Hunting season begins for ruffed grouse in East Iceland with extended opportunities
Ruffed grouse hunting has begun in East Iceland, with an extended hunting season that allows enthusiasts to pursue this game almost until Christmas. Today marks the first day of the season, which entails significantly more hunting days than in previous years. Locals in East Iceland enjoy the most opportunities, with a total of 43 hunting days.
This season, hunters are reminded that they can hunt up until December 22, while the broader hunting period concludes on November 19 elsewhere. In the Westfjords, enthusiasts get an additional five days, ending the season on November 26. Overall, hunters can go out five days a week, avoiding only Wednesdays and Thursdays. Specific limits on the number of grouse that can be harvested have not been established, but hunters are encouraged to practice moderation, and selling the game is prohibited.
Environment Agency officials are also appealing to hunters to assist in monitoring the grouse population. They ask hunters to submit one wing from every bird they harvest for analysis, which will help determine age demographics within the population.
On the safety front, Icelandic Search and Rescue is advising hunters to choose their hunting days wisely, inform others of their plans, and ensure their equipment is in proper working order. They also recommend downloading the 112 app, which can expedite emergency assistance and allow users to share their location in case of trouble.
Weather conditions on the season’s opening day have been influenced by a storm system bringing wind and rainfall across the region, though more favorable weather is expected for the upcoming weekend, which could offer ideal hunting conditions.