When back country skiing in Iran a few years back, i saw tracks of some type of grouse at about 3000 meters altitude. They were way too big to be ptarmigan, but it is possible that they were ptarmigan tracks distorted by wind. Does anyone have any idea what tracks these could have been? In size and shape they looked very much like capercaillie.

This was between Shemshak and Dizin. What a fab place for skiing, and what a place it would have bben to hunt

Could it have been the caspian Snow Cock? http://www.pbase.com/image/97653908

They are probably related to the Himalayan Snow Cock - about the size of a large pheasant & they breed at 3000 meters.

Could well have been. Thanks!