Partridge Country - A Northwoods Partridge Hunting Story - Project Upland Original Film

Partridge Country is a cultural exploration of the traditions of Ruffed Grouse and Woodcock hunting in northern New England without the use of dogs. Join Natural Born Hunter Podcast host Will Bradley as he submerges himself into Partridge hunting as it is referred to by the locals. Will is able to submerge himself in the past times and traditions of local Partridge hunting to understand deeper how traditions alter from one region to the next.
“You surround yourself with great people, in a great place, you are going to have a great experience. - Will Bradley
Many of us call it Ruffed Grouse Hunting, but to some partridge hunting is embedded into who they are. This is not about which way is better or which way is right. But to celebrate the traditions of bird hunting no matter how different, unusual, or old they may be.
“I took special note of that colloquialism because partridge hunting is also what they call it in northern Wisconsin, where I grew up hunting grouse. At least that was how my elders referred to it. Although where Vallee says “pahtridge hunting” with his New England accent, my Wisconsin grandfather emphasized the hard R, with “partridge”.
“My family also didn’t hunt grouse with dogs. We walked them up just like Vallee does. But not because of any sense of disapproval for their use - I’d love to hunt with a dog sometime - but more because of simple practicality and circumstance. - Wide Open Spaces
‘Project Upland’ is a bird hunting videos initiative to help promote the future of upland bird hunting through bird hunting videos, online blogs and other media outlets. Geared to not only capture the essence of the “Grouse Woods” it seeks to inspire a future generation of upland bird hunters in all sporting traditions. Whatever your game from Pheasants to Ruffed Grouse these are your stories of the bird hunting videos epic series.

[@darendth8594]

Nice video. As a southern NH, ME dogless upland hunter I appreciate the traditions of dog and dogless hunting for: “Pahtrige”, “Pats”, “Thunderbird”, along with “Woodies”, “Timber Doodles” or “Doodles”. Raised in RI with limited coverts I was blessed with a family tradition of wild bird hunting. Also blessed with a Brittany pup as a teen. We trained Sam and he’s my “one great bird dog”. Hunting S NH and ME for 18 years now I’ve learned enough to now bring new pups of friends out to find their first birds. I do still enjoy the solitude earning my badges of briar cuts and wearing out brush pants and shirts. Feeling truly blessed as I head to the covers with my Sterlingworth Fox 12 SS (Imp/ Mod) that’s been passed for three generations. Carrying the traditions of those generations is very special. Thanks for the video.

[@jimmyVT]

Well said Daren. I am over in VT and also a dogless hunger. Prob 90% of my hunting i am alone. I do hunt with buddies with trained dogs and untrained dogs and each experience is unique. There is no 'right way' in my book. I got started bird hunting late; mid 30s. Am 50 now and making up for all those lost years by hunting as much as possible . I cannot wait to flush birds this fall; which is my i am watching this video again, in july.

[@johngoodell2775]

thank you for talking about not road hunting. Maine is the only place I have ever lived where straight road hunting is not only totally normalized but literally "the way its done" by the majority.

[@keithzastrow]

lol then you've never been to Michigan's U.P. That's the only way the locals up there do it. No not me.....I use my dog......but Yoopers almost always road hunt.

[@keithcrackett1992]

I prefer to hunt with dogs. Just my preference. Great quality video 👍

[@allenhughes12]

I hunt with Boykin Spaniels. No beeping or bell ringing. Those mountains are a lot like the Great Smokey Mountains where I hunt. It's rough going.

[@philipmorphew6301]

Chukar Partridge or Hungarian Partridge?

[@ProjectUpland]

The film is about Ruffed Grouse but referenced as "Partridge" from the cultural area where the film was shot.

[@hermit6208]

In northern NH, 'pahtridge'.

[@christophercox8712]

@@hermit6208 Likewise in Maine

[@RealGrandDini]

dogs

[@rickmarshall7882]

Hunting with dogs are called being lazy

[@joeellis4013]

We train them 12 months out of the year bro, If anybody is lazy it’s y’all lol.

[@boaterbill5346]

Why should the dogs have all the fun, when I hunt I want to be the hunter not just the shooter, and I find a dog annoying and distracting and In my experience I do much better alone, plus they are just a pia in general to train and care for

[@matthewkillam4378]

You’ve never hunted over a well trained and good grouse dog obviously. Working with a dog as a team is one of the best things in the world

[@boaterbill5346]

@@matthewkillam4378 to each is own, again I want to hunt, not watch my dog do it, I hunted behind dogs and find no joy in watching them do my job, if you do, great

[@keithzastrow]

I feel so sorry for misguided people like you. Just wow.

[@keithzastrow]

Horrible video and that guy in the beginning is a horrible guy IMO. People who hunt grouse without a dog are considered a second rate citizen. Just wow. Shameful.