Ptarmigan Pair

Willow Ptarmigan

Lagopus lagopus

Field Guide
Core 9

Range

Arctic and subarctic willow country across Alaska and northern Canada; Lower-48 opportunity is not realistic.

Habitat

Willow thickets, wet tundra, brushy river bottoms and low subalpine slopes.

Best timing

Early fall before full winter conditions, with timing dependent on latitude and local access.

Identification

Larger and more willow-associated than rock ptarmigan. Plumage changes seasonally; the tail remains black.

Public-land starting points

Best bets for the quest

Accessible tundra and willow country subject to unit regulations

Road-access and fly-in willow habitat

Open areas and seasons designated by the province

How to hunt the habitat

1Plan logistics, weather margins and emergency communication before choosing a hunting drainage.
2Focus on willow-lined creeks and berry cover where family groups feed.
3Check identification carefully when rock ptarmigan may share nearby elevation bands.