Western capercaillie hunting in Viken
Season: Sep 10 – Dec 23
Western capercaillie is among the huntable species in Viken. 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.
Season in Viken
Sep 10 – Dec 23
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.
All hunting seasonsDistribution
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.
Weight
Hen: 1.5–2.5 kg, cock: 3.5–5.5 kg
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 western capercaillie
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.
Plan the hunt
Other game in Viken
Sep 1 – Dec 23 (expanding population)
Moose huntingSep 25 – Oct 31
Roe deer huntingAug 10 – Dec 23 (bucks from Aug 10, all from Sep 25)
Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29 (Hallingdal/mountain areas)
Wild reindeer huntingAug 20 – Sep 30 (Hallingskarvet/Norefjell)
Black grouse huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Mountain hare huntingSep 10 – Feb 28/29
Greylag goose huntingAug 10 – Dec 23
Red fox huntingJul 15 – Apr 15
Western capercaillie hunting in other counties
Frequently asked questions
When is the western capercaillie hunting season in Viken?
The season for western capercaillie in Viken is Sep 10 – Dec 23. Local regulations can shorten or extend this.
Where does western capercaillie live in Viken?
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.
Can I find grounds to hunt western capercaillie in Viken?
Yes. Landowners across Viken offer hunts on Hunta. Create a free account to browse available grounds.
Ready to hunt in Viken?
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