Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan hunting in Troms og Finnmark

Season: Sep 10 – Feb 28/29

Willow ptarmigan and rock ptarmigan is among the huntable species in Troms og Finnmark. 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 Troms og Finnmark

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 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 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.