Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting in Nordland

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan is among the huntable species in Nordland. 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 Nordland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Many terrains close ptarmigan hunting early (December or January) based on local population assessments. Always check with the landowner or terrain manager.

All hunting seasons

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.

Weight

Willow ptarmigan: 400–700 g, rock ptarmigan: 400–600 g

Terrain in Nordland

Nordland stretches from Helgeland in the south to Lofoten in the north. The county has varied terrain: from the flat bogs of Helgeland to the sharp peaks of Lofoten. Saltfjellet forms a natural boundary between south and north. The tree line is lower than farther south, and birch forest dominates in the mountains.

Hunting 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.