Capercallie and black grouse are our largest forest birds, and stay in Norrbotten throughout the year. Capercallie and black grouse are hunted both for their meat, but also for the purpose of sport as a hunting trophy. In terms of taste, the capercallie dan have a strong "wooden"  flavour. The older the bird gets, the more flavour the meat takes on. Both capercallie and black grouse are considered difficult game to hunt, so many choose to convert their carefully shot birds into a trophy.

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Capercallie and Black grouse are hunted from August 25 - February 15 in Sweden. Until November 15, both hens and roosters may be hunted, but after that only hunting of roosters is permitted. Around the same date that the hens become protected, we stop hunting black grouse and capercallie with dogs, because the terrain and temperature are too tough for them. Between August and October grouse and grouse are usually hunted with a bird dog, and from november until the end of the season in 15th february, top bird hunting ("winter stalking") is conducted.

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The capercaillie is best cooked in stews, stew pans, "pulled capercallie" or as barbecue skewers. The black grouse is more tender with less of a forest flavor, and is prepared like a chicken fillet or as the main ingredient in a dinner dish.
 

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