>>2151590(2/2)
Ptarmigan are another matter. They are used to only encountering hikers and are almost never hunted so they are super trusting of humans in most areas if you do not have a dog. They have stupidly good camo though and are nearly impossible to spot if they sit still despite living in short grass. First time I hunted them, I went for a 5 mile hike to get up above the treeline. I hunted around for a few hours, then stopped at a old well-sized rock structure of some kind near the trail before I had to head down because it was getting late. I spotted one walking and took the shot quick. After I shot, two more stood up so I got them as well for my limit. As I looked for the third one I shot, I started hearing a peeping. There were 2 more that didn't even fly after I shot and killed 3 of their flock members. They just walked around, peeping quietly and not even afraid of me. I ended up looking for a full 10 minutes all while the two survivors stood there peeping before I found the final one. Even though I knew the exact area it dropped, its camo was so good I just couldn't find it at first. Most guilt inducing experience I have had hunting, and I haven't hunted them since.
The only other upland birds I have shot at were some woodcocks I have incidentally ran into while ruffed grouse hunting years ago. Never managed to hit one though, they are so tiny and unpredictable I never had a chance with my total beginner wingshooting skills at the time.
