Rock ptarmigan: federal hunting status
The rock ptarmigan is huntable under the federal Hunting Act, with a closed season from 1 December to 15 October; the exact dates remain cantonal.
The rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) is listed among the huntable species in Article 5(1)(l) of the Federal Act of 20 June 1986 on Hunting and the Protection of Wild Mammals and Birds (Hunting Act, SR 922.0). Federal law sets a closed season for this species from 1 December to 15 October; outside that window hunting remains possible subject to cantonal law. Cantons may extend the closed season or shorten the list of huntable species on their territory (Art. 5(4)); with the prior consent of the competent federal department (DETEC) they may also temporarily shorten the closed season (Art. 5(5)). Opening dates, hunting grounds and any quotas therefore depend exclusively on the cantonal rules in force, to be checked with the cantonal hunting authority.