Black grouse hunting in Troms og Finnmark

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Black grouse is among the huntable species in Troms og Finnmark. 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 Troms og Finnmark

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 Troms og Finnmark

Norway's largest and northernmost county. Finnmarksvidda is Europe's largest wilderness, endless plateaus with dwarf birch, bogs, and lakes. Troms has more mountains and fjords, with steep alpine formations. The coast has midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter. The tree line is low, and the forest boundary can be at 300–400 meters above sea level.

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.