In every discussion among hunters passionate about pointing dog hunting, there will almost certainly be talk of partridge hunting.
The undisputed queen of the great plains, steppes, and hills where careful agriculture acts as its cradle, the partridge is found in many countries, particularly in Eastern Europe: Serbia and North Macedonia. It is precisely the latter destination that has provided great excitement in recent years, hosting the hunting of the elite game bird par excellence, in vast open spaces and gentle hills characterized by wild and authentic landscapes, appealing to all hunters passionate about their dog’s work.
The adventure in Macedonia will be a journey to discover lands, customs, traditions, but above all hunting grounds suitable for partridges, such as the area of Bitola, a Macedonian town emblematic of this type of hunting.
In a hunting trip focused on partridges, your faithful companion will undoubtedly be your invaluable assistant.
To hunt partridges in Macedonia, your dog must first have its own European pet passport. This can be obtained from your local health authority (ASL) after your veterinarian administers the rabies vaccination, with an approximate waiting period of 30 days. After this, your dog will be ready to travel with you, of course, after a bit of physical training!
The preparation of your hunting companion is crucial, so we recommend taking them on outings a few weeks before departure to “get their breath” and prepare them for the intense hunting days ahead. Nutrition is also key; their diet should be changed 7-8 days before departure to include high-quality protein and fats, allowing your dog to perform at their best during the hunt.
During the hunting season, given the intensity of hunting hours, you may assist your dog with a joint supplement to ensure they perform at their best during the hunts.
If you think only dogs need preparation, training, and nutrition, you’re mistaken! For hunters, too, preparation is crucial for the long days ahead. In Macedonia, you can expect long walks through stubble, crops, and hills; typically covering around 15-25 km a day!
If you have any doubts about which guns and ammunition are best to bring along, we recommend 12 or 20 gauge shotguns with barrels measuring 70/71 cm and 3-star chokes. Additionally, the most suitable ammunition for this game includes lead shot sizes 7, 6, or 5 with weights of 34/36 grams.
Macedonia is situated on the same parallel as Italy, so the temperatures are similar to those on the Italian peninsula. However, we suggest always carrying windproof and waterproof gear with you, as the city of Bitola is located at an altitude of 700 meters in the Pelagonia region, shared between Greece and North Macedonia.
Partridges represent the ideal game for any pointing dog, and some dogs are even attributed with the characteristic of being “partridge dogs” or “starnisti”. These dogs typically possess all the hunting qualities that a true hunting dog should have.
In particular, we refer to their approach with coveys (family groups of partridges composed of more than 30 individuals). A “partridge dog” must have the right temperament, a mix of firm assertiveness combined with cautious attention. This ensures that once the covey is pointed, they feel safe, as the dog is positioned at a suitable distance from the hunter. A dog that is either inattentive or too fiery could alarm the covey, causing them to instinctively flush out of range, resulting in a premature flight.
This type of feather hunting is especially chosen by enthusiasts of canines, who enjoy watching their dogs in action across territories ranging from the immense and majestic Macedonian mountains to hills and gentle plateaus.
From as early as August, large coveys of partridges populate this territory, and from October onwards, you can hunt them with your pointing dog, experiencing one of the most thrilling and traditional hunting experiences in the Balkans!
Contact us to find out more about partridge hunting in Macedonia!
