Ptarmigan hunting is a winter sport and calls for a great deal of walking. Some
hunters use snow scooters and specially equipped 4wd vehicles to seek the birds farther
into the mountains but ptarmigan hunting will always be the walkers
sport". Winter sets in differently early and quite unannounced, so hunters
have to be prepared for all kinds of weather and should dress accordingly. On the first
day the hunters are transported to their accommodations (hunting lodges or hotels) near
hunting the locations, which are among the most successful ones in the country. Ptarmigan
hunting involves quite some walking in hilly landscapes and birchwood areas, sometimes on
snowy ground during the daylight hours.
The ptarmigan appears individually or more
together in differently large flocks. The ptarmigan is well camouflaged, white in winter
and brown in summer,
so one has to keep alert to spot them in time. The ptarmigan is not so
difficult to predict. Weather and food play a big role in its behaviour
pattern and usually it sticks to its natural habitat, making it relatively
easy to trace and find. Semi automatic or double barrelled 12 gauge shotguns
are permitted. For automatic ones, three cartridges are the maximum. All
types of cartridges are available in Iceland. |

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