As I write this almanac it would be fair to say that shooting is gradually getting back to a level of normality. The keepers of my acquaintance have been getting this season’s poults into the release pens and despite the odd hiccup in the weather, things seem to have been progressing pretty well - pheasants have feathered up well and the partridges are ready to go. September of course heralds the start of the partridge season.
When I was keepering I found these very attractive birds extremely frustrating. My part of Devon certainly wasn’t what you would call ‘partridge country’ and, for the few seasons I tried them, my efforts certainly weren’t crowned with success. However, in the right areas there is no doubt they do provide testing and exciting sport.