Hunting the male capercaillie begins on 15 March and ends on 20 May.
The capercaillie, our largest woodland grouse, is impressive both in appearance and behaviour.
It is almost one metre long, weighs around four kilograms and has a wingspan of approximately 140 centimetres. Males are larger than females and can be recognised by their colouring: a black neck with greenish shades, a dark back with lighter markings and white patches on the shoulders. Females are more simply coloured in rusty grey with black striped markings. Their legs are covered with feathers, while beneath the beak they have a black beard and above the eyes a red crescent-shaped patch. They are truly magnificent birds.
Their diet includes buds, seeds, tree fruit, insects, caterpillars, worms and snails. In winter they feed mainly on conifers and buds.
Mating takes place in late April and early May. The males fight over the females and try to gather the largest possible group of hens during the mating period. They attract the females with their song in the early morning hours. During this display they may temporarily hear and see very poorly, making them vulnerable during the hunt.
The females lay up to twelve eggs in a nest on the ground and incubate them for 28 days. The young birds are able to fly after nine weeks.
Unfortunately, capercaillies have many natural enemies, including wild cats, martens, foxes and owls. The young are often killed by predators or severe weather.
They are hunted during the mating season, and the trophy usually consists of a mounted head, neck and tail feathers.
Hunting dates and methods are provided for information only. Final dates, permits and conditions are confirmed in accordance with the regulations in force and the rules of the relevant hunting ground.
