As usual here in Norway, the hunting season for grouse started on the 10th of september, and it was thus time for me to drive up to the mountians to spend a long weekend with my wifes family hunting these birds. The grouse we hunt is called "Rype" in Norwegian, "Ptarmigan" in English, and "Lagoopus lagopus" in Latin. We use English Pointers to hunt these grouse, although many other people here in Norway use the various Setter races, and some use German Shorthaired or Wirehaired Pointers.

This hunting is often quite hard walking, as the terrain can be steep in some places, and we are out all day. Thus, the backpack with gear, ammo, a couple of liters of water, and food for both ourselves and the dogs can end up quite heavy. As the weather can change quickly high up in the mountains, it is important to bring warm clothing and preferably a sack of some sort to crawl inside to sleep or seek shelter in if needed, even if the day starts out warm and with sunshine.

Myself, with my dog Tiko on the right, and my aunts dog Ciss on the left. I borrowed Ciss for the weekend:


Collecting a few birds I shot over Ciss:


A few of the many sheep that wander around in the mountains to fatten up. They are usually brought in by the owners in mid september:


Having a snooze during our midday break:


That mornings bag, which is a decent amount for this type of hunting:


My wife, and the dogs having a nap. Even though my wife is 4 months pregnant, she still toughed it out and joined me to go hunting:


The weather changes quickly, and the clouds rolled in the next day:





My father in law, who was a bit depressed after missing quite a few shots... Luckily, he got a couple of birds shortly after, and his honor was restored!


My Father in law together with his English Setter; Maya:


All in all, it was a nice few days with lots of walking, a bit of shooting, and good fun with the dogs.

Now that, by God, is bird hunting! Too much of what passes therefrom is simply bird shooting but not the Norwegian style. Well done, that man (and wife and father-in-law)!

They are the best tasting birds I've ever eaten !

The scenery reminds me of the Scottish Highlands, they look exactly the same.

Erik, you make me miss my setter. Had to sell him before I started studying.

Very nice pictures. I have to be my own dog this days. But how nice weather you have. It's not always like that in Norway.




Johan

Old Sarge said it first. That is hunting!!
Thanks for posting the great photos.
Gene

What breed of dog is Ciss?

By the way, nice photo's!
please post more if you have any.

quote:

Originally posted by Norseman:
What breed of dog is Ciss?

Both my dog and Ciss are English Pointers.

A few more pictures from previous seasons:





Note that the bird I am holding is not a Ptarmigan, but a female woodcock:

quote:

Originally posted by 308winchester:
Erik, you make me miss my setter. Had to sell him before I started studying.

Very nice pictures. I have to be my own dog this days. But how nice weather you have. It's not always like that in Norway.




Johan

Johan, sorry to hear you had to sell your setter. Dogs are alomst like ones own children, so it must have been hard for you.

As for the weather, I too have had many hunts in the snow, but usually not until later in the season. When the birds have turned more white, then the snow can often be for the better. I'm guessing though that your picture isn't from around sept 10th?

Nice pictures Erik and nice hunt!

There is one month(15 okt) until ptarmigan season starts here in Iceland after 3 years of ban and i like the rest of the hunters here an just exploding with anticipaiton to start!

How is the season in Norway and is there some game limit there?

Thanks for sharing those pictures with us!
Regards
Ben
Iceland

That's true Erik. The picture is from a winter field trial in january/february.

Johan

Erik,
great pictures!!! shooting how it should be!!
that shotgun looked mighty clean!! wipeout perhaps?

griff

Erik,

A fantastic hunting report accompanied by super photography!

Sounds like everyone had a great time!