Good omens for partridge season, despite everything

As the lowland season gets under way, partridge keepers and shoot managers say both wild and reared birds are now doing well. 

This is despite torrential summer weather this year — which with a cool spring resulted in a disappointing start for grouse — and elevated levels of predation across the country. 

Shooting Times contributor Simon Garnham said: “It’s been a cool, damp spring and summer in Essex, so breeding has not been good with the wild birds. 

“I lost two decent broods of early grey partridges. I reckon this was a combination of predation from jackdaws and low levels of insects for them to eat,” he added. 

“Regarding released birds, it’s going well. I’ve released 50 greys which have settled beautifully. The mallard seem in decent shape too. They’ve feathered up quicker than I ever remember and are all ringed as part of a BASC monitoring project. The covercrops are in healthy shape so I’m optimistic.” 

George Mann, who manages the Little Braxted partridge shoot in Essex, said: “Where does the time go? I know I’m behind when we are trying to put partridge nets on in the maze cover and that cover is already standing 6ft tall. 

“Zac the keeper is remarkably busy with vermin control. I have to say the biggest problem we’ve had this year with ground-nesting birds and young chicks are herring gulls We are quite close to a town and just seem to attract them. They are an awful nuisance and do so much damage. 

“All the birds are in now and seem to be settling nicely. Every day they’re growing in confidence and venturing further out across the farm and getting stuck into the food. We try to have five drinkers to one food station; however, this doesn’t always happen with the hedge-cutter going round.” 

Archie Cadzow, shoot manager on the Isle of Luing, told ST: “We pushed our partridges around on the first day of the season as we’d put on a ladies’ day for our female beaters. It gave us a chance to test a couple of new drives. 

“It is filthy weather for the poor partridges, but they’ve had to get used to it this season. Our policy of getting partridges early and releasing after only a couple of days has stood us well, though, as it allows them to get fit and strong well in advance of getting shot at.”