Hunting Partridge: What’s the ethical shot to take?
In the state of Vermont, hunters can legally bag four partridge daily during the open season. Coming from someone who is pretty happy coming back from the woods with one or two, the limit seems like a milestone. I personally only know one person who has successfully done this time and time again. He also only shoots the birds in the air, never on the ground. If he sees one on the ground, he purposely stomps his foot to engage flight before taking the shot. Is ground shooting even ethical?
It’s Tricky
With its heart-stopping, thunderous takeoff, the partridge, or “ruffed grouse”, seems to come from out of nowhere while you’re walking through the woods. You catch a glimpse of it through the trees. In a split second, you pull your shotgun up to look down the barrel. You put the bead on the bird and get a shot off. The forest may be wide open hardwood, which can certainly up the chances of success. Although many times, the flight path went straight through the thickest softwood cover, instantly decreasing the odds. There are 350 pellets per ounce in a #7 birdshot shotshell. Only one of those pellets needs to hit the partridge. Sounds easy enough, right? Factor in how much time it took to take the shot, the distance, and the limbed obstacles, it’s sometimes quite a difficult task.
Sometimes it’s easier, but is it ethical?
As you hunt down an abandoned logging road, the same feathered game bird is 30 yards ahead pecking at the gravel. Quickly picking up the pace while getting ready for the shot, you’re able to close the distance five to ten yards. Before the partridge has a chance to flap a wing, you’ve managed to squeeze off a shot and in another 20 or so yards, you pick up your bounty.
Or perhaps, during your hunt, you scan the trees and see one of these birds perched on a branch. Easy picking? From experience, probably the easiest of the three methods. You haven’t yet spooked it, so it normally won’t fly off. Sometimes in the previously mentioned few-yard ground stalk, the distance is a little farther than the optimal shot will allow. In your attempt to get closer, you’re busted and away the partridge goes with all of its might. Out on a tree limb? This only requires a nonchalant walk in the general direction and taking the shot before anything realizes that it’s even been seen.
The age-old debate may be best left to the hunter
Some hunt for sport, and some hunt for meat. You may personally enjoy both aspects. Some see wild game presenting itself for an easy shot and quick kill as an opportunity to not pass up. Others appreciate being able to give that same bird or animal a fighting chance. Regardless, there’s no law for or against any of these methods of taking.
Where do you stand?
The next time you’re out alone on a crisp fall morning hunting grouse, take a few moments to reflect on your thoughts on this topic. Let your conscience, your refrigerator, and your sportsmanship be your guide.
