Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan
About willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting
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.
A pointing bird dog is most common — English setter, pointer, or German wirehair. The dog covers large expanses and uses the wind to pick up the birds' scent. When it stops on point, there are birds ahead.
The first weeks after September 10th are often the best. The broods still hold together and the birds are young. Later in autumn, hunting gets harder as the birds become more wary and sit tighter.
A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun with size 3–5 shot is standard. Many prefer 20-gauge to save weight in demanding mountain terrain.
Hunting Season
10 Sep – 28/29 Feb
Many terrains close ptarmigan hunting early (December or January) based on local population assessments. Always check with the landowner or terrain manager.
Weight
Willow ptarmigan: 400–700 g, rock ptarmigan: 400–600 g
Distribution
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.
Identification
Brown with white wings in summer. In winter entirely white (willow ptarmigan) or white with a black tail (rock ptarmigan).
Hunting Tips
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.
Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan hunting by county
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