CAPERCAILLIE (Tetrao Urogallus L.)

Basic Information

The capercaillie is listed in the Red Data Book of Bulgaria as an endangered species. That`s why it requires a special permit from the Ministry of Environment and Waters. Only male capercaillies are allowed for hunting.

The natural habitats of the capercaillie in Bulgaria are the coniferous and mixed forests in the high parts of Rhodope and Rila mountains. Usually the mating places are situated at about 1500 m above sea level, where snow cover in April is not uncommon and hunters should be in a good physical condition.

Hunting takes place early in the morning before sunrise. Depending on the distance to the mating place and the weather conditions, the outing for hunting is about 3-4 h in the morning. The day starts by an hour of jeep ride and then another hour on foot approaching to the mating area. Capercaillie hunt is very specific and requires patience and discipline from the hunter, and a strict following of the hunting guide`s instructions.

The cock starts to sing at about 2-3 h early in the morning on the tree on which he has spent the night. His song is quiet and short. It can be heard at 200-300 m and lasts 5-6 seconds. He sings less frequently at the beginning of the mating session, but gradually fires up and sings almost without a break in the most intense period. During the singing he does not hear, but sees well. This is the moment when the hunter and his guide are waiting to make a few steps and approach the singing cock. At dawn, the capercaillie goes down to the ground, where it continues to sing intensively and occasionally makes noisy bounces. In calm weather, the cock mates until late – 9-10 AM, after that he rests and eats.