HuntinSpain, Caza en España

THE CHALLENGING “PERDIZ ROJA”

The spanish “Red-Legged Partridge" is a beautiful, well proportioned, game bird that has been a challenge to wingshooters from many years. The speed and height of the red-legged partridge varies depending on the wind and terrain. They vary their flight pattern much more than Scottish Grouse and in one drive you can expect to be surprised by a covey at treetop height, followed by birds almost out of range.

Huntinspain is very well known all over the hunting world because we organize and provide some of the most famous Red legged partridge hunts in Spain, with the most challenging and spectacular high birds you could ever imagine. This is the reason why we operate with some of the most exclusive groups from all over the world. As everybody knows this teams only accept great quality birds.

In the wide world of wing shooting, the “perdiz roja” (Alectoris rufa) of Spain, holds a special place in the hearts of international shot gunners. Many argue, that properly presented in hilly terrain, this is the most challenging game bird that flies. All agree, there is nothing quite like shooting with good friends, squadrons of wild, sporty birds, combined with the lovely accommodations, good meals, and the warm days and crisp nights typical from Spain.

THE CLASSIC DRIVEN SHOOT

The traditional Spanish shoot is a driven shoot. Beaters flush the birds over a distance and drive them past a line of shooters.

Here you will experience quality shooting, the environment and terrain produces good and strong flying birds that will test the skill of even the most accomplished wing shooters.

Shooters have between four and five drives each day and average a daily bag of 500 partridges.

Challenging shooting, abundant game and the pleasant, mild climate make wing shooters ideal.

Each day’s shooting begins with the “tomelot” or drawings of lots for the first blind positions. For the rest of the day, shooters rotate their positions in each drive, staying in the order established by the draw. The draw allows shooters to have an equal chance at centre and end line blind positions. This way in every drive you will change your neighbours and your positioning in the line.

In the blind, both a “cargador” or loader and a “secretario” or spotter joins the shooters. In most instances, the blinds are natural, consisting of bushes and using the contours of the rolling terrain, in order to take advantage of the wind direction during drives; however, transportable camouflaged blinds are also used.

The terrain is fairly rugged in this region and guns are most often positioned down the fall line of a hill.

At the conclusion of the drive, “secretarios” and loaders, retrieve downed birds and the line goes back to the vehicles for a cool drink. Between second and third drive, an excellent lunch is served in the fields. At day’s end a “Tableau” of partridges bagged for the day is displayed.

Non-shooters can either join the guns in the field, or alternatively, a private vehicle and hostess will be available for sightseeing and shopping in Salamanca.

THE EQUIPMENT

Shooters will need two shotguns and soft, protective cases for the field. You may wish to purchase the cases in Spain. A matched pair of shotguns is ideal, but not necessary. Twelve gauge side by-sides with automatic ejectors are recommended. For those who prefer a smaller gauge, twenty gauge shotguns are acceptable as well. Autoloaders or pumps are permissible.

For the flushing of the birds and for the retrieving we use "labs".