Alaska Ptarmigan Hunting

Crystal Creek Lodge offers the class act of guided Alaskan upland bird hunts. We have been guiding upland hunts since 1993 and have given extraordinary consideration toward the development of the hunting program.

Hunters are provided with carefully researched, productive covers, experienced and competent guides, carefully trained pointing dogs of exceptional breeding, quality double guns and all other appropriate hunting equipment.

Willow Ptarmigan are the game and they are prolific in Southwest Alaska. They are excellent sport for the wing shooter. They also make excellent table fare. Our chef will prepare and serve your game upon request.

Ptarmigan hunting season begins in southwest Alaska on August 10 of each year and goes through the end of the Crystal Creek Lodge season. All birds are wild. Seeing and flushing bird numbers into the hundreds is not unusual on any given day in the field.

The local upland hunting range includes numerous covers within the normal area of flight operations. Covers and birds exist in sufficient quantities that we are able to offer all of our upland hunters at least one opportunity to be the first guns on one section of cover. We seldom visit covers more than twice per season and give the covers sufficient rest between visits.

Alaskan upland hunts are conducted by one guide directing a maximum of two hunters. The country is big and the vistas extraordinary. Pointing dogs steady to wing and shot locate and hold game.

We recommend that you bring your favorite double gun; otherwise a 12 or 20 gauge double gun can be provided. Appropriate ammunition is provided as are blaze orange strap vests. You must provide waterproof upland hunting boots.

The terrain shown is typical cover. While the overall terrain is relatively flat the ground is uneven and 1-3 miles of walking is typical during the course of a hunt. Participating hunters should be in good
physical condition. Please inquire.