Black grouse hunting in Innlandet

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Black grouse is among the huntable species in Innlandet. 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.

Season in Innlandet

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

All hunting seasons

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 Innlandet

Innlandet is by far Norway's largest hunting county, with everything from lowland forests in Hedmark to mountain areas in Jotunheimen. Østerdalen and Gudbrandsdalen are classic moose terrain with large continuous forest areas. The mountain areas Rondane, Dovrefjell, and Jotunheimen are home to wild reindeer herds. Meadow forests and cultural landscapes provide good conditions for roe deer.

Hunting 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.