Partridge hunting: a sense of freedom and peace pervades you, and your eyes get lost in the vast, bare, and rugged spaces. It is here, on the Macedonian peaks, that you can hear the metallic song of the “gray queen of the rocks”: the partridge.
Frequenting its mountains is a privilege for hunters and dogs. Partridge hunting requires sacrifice, but when you finally encounter the covey, the emotion is indescribable.
Macedonia is one of the most interesting destinations for hunters passionate about partridge hunting and, more generally, hunting with pointing dogs.
Thanks to agriculture remaining in the hands of small farmers who have maintained crop diversification over the years, alternating between tobacco and vegetable plantations, stubble fields, and fallow land, the Macedonian terrain represents the ideal habitat for true, native game.
Rocks and mountains are the kingdom of the partridge, which finds its home among crevices and steep places.
A hunting day often begins with a tough climb, but the surrounding environment, the dedicated search by the dogs, and then the encounter with the covey will create unforgettable memories.
“I still remember my first partridge bagged in Macedonia. I was with my friend Federico hunting for grey partridges when, on the last day, we decided with our guide Peter to head up the mountain.
Peter, a Macedonian boar hunter like many others there, knew the area perfectly and told me that a few days earlier he had seen a substantial covey of KAMENJARKA (partridges in the local language) flying.
We set out very early that morning and after two hours of walking, we were greeted by a fantastic sunrise. We stopped for our first break to listen to the song the partridges emit early in the morning, to locate the coveys and determine the direction of the hunt.”
Not even ten minutes had passed when a harmonious call surprised us, and almost simultaneously, the response of an old rooster echoed in the valley…
My friend and I exchanged excited glances, eager to bag our trophy, and we climbed to the peak. We searched for the partridges all morning, up and down both sides of the mountain, but found no trace of the Queen.
It was around 12:30 PM, and exhausted, we decided to climb one more rocky ravine. Suddenly, my pointer came to a statuesque point. Just seeing his point overwhelmed me with emotion.
I tried to reach him in every possible way, signaling to my hunting partner to stay lower. After a few minutes, I found myself next to the dog, who was still, enchanted by the scent he had “captured.” I looked up to see if my friend Federico was in position, and at that moment, the fluttering of about ten partridges caught me off guard!
They headed down the ravine we had just climbed, and with a shot, I managed to bag one. Behind it, a cloud of feathers fluttered in the air, and a cry of liberation and joy escaped my mouth. I pointed to the spot where the partridge had fallen and encouraged the pointer to retrieve it. There he was, emerging from the rocks below me with the long-awaited prey in his mouth!
This was my first partridge bagged on the majestic Macedonian mountains, where sunlit meadows, harsh winds, and silent rocky slopes provide the backdrop to one of the most thrilling point hunts in the Balkans! Days that free the mind and nourish the spirit of the partridge hunter.
The body is still at home, but the spirit and mind already roam the Macedonian heights and mountains, eager to set off again.
Hunting for partridges is a highly specialized pursuit that leaves little room for improvisation. These wild birds challenge both men and dogs with demanding yet rewarding trials, leading them to places they never thought they could reach.
The Partridge
The partridge, a bird from the Phasianidae family, is found in the mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and Africa.
It is medium-sized, measuring about 35 cm in length and weighing around 500 g. Its plumage is bluish on the upper parts and chest, with a black stripe on the forehead and a white patch on the throat. The belly is white with black spots.
A ground-dwelling bird, the partridge inhabits open environments such as meadows, pastures, and sparse woods. It is a social animal, living in coveys of 10-20 individuals.
The partridge is omnivorous, feeding on a variety of plants, including grass, leaves, berries, and seeds.
The breeding season for partridges runs from April to June. The female lays 10 to 15 eggs, which she incubates for about 25 days. The chicks are able to fly roughly two weeks after hatching.
The partridge is a fascinating bird and an important part of the mountain ecosystem. It deserves to be hunted with passion and respect.
Suitable Guns and Calibers for Partridge Hunting
The best guns and calibers for partridge hunting provide adequate power and precision, even at relatively short distances.
The most commonly used caliber for partridge hunting is the 12 gauge, which offers a good balance between power and maneuverability. The 20 gauge can also be used; it is less powerful but more manageable. However, hunters need to be skilled marksmen to avoid merely injuring the bird.
The beautiful and original Benelli 828 SAI over/under perfect for this type of hunting
The length of the barrels is another crucial factor to consider. Barrels between 67-71 cm are the most suitable for partridge hunting, as they offer a good balance of accuracy and maneuverability.
The choice of chokes should be based on personal preferences and the specific characteristics of the hunting terrain. Generally, a cylinder or improved cylinder choke is sufficient for taking down partridges at short range. For longer distances, an improved modified or full choke is advisable.
Regarding cartridges, it is recommended to use cartridges with a lead load of about 34-36 grams. The shot size should be chosen based on personal preferences and hunting conditions. Typically, shot sizes 5 or 6 are sufficient to reliably take down a partridge with a single shot.
In summary, the ideal setup for partridge hunting includes a 12 or 20 gauge shotgun with 67-71 cm barrels, appropriate chokes for the hunting range, and cartridges loaded with 34-36 grams of lead shot, size 5 or 6. This combination ensures a balance of power, precision, and handling to make the hunt both challenging and rewarding.
With its pistol grip and an ergonomic forend design the Beretta A400 Upland over and under shotgun is perfect for this hunt,
Here are some examples of shotguns and calibers that can be used for partridge hunting:
– Over-and-Under or Semi-Automatic Shotgun in 12 Gauge: With barrels measuring 67-71 cm and cylinder or improved cylinder chokes.
– Side-by-Side Shotgun in 12 Gauge: With barrels measuring 67-71 cm and cylinder or improved cylinder chokes.
In conclusion, choosing the right shotgun and caliber for partridge hunting is a personal decision that should be made based on your needs and the characteristics of the hunting terrain.
If you also want to experience a truly special partridge hunting adventure in Macedonia, don’t hesitate to contact us!
