The ptarmigan population in Iceland is the strongest it has been for decades, according to recent reports by RÚV and Vísir. As the hunting season begins, this resurgence has led to a renewed interest in ptarmigan hunting across the country.
Despite the increasing interest this year, the number of ptarmigan hunters in Iceland has decreased substantially over the years, according to RÚV. This decline comes even as wildlife authorities confirm the current abundance of ptarmigan.
In recent weeks dozens of gun owners have attended hunting courses organised by the Shooting Association of Iceland (Skotveiðifélag Íslands). Vísir reports that there has been a considerable rise in new prospective hunters attending these courses and completing both the firearms exam and hunting license course.
Bjarnþóra María told Vísir, “Good ptarmigan hunting is not about killing the most ptarmigan.” She added, “Many wanted to finish (their courses) before the ptarmigan season.” (quotes translated from Icelandic)
Background
The Natural Science Institute of Iceland (Náttúrufræðistofnun) is a state institution formed on 1 July 2024 following legislation passed earlier that year. It was created by merging the National Land Survey of Iceland (Landmælingar Íslands), the Nature Research Station at Mývatn and the former Natural Science Institute of Iceland. The institute is run by the Icelandic government.
Sources
- RÚV (first reported) in Icelandic
- Vísir in Icelandic
