1400 g
Terrain in Vestland
Vestland is the land of fjords and mountains. Sognefjorden, Hardangerfjorden, and Nordfjord cut between steep mountains. The coast is mild and wet with lush forest, while the interior has large mountain areas. Hardangervidda in the east is Europe's largest high mountain plateau. Vestland has Norway's densest red deer population.
Shooting black grouse
Look for tracks and droppings on bogs and clear-cuts. Black grouse often stay in the same areas through the season. A well-trained dog makes a big difference.
Plan the day
Other game in Vestland
Sep 1 – Dec 23
Moose shootingSep 25 – Oct 31 (limited range)
Roe deer shootingAug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)
Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan shootingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Wild reindeer shootingAug 20 – Sep 30 (Hardangervidda)
Western capercaillie shootingSep 10 – Dec 23
Mountain hare shootingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Greylag goose shootingAug 10 – Dec 23
Red fox shootingJul 15 – Apr 15
Black grouse shooting in other counties
Frequently asked questions
When is the black grouse shooting season in Vestland?
The season for black grouse in Vestland is Sep 10 – Feb 28/29. Local regulations can shorten or extend this.
Where does black grouse live in Vestland?
The black grouse is found throughout mainland Norway, but is most numerous in the coniferous belt from Agder to Troms. The densest populations are in Trøndelag, Innlandet and the inner parts of Northern Norway.
Can I find ground to shoot black grouse in Vestland?
Yes. Landowners across Vestland offer days on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available ground.
Ready for a day out in Vestland?
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