Dusty,
Ptarmigan have subspeices just like grouse, Willow and Rock are at least two of the subspecies willows live on the tundra and Rocks are mountain dwellers,we actually have Rocks up near Mt Baker,there is no season for them but we do have them,I've seen them in both color phases up there, summer brown and winter white.
Thats awesome! Are those Willow's? Got to get the pup up there and give those birds a try.
They are Ptarmigan. Like a upland bird except they have dark meat like duck. We fried the birds the next day for breakfast before I flew out so they are tasty.