Gray partridges, a small game bird, are popular hunting targets. Although native to Europe, they also flourish across large areas of North America.
Hatcheries in the UK breed millions of partridges, which are then released for hunting. Partridges are found in small groups called coveys and breed on farmland.
Early mornings and late afternoons are the best times for partridge shooting. Partridges favor open fields and grassy areas.
The partridge hunting season varies with the area but in many regions it begins in September or October and runs through December. Hunters need to get an annual hunting permit from the state; the daily limits vary by area.
Most partridge hunters use either a 12-gauge or a 20-gauge shotgun for shooting partridge. A 12-gauge costs less while a 20-gauge will result in a faster kill.
A trained hunting dog is recommended for partridge hunting; a dog can be adept at helping flush a covey of partridge. The covey will usually fly for a few hundred years and then settle down. If the hunter keeps track of where the covey lands, they can be flushed again. After several flushes, the covey may break up and birds alight singly.
The shooter should keep his eyes on the bird. When shooting the hunter should keep his head down, place weight on the front foot, and keep the gun moving. Focusing on one bird is important as is watching carefully where the hit bird falls so that it can retrieved easily.
Shooters should not expect to hunt partridges during stormy or foggy weather or the day after a storm when the birds lie low.
