Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan shooting in Viken
Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas)
Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan is among the quarry species in Viken. Ptarmigan hunting means mountains, dogs, and wide-open views. The dog ranges broadly, locks on point, and you walk in for the flush. That's how it's been for hundreds of years.
Season in Viken
Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas)
Many terrains close ptarmigan hunting early (December or January) based on local population assessments. Always check with the landowner or terrain manager.
All open seasonsDistribution
The willow ptarmigan is found in mountain birch woodland and on plateaus from Agder in the south to Finnmark in the north. The rock ptarmigan keeps higher, in scree and bare mountain. The densest populations are in Troms, Finnmark and Trøndelag.
Terrain
Ptarmigan terrain ranges from mountain birch woodland and willow scrub (willow ptarmigan) to open bare mountain with scree (rock ptarmigan). Typically in the transition zone between forest and mountain, around 800–1200 m above sea level in Southern Norway and lower further north.
Weight
Willow ptarmigan: 400–700 g, rock ptarmigan: 400–600 g
Terrain in Viken
Viken surrounds Oslo and stretches from the Oslo Fjord to the Swedish border. Østfold in the south has agricultural landscape and coastal forest. Akershus has suburban forests with surprisingly good hunting. Buskerud in the west has everything from cultural landscape to mountain forest and Hallingskarvet. Varied terrain provides many hunting opportunities.
Shooting willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan
Hunt with the wind in your face so the dog gets the best possible scenting. The first hours after sunrise are the most productive. Follow the local census reports to judge the population.
Plan the day
Other game in Viken
Sep 1 – Dec 23 (expanding population)
Moose shootingSep 25 – Oct 31
Roe deer shootingAug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)
Wild reindeer shootingAug 20 – Sep 30 (Hallingskarvet/Norefjell)
Western capercaillie shootingSep 10 – Dec 23
Black grouse shootingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Mountain hare shootingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Greylag goose shootingAug 10 – Dec 23
Red fox shootingJul 15 – Apr 15
Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan shooting in other counties
Frequently asked questions
When is the willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan shooting season in Viken?
The season for willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan in Viken is Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas). Local regulations can shorten or extend this.
Where does willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan live in Viken?
The willow ptarmigan is found in mountain birch woodland and on plateaus from Agder in the south to Finnmark in the north. The rock ptarmigan keeps higher, in scree and bare mountain. The densest populations are in Troms, Finnmark and Trøndelag.
Can I find ground to shoot willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan in Viken?
Yes. Landowners across Viken offer days on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available ground.
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