Are they like blue grouse, and let you walk right up to them, or do they flush/run from longer distances? As I plan my 2007 caribou hunt, I'm trying to avoid bringing a shotgun due to baggage limitations... If they are as elusive as a Wyoming blue grouse, I'd be eating well at night if I bring a slingshot. Does anyone haave any experience with these birds?

MrH - I saw a lot of ptarmigan in the Mackenzie's, some would flush, most would run, some would just stand there. The guides said to "rock them". In lieu of a more sophisticated weapon, I think if you can hit a tin can at 20-feet with a stone, you will eat well.

In the rocks behind these guys there with 8-10 more, and I guess they thought they blended in as I walked right up to them (I wasn't hungry at the time!). It seemed to me that something that would shoot some of those "snakeshots" would be real handy.

You don't need a shotgun. A 22lr or a stick will work fine.

Wait until evening, when the sky still has a bit of light and the ground is quite dark. Make a snare with about a 3" loop of fine copper wire, and put it on the end of a stick that's 8' long or so. (Use about 8" of wire between the loop and the stick.) The ptarmigan will sit in the willows, and while they might act nervous, are very reluctant to fly. Just gently ease the loop over their necks and tug. Works good on most grouse, in fact.

They have about the best camo of any bird out there; they're almost invisible in summer or winter. I've had flocks of them clucking almost right around my feet on gravely ground, and couldn't see them! About the only way to see them is to look for their beady little eyes.

They're pretty dumb.I played five games of chess with one once and he only won twice.

quote:

Originally posted by ray m:
They're pretty dumb.I played five games of chess with one once and he only won twice.

Thanks for the laugh Ray

quote:

Originally posted by trapntrav:
Thanks for the laugh Ray

Ditto!

quote:

They're pretty dumb.I played five games of chess with one once and he only won twice

And they can't spell worth a shit either.

mrHawg,where and when are you going hunting?

.