Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting in Viken

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas)

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

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas)

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 Viken

Viken surrounds Oslo and stretches from the Oslo Fjord to the Swedish border. Østfold in the south has agricultural landscape and coastal forest. Akershus has suburban forests with surprisingly good hunting. Buskerud in the west has everything from cultural landscape to mountain forest and Hallingskarvet. Varied terrain provides many hunting opportunities.

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.

Plan the hunt

Willow Ptarmigan and Rock Ptarmigan handbook

Species facts, behaviour and identification.

Hunting in Viken

County terrain, species and statistics.

Game reception stations

Where to deliver and process game.

What is the hunting worth?

Estimate the value of hunting on your ground.

Other game in Viken

Red deer hunting

Sep 1 – Dec 23 (expanding population)

Moose hunting

Sep 25 – Oct 31

Roe deer hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)

Wild reindeer hunting

Aug 20 – Sep 30 (Hallingskarvet/Norefjell)

Western capercaillie hunting

Sep 10 – Dec 23

Black grouse hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Mountain hare hunting

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Greylag goose hunting

Aug 10 – Dec 23

Red fox hunting

Jul 15 – Apr 15

Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting in other counties

Agder

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Innlandet

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Møre og Romsdal

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Nordland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Rogaland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Troms og Finnmark

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Trøndelag

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Vestfold og Telemark

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Vestland

Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Frequently asked questions

When is the willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting season in Viken?

The season for willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan in Viken is Sep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas). Local regulations can shorten or extend this.

Where does willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan live in Viken?

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.

Can I find grounds to hunt willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan in Viken?

Yes. Landowners across Viken offer hunts on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available grounds.

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