Top Bird Hunting (Toppfågeljakt)

Capercaillie and Black Grouse Top bird Hunting

General Information About the Hunting Method
Top bird hunting is a classic and highly appreciated hunting method in the northern parts of Sweden, especially in Norrland and Dalarna. The hunt takes place during winter, usually from December to February, when black grouse and capercaillie sit in treetops feeding on needles, pine buds, or birch catkins.

This form of hunting requires good stalking skills, patience, and precision. The hunter must approach the birds without being detected, often in deep snow and cold weather, and then make a well-placed shot using a rifle.

Game Species
Top bird hunting is mainly directed at the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), which often sits in small groups in birch or pine treetops, and the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), usually a solitary male, occasionally several males in the same area within older pine forests.

Hunting Season
The hunt is carried out during the winter half of the year, when snow covers the ground and daylight hours are short. The exact hunting dates vary between counties and regions, but generally run from November 1 to February 15 in northern Sweden. Hunting during snow-free periods is not considered top bird hunting.

How the Hunt Is Carried Out
Hunting is conducted on foot, sometimes using skis or snowshoes, in quiet, windless, and cold weather when the birds are sitting still in the treetops feeding.

The hunter uses binoculars to scan treetops for birds sitting openly in pines or birches. Once a bird is spotted, the stalking begins – slow, methodical, and with the wind in the hunter’s face. The terrain, snow, and tree trunks are used to approach within shooting distance, typically 80–150 meters.

When the opportunity arises, the hunter uses support from skis, a backpack, or shooting rest to make an accurate shot aimed at the thick neck (the white spot on a capercaillie). Shots to the central chest should be avoided as they easily ruin the meat.

Firearms and Ammunition
Firearm classes used are Class 1 or 2 rifles. Common calibers include .222 Rem, .223 Rem, .22–250, .243 Win, and similar. Full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are typically used to minimize meat damage. Shooting distances usually range from 60 to 150 meters, sometimes longer with good visibility. A riflescope with low to medium magnification and good light transmission is recommended.

Top bird hunting requires high shooting skill and precision. Only stationary birds should be shot, and the background of the bullet must always be safe.

Terrain and Weather
Hunting takes place in old pine forests, along bog edges, heaths, or in sparse mountain forests where the birds perch in treetops. The best results are achieved in clear, windless, and cold weather when the birds are calm and remain perched for longer periods. During snowfall, strong wind, or thaw, the birds tend to fly between trees and are more difficult to approach.

Ethics and Safety
Top bird hunting requires respect for the game and strict rifle discipline.

Only shoot stationary birds with a safe bullet backstop. Avoid shots where the bird is silhouetted against the sky. Do not shoot into flocks. Always be cautious about safe bullet trajectory and background. An ethical top bird hunter prioritizes well-placed, safe shots and is always prepared to perform tracking if the bird does not fall immediately.

Equipment
Recommended equipment includes a Class 1 or 2 rifle, riflescope with good light transmission, and support such as a backpack, bipod, or skis. Binoculars are essential for spotting birds. Clothing should be warm, quiet, and winter-adapted. Skis or snowshoes help with stalking in snow. A backpack is used to carry harvested birds.