I went out yesterday before the clouds, wind and fog got too much and bagged 11 Ptarmigan's. I went out with my wife and took a drive, didn't take any photos, the weather was just too bright, overcast...white reflecting off white and trying to take pictures of something white...well is more work than play and I wanted to play!

I use my Ruger 10/22 that I converted to a .17 HM2 and it is an accurate little SOB. The problem I ran into is the little bullets are bullied by the wind quite easily. Made for an interesting day and challenge, on a couple 100 yards shots with a crosswind of 20 mph, I had to adjust about 6 inches. Those little bullets get there fast though, I think I have found my new spring Ptarmigan rifle!

Saw some Geese also...a couple more weeks and I will report back on that.

I always loved hunting Ptarmigan in the hi country of CO. Just getting above tree line in the high peaks is exhilarating.
We usually used a 22 and do head shots at real close range as they can be approached pretty easily. I would think the 17HM2 would be ideal.
Good job.....and they sure do taste good.
TG

jchtrh,

you guys have snow geese or cacklers?

(guess I coulda put that in there to begin with)

AKMAN

This post has been edited by akman: May 1st 2009 3:35 PM

We get all the Geese in these parts. Mostly Speckle Bellies and Cacklers. We get quite a few Black Brants and Emperor Geese. We usually don't see the Snow Geese until the fall.

So far, I have seen Cacklers, Speckle Bellies and Black Brants this spring. They should be here in full swing within a week or two.

So, rifle for ptarmigan is pretty common? I always imagined it was wingshooting only. Bird hunting - I love it....but gotta have a dog.

Yes it is and I will explain why, we live in the Tundra and there are no trees...only Alders further inland. We cannot stalk the Ptarmigan within distances to use a shotgun, so we use .22's mainly to hunt them. The Waterfowl however, is strictly Shotgun...lots of ponds lakes and rivers with long grass to wait and call them in. No Dog required up here, but it would be nice...that's what little brothers and Son's are for .