Maine Hunters Debate Grouse And Partridge Gear
Veteran shooters in Aroostook and southern counties distinguish between the two upland birds by terrain and weapon choice rather than biology.
By Ricardo Alvarez ·
Maine upland bird hunters distinguish between ruffed grouse and partridge based primarily on location and terrain rather than biological differences. In Aroostook County, the species is the ruffed grouse, while southern Maine hunters typically pursue partridge. The distinction dictates the specific equipment, tactics, and environments favored by veteran sportsmen in the state.
Hunters targeting grouse generally traverse brushy areas and second-growth bushes. They often use bird dogs to locate the game and rely on electronic callers to attract the birds. These hunters typically carry double-barrel 20-gauge shotguns. In contrast, partridge hunters favor slow movement along backwoods roads or old skidder trails. They often look for birds perched on stumps or sunning on banks, frequently using well-worn single-shot shotguns or older pump-action models.
Experienced gunners argue that the difference between the two pursuits is largely geographical. Many waterfowl and upland enthusiasts prefer to shoot only when the bird is in flight. However, some veterans hunt both sitting, running, and flying birds. They note that the distinction becomes irrelevant once the meat is prepared for cooking.
Ruffed grouse populations fluctuate based on weather conditions during spring hatching. In low years, hunters may walk or drive all morning to find only one or two birds. In high years, a hunter can reach the daily bag limit within an hour. During these abundant seasons, many hunters alter their tactics to increase the difficulty of the hunt.
Greg Palm of Presque Isle, a recent big game Grand Slam winner, uses a five-shot .410 Ruger Judge revolver for this purpose. Other hunters prefer .22 rifles with low-power scopes. Their reasoning is that a headshot preserves the meat, and a missed shot often allows for another attempt further down the trail. Some veterans switch to double-barrel or single-shot shotguns to limit their range and focus on accuracy rather than volume.
A specialized group of grouse hunters uses only .410 or 28-gauge shotguns. These individuals often rely on well-trained dogs to hold the bird until it flushes. This tactic forces them to shoot only flying birds. The combination of uneven ground, thick cover, and smaller pellet loads in the shells creates a high-adrenaline environment for each attempt.
In the previous fall, two hunters were observed using archery equipment to bag brush chickens. One used a compound bow, while another used a crossbow two weeks later. Both hunters had birds in their vests but had also missed several opportunities. Archery is considered a challenging method for upland birds, requiring high precision.
The current partridge season has produced above-average results. Hunting remains open until the end of December. Many veteran hunters plan to adjust their gear and techniques to maintain the challenge. For these participants, the method of the hunt is often more important than the final count.
