Western Capercaillie
About western capercaillie hunting
Capercaillie hunting is among the most exclusive hunts you can do in Norwegian forests. A cock can weigh over five kilos, and watching a big bird flush from the pines is something you don't forget.
The hunt is done with a pointing dog in mature coniferous forest. The terrain is physically demanding with lots of windfall and uneven ground. The dog has to work close and systematically, as capercaillie often sit in dense spruce cover and flush late.
In autumn the birds feed on berries, mushrooms, and greens. Later in winter they switch to pine buds and needles. Tracking fresh capercaillie tracks in the snow and following them until you locate the bird is a specialised form of hunting that takes experience.
A 12-gauge shotgun with size 2–3 shot is necessary. Capercaillie are big and tough and require solid hits.
Hunting Season
10 Sep – 23 Dec
The cock (capercaillie) and the hen are hunted in the same period. Many terrains have their own limits on the number of cocks that may be taken.
Weight
Hen: 1.5–2.5 kg, cock: 3.5–5.5 kg
Distribution
The capercaillie is found in coniferous forest from Agder to Troms. The best populations are in Trøndelag, Innlandet and Nordland. The species needs large, continuous tracts of coniferous forest.
Terrain
Old, mature coniferous forest with bogs and bilberry is typical capercaillie terrain. The cock needs large territories with access to lekking grounds in spring. Pine forest with rich ground vegetation is ideal.
Identification
The cock is dark with a greenish-black breast and white spots on the belly. The hen is mottled brown with a rust-coloured breast.
Hunting Tips
Search old pine forest with bilberry. Capercaillie are creatures of habit and use the same areas year after year. Early morning gives the best results.
Western Capercaillie hunting by county
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