Rock ptarmigan hunting
Rock Ptarmigan Hunting
Experience rock ptarmigan hunting on an individual or guided day trip into Nuuk Fjord. Track this elusive Arctic bird across rugged tundra and snowy cliffs with expert local guides.
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Ptarmigan hunting adventure in Greenland’s Arctic wilderness
Experience one of Greenland’s most traditional and immersive Arctic adventures: a rock ptarmigan hunt in the vast wilderness surrounding Nuuk Fjord.
This is not a trophy hunt. It is a cultural, nature-centered experience — a chance to move through untouched tundra, read the land, and feel Greenland on its own terms.
Whether you’re an experienced hunter or trying ptarmigan hunting for the first time, this journey offers a rare encounter with silence, landscape, and tradition.
Into the Fjord — Where the Hunt Begins
Your day begins as we leave Nuuk behind. Within minutes, the city disappears, replaced by towering mountains, winding fjord arms, and the stillness of true Arctic nature.
During the journey, our crew shares their knowledge about the hunt ahead — how we select today’s recommended hunting spots, which landscapes favour ptarmigan movement, and how wind, weather, and seasonal patterns influence the day.
It’s a moment to tune your senses and prepare for the terrain you’re about to enter.
When we arrive in the chosen area, the boat slows, and we begin setting guests ashore in small groups — spaced across different parts of the landscape to give everyone the best possible experience.
A return time is agreed upon, and then the fjord becomes quiet again as you step into the wild.
The Hunt — A Quiet Craft in a Vast Landscape
Once ashore, everything changes. Sound becomes softer, the air sharper, and the mountains feel closer. Ptarmigan hunting is deeply tied to patience and awareness — a slow, observant way of moving across rocky ground and tundra.
Some days ptarmigan are plentiful.
Other days, they remain hidden until they suddenly burst into flight — demanding sharp eyes, steady steps, and respect for the land.
This is a hunt shaped by nature, not by haste.
Whether you spot one early or spend hours scanning the landscape, the reward is always the same: the silence, the terrain, and the feeling of being fully present in Greenland’s untouched wilderness.
Along the way, you might notice old tracks in the moss, small animal prints weaving across the ground, or the distant call of a raven echoing through the valley — subtle signs of life in a remote Arctic ecosystem.
How We Operate on the Hunt
Before we reach the hunting grounds, we prepare onboard and make a clear plan.
Our crew explains the area, the terrain, and how we divide guests into smaller groups to ensure an undisturbed and respectful hunting experience.
- Our hunters do not all hunt in the same location unless they prefer it
- You may choose where you’d like to be set off
- Our crew recommends good areas based on season, wind, and recent activity
- Each group receives an agreed meeting time and pickup location
When we reach the chosen fjord branch, the captain begins setting guests ashore one group at a time — spreading everyone across the valley for the best chance of encountering wild ptarmigan in quiet, natural conditions.
This method keeps the experience authentic, safe, and true to Greenland’s traditional hunting practices.
Itinerary
- Meeting Point
Meet us at the tidal steps (Tidevandstrappen) in Nuuk Harbour, where your captain welcomes you aboard. - Into the Fjord
We sail approximately one hour to reach today’s selected hunting area, chosen based on weather, snow conditions, and local knowledge of ptarmigan movement. - Drop-off in Small Groups
Guests are set ashore in groups across different parts of the fjord’s shoreline to avoid crowding and maximise the experience. - The Hunt
Spend time exploring ridges, tundra, valleys, and rocky slopes — scanning for ptarmigan and moving quietly through the landscape. - Return to Nuuk
At the agreed time, your captain arrives for pickup. We sail back through the fjord as the day settles, reflecting on the hours spent in remote wilderness.
Included in Your Tour
- Warm beverages (tea, coffee) and snacks
- Local captain and sailor
- Indoor seating in a heated cabin
- Spacious deck for panoramic views
- Onboard restroom
- Optional free loan of VHF radios
Not included / add-ons
- Rock Ptarmigan guide
- Rifle and ammunition
- Hunting license
Hunting License Information
If you do not hold a Greenlandic recreational hunting licence, an additional fee of 200 DKK per person is required to hunt legally.
Raw Arctic holds a special licence allowing us to bring guests on ptarmigan and hare hunts even without a personal Greenlandic hunting permit.
Under this arrangement, we are required to pay the fee to the Government of Greenland — this is therefore added to your tour price.
A master of arctic camouflage
How ptarmigans survive in the harshest conditions
The rock ptarmigan is perfectly adapted to Greenland’s extreme climate. In winter, their feathers turn pure white, blending seamlessly into the snow, while in summer, they molt into brown and grey tones to match the rocky tundra. This camouflage makes them one of the most challenging birds to hunt.
The thrill of traditional hunting
A connection to Greenland’s heritage
Hunting is deeply ingrained in Greenlandic culture, providing food and resources for generations. This trip offers a chance to experience a time-honored tradition, learning from expert local hunters who respect both the land and the wildlife.
Ptarmigan and the arctic food chain
Why this small bird plays a big role
Despite their size, ptarmigans are a vital part of Greenland’s ecosystem. They serve as a food source for predators like Arctic foxes and white-tailed eagles, while also helping to maintain plant growth by foraging across the tundra.
Hunting with sustainability in mind
Protecting Greenland’s wildlife for cuture generations
Sustainable hunting ensures that populations of ptarmigan remain stable for years to come. In Greenland, hunting regulations limit the number of birds taken, ensuring a balance between tradition and conservation. By following ethical hunting practices, we honor the land and the animals that inhabit it.
More than just a hunt
Experiencing the arctic’s breathtaking landscape
Beyond the hunt itself, this trip offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Greenland’s wilderness. The silence of the tundra, the sight of distant icebergs, and the crisp Arctic air make this experience as much about nature as it is about hunting.
The world of the rock ptarmigan
A master of arctic camouflage
How ptarmigans survive in the harshest conditions
The rock ptarmigan is perfectly adapted to Greenland’s extreme climate. In winter, their feathers turn pure white, blending seamlessly into the snow, while in summer, they molt into brown and grey tones to match the rocky tundra. This camouflage makes them one of the most challenging birds to hunt.
The thrill of traditional hunting
A connection to Greenland’s heritage
Hunting is deeply ingrained in Greenlandic culture, providing food and resources for generations. This trip offers a chance to experience a time-honored tradition, learning from expert local hunters who respect both the land and the wildlife.
Ptarmigan and the arctic food chain
Why this small bird plays a big role
Despite their size, ptarmigans are a vital part of Greenland’s ecosystem. They serve as a food source for predators like Arctic foxes and white-tailed eagles, while also helping to maintain plant growth by foraging across the tundra.
The world of the rock ptarmigan
A symbol of survival, tradition, and arctic wilderness
A master of arctic camouflage
How ptarmigans survive in the harshest conditions
The rock ptarmigan is perfectly adapted to Greenland’s extreme climate. In winter, their feathers turn pure white, blending seamlessly into the snow, while in summer, they molt into brown and grey tones to match the rocky tundra. This camouflage makes them one of the most challenging birds to hunt.
The thrill of traditional hunting
A connection to Greenland’s heritage
Hunting is deeply ingrained in Greenlandic culture, providing food and resources for generations. This trip offers a chance to experience a time-honored tradition, learning from expert local hunters who respect both the land and the wildlife.
Ptarmigan and the arctic food chain
Why this small bird plays a big role
Despite their size, ptarmigans are a vital part of Greenland’s ecosystem. They serve as a food source for predators like Arctic foxes and white-tailed eagles, while also helping to maintain plant growth by foraging across the tundra.
Hunting with sustainability in mind
Protecting Greenland’s wildlife for cuture generations
Sustainable hunting ensures that populations of ptarmigan remain stable for years to come. In Greenland, hunting regulations limit the number of birds taken, ensuring a balance between tradition and conservation. By following ethical hunting practices, we honor the land and the animals that inhabit it.
More than just a hunt
Experiencing the arctic’s breathtaking landscape
Beyond the hunt itself, this trip offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Greenland’s wilderness. The silence of the tundra, the sight of distant icebergs, and the crisp Arctic air make this experience as much about nature as it is about hunting.
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Let's answer all your questions!
Everything you need to know for your fly fishing adventure in Greenland – from gear tips to what you can expect to catch. If you can’t find your answer here, feel free to reach out to us anytime!
What should I bring for the ptarmigan hunt?
We strongly recommend:
- Packed lunch & water bottle
- Layer-based clothing
- Backpack
- Binoculars
- Small first-aid kit
- Garmin InReach (if you have one)
- VHF radio (you can borrow one from us for free)
- Small portable speaker (for safety calls or group contact)
- Hunting rifle & ammunition (if not renting
Do i need a hunting license for this hunt?
Not necessarily. If you don’t have a Greenlandic recreational hunting licence, a mandatory fee of 200 DKK per person is added to your tour. Raw Arctic holds a special permit that allows guests to hunt legally without their own licence — but under this permit, we are required to pay the 200 DKK fee to the Government of Greenland. If you already have a valid Greenlandic hunting licence, the fee does not apply.
