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Presenting partridge
Partridge shooting is arguably one of the most varied and rewarding fieldsports in the UK, says BASC’s Ged Hudson.
On the edge of moorland
Few gamebirds offer a more diverse sporting experience than the partridge. From the heritage and subtlety of the native grey to the thrilling spectacle of redlegs from cover crops, partridge shooting has something to offer every shooter.
Partridge shooting over rough ground on a moorland fringe is as close as some sportsmen and women will come to experiencing driven grouse shooting.Â
Birds lift off banks, often showing themselves high and fast against wide horizons. They gather pace quickly, skimming down over ridges and curling across gullies, testing reactions and precision. Here, the natural contours shape the day, replacing game crops and tinting the experience with a wild, spontaneous and wonderfully unpredictable feel.
Traditional lowland partridge
The classic image of partridge shooting, however, is most associated with the lowlands. This is where greys and redlegs alike are driven from stubbles, arable fields and cover crops.Â
Walked-up partridge shooting in September is a rare and treasured experience, especially when wild greys are the quarry. They rise low and fast, demanding quick hands and sharp eyes.Â
Partridge driven over tall hedges create that timeless sporting picture: twisting birds breaking across the line, calling for instinctive gun handling.Â
Both styles are steeped in heritage, where every bird is hard-earned and every covey is memorable.
Dedicated partridge days
Modern driven partridge shooting, especially with redlegs, has evolved to become a spectacle in its own right. With careful planting of game crops and clever use of valleys, partridges can be presented high, fast and curling, keeping the Guns on their toes all day.Â
After the long off-season, an early partridge day is often one of the first dates in the shooting calendar; a real highlight of the sporting year. Dedicated partridge days deliver drama, pace and variety that make them a favourite across the country.
Mixed partridge and pheasant days
Many shoots now combine partridge and pheasant drives within the same day, offering contrast and variety. Partridge provide fast, testing shooting, while pheasants demand different skills and reactions.Â
Some drives contain both species, with partridge often lifting first and pheasants following on. This adds an extra layer of challenge. The mix showcases the ground’s diversity and keeps Guns on their toes, making for a day that feels balanced, lively and full of character.
"The mix showcases the ground’s diversity and keeps Guns on their toes, making for a day that feels balanced, lively and full of character."
Highlight of the season
However they are presented – whether in tight coveys over stubble and natural features or mixed with pheasants on a varied day – partridge bring a unique flavour to the sporting year.Â
Each style offers its own rewards and together they ensure that partridge shooting remains one of the most diverse and enjoyable forms of game shooting in the UK, providing the highlight to many a shooter’s season.
Feature image credit: Andrew Cavanagh. Article image credits: Will Pocklington.
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Gerald Hunston
Gerald Hunston is BASC’s gamekeeping and working dog advisor.
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