Peter Patenaude, a registered Maine guide, has been a Filson advocate for over six years. His blog Boot & Canoe, focuses on traditional skills and Maine’s outdoor heritage. Peter shares some more tips for a successful partridge hunt. 

Partridge hunting can be a difficult thing. Chasing those small brown and tan chickens through the woods is sometimes a very frustrating experience, even if you have fully prepared for, and researched, the hunt. When starting out, a dog spoiled me by letting me know when a grouse was nearby. She was a great companion that taught me many lessons and will surely never be replaced– I think her last lesson was to teach me how to find small game on my own. Over many seasons spent in the woods, with both successful and unsuccessful trips, I have come to realize certain patterns and tricks for finding birds.

1. Habitat- Look in wet places; I will often jump multiple grouse after originally only spotting one, so be ready.

2. Trees- Do not only look on the ground. Partridge will often sit up in trees and you can commonly see groups of 4 or 5 of them in the same one.

3. Listen- I cannot count how many birds I have found by hearing them walk in the leaves.

4. Time and Temperature- Pay attention to both of these. You will start to notice a pattern of when certain roads and areas “turn on.”

5. Stop- When walking, a bird will hold up and wait for you to pass by. If you stop, it will get nervous and bust, giving you your shot.

6. Look- Let yourself take everything in and your eyes will pick up on movement– usually the neck and head.

7. Search- It is very easy to lose a bird after it has been shot. If possible, they will always find fallen trees or brush to bury themselves under, so take your time and search these areas and you will usually walk out with one in hand.

Eaglerock Kennels has been breeding some of the finest English Setters ever to point a bird for over 38 years. These loyal companions are as at home in the outdoors as they are by the fireplace. Filson pro-staffer and manager of Eaglerock Kennels, Michael Thompson can thank his trusted Filson gear and good bloodlines for continued successful hunts in the field. 

We at Eaglerock Setters pride ourselves in a rich heritage of breeding, trialing, training, and hunting some of the finest English Setters available; the Eaglerock Setter.  Founded by the late John Yates and now continued by myself and my wife Tammy we have refined and refined again many of the finest bloodlines to produce the Eaglerock Setter; a companion gundog steeped in tradition and sure to please even the most discriminating upland gunner.

It was our goal to not only carry on the tradition of having fine dogs but also to make owning an Eaglerock an unique experience for our clients. Just as we have painstakingly researched and bred to provide an exceptional dog we are as particular in placing our dogs in homes where they will excel in all they do.  From birth until the puppy goes home clients are kept updated and informed on the pups progress. It is always exciting when they get their first bath, have a collar placed on them, walk on a lead, and of course point.  The interaction lends itself to clients who become friends.

Friday and Saturday November 2- 3, 2012 was our first Puppy Luncheon.  Clients traveled in from as far away as Maine and Michigan to participate.

On Friday I took the guys hunting over the of father of this litter and another couple of our setters.  We had a great hunt and it gave them the opportunity to see not only how our dogs hunted but also what gear we used.  This is my full time job so my suit of choice is Filson.  It can get pretty nasty in here in PA between the multi-floral roses and the weather so these guys got to see where their gear fell short.  Needless to say they borrowed Tin Chaps and Gamebags in an attempt to keep up.

Saturday was the luncheon which was a smashing success.  Clients got to visit and get to know each other, swap hunting and dog stories, and have a question and answer time all while playing with their new pups and enjoying a catered lunch.  There was a demo table set up with some of my new Filson gear, RST shotshells, and some training books from my predecessor John Yates.  At the close of the day the Purina sent everyone home with a tote bag filled with food samples, bowls, towels, and a Purina hat.  

This was yet the beginning of another tradition for us at Eaglerock.  Reputation is everything especially in this business and we stake ours on providing fine companion gundogs to great people, a task we could never accomplish without the help of companies like Filson, RST, and Purina.  They carry on and help us carry on the tradition of excellence in the field.

Every hunter needs to have the best of the best to comfortably return from the field. We’ve compiled our personal selections for the holidays. No matter the caliber they tote, the field conditions in which they trot, or the game they chase – we have your gifting options covered. From tin cloth pistol or rifle cases to the reliability and weather resistance of the legendary Field Coat, check our recommendations for this holiday season.

1. Tin Cloth Grip Case – Long used for safe, handsome, and rugged transport of a treasured pistol. Now lined in green/black plaid with an interior pocket. The perfect gift.
2. Tin Cloth Field Coat – This classic is renowned worldwide for its versatility and features. Featuring side and front loading game bags, pleated action back for freedom of movement and pockets for all necessities in the field. The wool lined collar and dry finish shelter cloth add comfort and protection.
3. Filson Shooting Shirt – Abrasion resistant, double-layer protection, blaze orange, Made in the USA. The comfort and design will support proficient shooting skills while maintaining warmth. Our shooting shirt can’t be beat.
4. Double Hunting Pants – Carefully crafted from shelter cloth with an extra layer of durable tin cloth in high-wear areas guarantees these heavy-duty pants exceed all expectations. Opt for the leather bindings at checkout – they won’t disappoint.
5. Filson Carrier with Vacuum Bottle – Stay hydrated, stay caffeinated, and stay warm. Stanley teams up with Filson for this on-the-go item. 15 hours of warmth are now at your finger tips, whether coffee or soup. A requirement of cold-weather hunting.
6. Uplander Insulated Boots – An insulated, light-weight, fast drying boot is necessary. Our cork soles will keep feet comforted and dry on approach to hunting country. The leather wears well with age and always reveals true character.

Filson’s own, Jack Duggan, gives a first-hand account of the 2012 Duck Season Opener.

Every year around spring time I get the itch, the excitement of knowing that Duck Season is getting closer and closer.  Throughout the summer and fall anticipation of the upcoming season begins to consume my thoughts; day dreaming of the 4 am wake-up, layering up in my gear, and setting out for the breezy wetlands of the Pacific Northwest. I go through the mental checklist of what gear I have, what gear I need, what spots we will hunt, and I meticulously study the latest copies of Ducks Unlimited. All of this preparation leads up to opening weekend, and the day which so many people like myself long for.

I have vivid memories of being a young boy, sitting with my dad in the cattails of the Columbia Basin, watching our chocolate lab retrieve Mallards in the frigid waters of Eastern Washington. Like many future duck hunters my dad bought me a Red Rider BB Gun to carry with me to the blind. I remember sitting in the blind next to my dad, holding my BB Gun, while he held his Ithaca and reached for his duck call’s that are strung with silver bands. The experience was wonderful and I recall the desire and excitement to one day sit side by side with my dad hunting as an equal.

The 2012 Duck Season opener was October 13^th, and, once again I am happy to say that I hunted with my dad, along with my best buddy and our Chocolate Lab Annie. This year we set up on a plot of private land located on the Columbia River. The weather called for blue sunny skies, 15 mph wind gusts and 65 degrees. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Although I was hopeful, I didn’t want to make any predictions.  After arriving at the blind, my buddy and I waded out into the crystal clear water and began to set our decoys, the jerk line, and spinners.  My dad positioned the boat around the corner, set up our stools and hunkered down with Annie. With 40 deeks set and the jerk line rigged-up we waited for the birds to start bombing in on us, or so we hoped.

Within 15 minutes we had all taken multiple pass shots which shook the cobwebs off and helped us get back into the swing of things. By 10 am we had multiple groups of Mallards, Pintails and Redheads committed and dropping into our spread. Annie made many impressive retrieves and she refused to take her big brown eyes off of the sky.  Opening morning turned out to be a great success resulting in my leather strap to be strung full of birds.

The next morning my buddy and I set out for a new spot to hunt along a smaller river. We arrived late, around 9 am, due to a disappointing attempt at the Steelhead opener. Shaking off the funk of coming up dry for Steelhead, we set our deeks and huddled into the cat tails without stools or a dog. It was much warmer than it had been the day before so we decided to lose some of our outer layers; we made sure to wear our face masks to block the shining sun.  Almost immediately the birds started pouring in. From left, right, up high, fast and low the ducks were everywhere. With cupped wings soaring in, mallards made passes around our back sides and long lean pintails screamed by directly in front of us. Geese honked their way in from miles out and landed right in our spread.  Before we knew it, we had our limits.

The opening weekend of the 2012-2013 Duck Season was a great one. By far, the highlight of my opening weekend was a triple that I bagged on that second morning – three ducks with three shots in succession. I waded out deep into the water to retrieve the birds. I picked up one, a Pintail, and then the second, a Drake Mallard. But the best part of this year’s opening hunt came when I had finally trudged out to the last bird, a big Pintail, and pulled it from the water. I held the bird up and saw that it was a banded duck, a perfect ending to my 2012 Duck opener.

Peter Patenaude, a registered Maine guide, has been a Filson advocate for over six years. His blog Boot & Canoe, focuses on traditional skills and Maine’s outdoor heritage. Peter shares six tips to a successful partridge hunt. 

Peter Patenaude’s Maine Bird Hunting

It is partridge hunting season here in Maine– Ruffed Grouse for the rest of you. I look forward to October all year, not just for the attractive hunting scenery, but because it has always been my opinion that a better tasting white meat does not exist. This woods chicken can be enjoyed sliced, breaded and fried in a cast iron, or slow cooked in a batch of baked beans to name a few of my favorites.

I cannot think of a more fair way to harvest an animal than in the thick woods of Maine. It is exciting to hear the thunder sound of the bird’s wings as it busts out from under you, but equally disappointing when you attempt to raise your gun and are held down by all of the branches.

Because of the bird’s nature to fly and run, it can be easy to become turned around. Here are a few things that I try to have on me every time I go in after a partridge:

1. Bubble compass- I pin it onto my suspenders so it is always on me, and can be easily accessed before walking into the woods for a back bearing.
2. Whistle- It does not take up any room in my pocket, and is much louder than my voice.
3. Lighter- What would you pay for a 99 cent lighter if you were lost and needed one?
4. Knife- It is a great all-purpose tool in the woods.
5. Extra shells- They are great to have if you spot more birds, or if necessary, they can be used for signaling if you are in distress.
6. Eye protection- Admittedly, this is something that I do not do, but realize I should; the most common serious injury in the woods is a stick in the eye.

Good luck to everyone this season!

Filson Life guest blogger, Tom Slaughter, is a year-round hunter – both a planner and an executer. Whether it’s traveling to Alaska, Colorado or Montana, this hunter is always prepared for the journey, especially when he has his Filson gear with him. In this post, Slaughter lends insight to packing for an out-of-state hunt.

I look forward to every year’s hunting draw results to see where I will be heading out west to.  Each year, I take a few trips across country that requires air transportation.  Every few months the airlines/TSA change regulations regarding traveling with a firearm and the amount of baggage you can travel with.  Always check with your airline to see what the new rules are.

Filson Carry-On

Fortunately, I have been able to avoid serious excess baggage fees over the past few years by finding the best way to minimize fees and still bring what I need.  I am heading out to Wyoming in about two weeks for a Mule deer hunt.  For this flight, I am flying an airline that allows me two checked bags, one carry on, and one personal item.   For the outgoing flight, I always plan on only checked bag, one carry on, and one personal item. This way, I reserve the second checked bag allowance in anticipation of bringing a cooler on the return trip filled with the reward of a successful hunt.

In my Filson “carry on,” I pack all of my under garments, pants, shirts, socks, hats, gloves, and outer protective clothing.  In my “personal bag,” for which I use my day back, I pack my optics which include a spotting scope, binoculars, range finder, and camera equipment. I also include my Boots in my carry on as they are not something I am willing to wait for should be luggage be delayed.  The majority of the other checked equipment can be borrowed in a worst case scenario.  Boots also take up to 10% of the permissible weight so this helps economize weight, as well.

A well-packed carry-on

Finally, my gun case, is my checked back and in it I include my firearm, vacuum sealer, first aid kit, field dressing kit and game bags, and a gun case to use in camp.  I know that my gun case weighs exactly 49lbs and include an index card (with a list of the contents) in it so that I know to pack the same way on the return trip to avoid shuffling equipment at the ticket counter.

If I am fortunate enough to harvest a Mule Deer, I will purchase the necessary coolers and pack it with the meat.  Most airlines allow 2lbs of dry ice with the vented coolers (take the drain plug out).  This is more than enough to keep your meat cool to get it home.
I would also recommend keeping the dry ice on top with a piece of cardboard separating the meat and the dry ice.

Tom Slaughter Packing Tips: Gun Case

Currently, with Delta, you can ship antlers for $100 or less; this is a less expensive option than going to a shipping center or having a taxidermist ship them.  The baggage fees for this airline after 2 checked bags  is $50.  A Mule deer will take up two coolers.

Learning to pack efficiently was one lesson I learned the hard way.  I went out west for an elk hunt and ended up spending $300 in excess baggage fees to get my stuff and 1 full elk home.  Luckily, this was not as bad as another hunter in camp that spent $1,100 shipping his meat home from a processor plus his excess baggage fees.  I highly recommend spending a little extra time packing and talking to the airlines about the limitations.  Not only will it save you money, but you will be better organized.

“A journey is a person in itself; no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip; a trip takes us.” - John Steinbeck

One day, while filming last years #DEERTOUR, I was interviewing Ryan Shoemaker, an extremely passionate bowhunter and writer from Bowhuntquest in Ohio. He was sharing his story with me of a solo Elk hunt he had just finished. 7 days and 10 miles into the backcountry of Southern Colorado, there he was, all alone. Just him and the solitude of mother nature.

He shared how thrilling yet scary it was to be there all alone. It was an experience unlike any other. Immediately I was fascinated by every detail he shared. It was like I was listening to someone read the words from a best selling novel. I couldn’t get enough.

He did not kill an elk on that hunt but it didn’t matter, the experience was more than worth the price of admission.

As we stood in his trophy room in the second floor of his home, he described many other hunts to me in similar detail. Another one that touched me was when he described the Bull he had hanging on the wall of his living room.

As he spoke from a memory that seemed like it occurred just the day before, his voice began to change pitch. His lips began to twitch. His eyes watered up. He painted this surreal picture of how he managed to shoot and kill his first bull elk and described how his great friend “Pup” was there with him, every step of the way as they packed out that bull miles from the nearest public land road.

At this point, I had turned the camera off for some things are not meant to be broadcast. I wanted to let Ryan get all his emotions out without having to worry about being recorded.

I’m glad I did because it was at that point, that I had told myself that if a strong man such as Ryan can endure so much physical and mental joy and pain, simultaneously, all from an elk hunt, that one day, I too must experience it.

Fast forward 7 or 8 months later and I see Ryan tweet that he’s been thinking about me filming him on an elk hunt. We DM (direct message) each other back and forth on Twitter and actually start planning to do a test run for what he coined as the #ELKTOUR. At the time, I did not know if I could pull off such a hunt, especially on camera. But I promised him that I’d keep it in mind as we drew closer to the season.

As a month or so went by, and I told Ryan that I’d be able to take off for 5 days and film the a test run of the #ELKTOUR. He was so stoked. We shared plans for what gear to bring, what the weather would be like, maps of the area and more. It was going to be great.

Then, a couple weeks later, Ryan informed me that the trip may have to be cancelled as he had just been hired for his dream job and had to move right before the season started. It was a bump in the road for the trip but a blessed moment for him as I assured him that family had to come first. He had to do what was best for them.

We were both saddened that our journey for this year was no more. Perhaps next year would bear better fruit for us.

After thinking about it a bit, I decided I had to push on and make the #ELKTOUR happen. Somehow I would find a way.

After regrouping and gathering my bearings, I reached out to a few locals and friends on Twitter. Some could not make it due to schedule conflicts but after many emails and DM’s on Twitter I had the makings of what would become an amazing lineup of hunters for season 1 of #ELKTOUR.

All of the folks that I’ll be filming are people I met online, yeah I know, a common theme for me and Huntography. These are great people who are passionate about hunting and the outdoors.

#ELKTOUR is going to be a family affair. Emily and Troy are an amazing husband and wife couple who share their passion for the outdoors, together, season after season. I have followed them online for a couple of years but only got close to them while planning to film them. I can’t wait to capture their experience on camera for all to enjoy.

Next, I’ll be filming two passionate brothers from the western slope of Colorado, Eric and Nathan. Eric is the founder of DIYbowhunter.com, an amazing group of Do-It-Yourself hunters from around the country. Eric tells me he and his brother have been teaming up on hunts since he could remember. I can’t wait to film them not only in the field, but also in our elk camp, where I look forward to diving deeper into the brotherly hunting bond.

The final stop of the #ELKTOUR with bring me to Idaho, where I’ll be filming Dustin and his brother Kevin along with their father and other family members in a backcountry elk hunt , miles from the nearest road. Capturing the dynamic of an entire family of elk hunters around one campfire will surely deliver many tales from years past.

Together, with Ryan’s inspiration and a family of elk hunters we now call #ELKTOUR, we hope to capture an elk hunting experience  on camera unlike any other before us.

The fruits of our labor , in the form of a DVD, will be submitted to the Full Draw Film Tour, a non-profit organization that supports hunting charities, while promoting bowhunting and up and coming outdoor filmmakers. We hope our submission makes the cut so that hunters like you and me, can enjoy other hunters and hunting experiences we can all relate to.

I hope this trip takes each of us on a journey that we will all treasure forever.

For more information, visit us on Huntography.

We enjoyed the dog days of summer luring bass and melodically casting the fly, but somewhere in the back of our mind is the long for the hunt. Well boys, hunting season is approaching and it is time to start gearing up. All hunting kits are not created equal, so we have the created a list of our most reliable and timeless essentials. Head to toe, this Filson hunting gear delivers maximum durability and comfort, without compromise. Time to experience the thrill of the hunt.

Tin Cloth Brush Pants

Deflect every thorn prick, bramble, and briar in our strong-as-steel pants. The entire pant is cut from dry finish Tin Cloth for comfort. Then we add a facing of more rugged oil finish Tin Cloth where abrasion is greatest, resulting in the best pants for maximum protection to push through the heaviest brush.

Merino Wool Shooting Shirt

A finely tailored shirt made from virgin Merino wool with suede shoulder patches on both sides for added protection and comfort in the field. The wind-resistant twill finish keeps you warm as it naturally retains heat in wet environments. This is an iconic shirt for the dapper hunter that you’ll have for years to come.

Tin Cloth Strap Vest with Blaze Orange

This upland bird hunting vest with a blaze of orange is easy to load from the front or rear and has plenty of carrying capacity. The front bellow pockets are rugged enough to handle all your shells and supplies, and transmitter pocket loops fit the new smaller handheld, clip-on transmitters.

Leatherman Skeletool

A great knife is the calling card of any true hunter. Carrying this multi tool is like carrying a toolbox in your pocket. Made from stainless steel and aluminum, slip it in your pocket or clip it to your pack. This tool features a combo straight/serrated knife, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, wire cutters, hard-wire cutters, large bit driver, bottle opener, Phillips #1 and #2 bit, screwdriver 3/16″ and 1/4″ bit….everything you could possibly need.

Leupold Binoculars

Armor-coated, rugged, waterproof and from the premier binocular manufacturer. These light-weight, low-light performing binoculars are built to withstand years of field use, Trim, lightweight, and easy to grip even in wet conditions.

Scoped Gun Case

Our water-repellent gun case is made from handsome and durable 100% cotton oil finish rugged twill. An interior lining of cotton Safari Cloth quilted with a soft padding provides maximum protection. The nose is lined with pure deerskin and the shoulder strap is Genuine Bridle Leather, giving this case a traditional Filson craftsmanship appeal.

Kevin McDonnell is the President, Whid Isle Brittany Club, WA and is no stranger to hunting with dogs. This time he shares his insight on The Whid Isle Brittany Club AKC Hunt Test 7/21/12 and 7/22/12 and everything that it involves.

This July, the Whid Isle Brittany Club held its 3rd annual Hunt Test in Fall City, a farming town just 40 minutes outside of Seattle, Washington.  Thanks to Jim Cochran of JC Sporting Dogs, we were able to secure the private grounds at Carlson Canine Country Club; a beautiful 265 acre property surrounded by the Snoqualmie River   www.jcsportingdogs.com

At Saturday’s event we reached a high temperature of 78 degrees and a high of 69 degrees on Sunday.  We could not have asked for better Hunt-Test-Weather! We even have picture proof that it doesn’t always rain in Seattle.

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

And while we’re showing off, let’s talk about the variety of pointers we had participating including: Brittanys, German Shorthaired Pointers, Vizslas, Irish Setters, Griffons, Weimaraners, German Wirehair Pointers, English Setters and Spinones.

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

We even had one participant; Arwen Daab, who drove 13 hours from Alberta, Canada to participate in this year’s Hunt Test.

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Keeping things exciting this year, we also switched things up this year and decided to run two separate courses: one course just for the Junior Hunter Dogs and the other for Senior and Master Hunter dogs.  Knowing a long day in the saddle can be brutal on anyone, we ran two pairs of judges to keep everyone fresh.

For Saturday’s event, we had eight braces of Junior Pointing Dogs, six braces of Senior Dogs and six braces of Master Dogs. With local Starbucks coffee in the morning and a quick BBQ sandwich for lunch, everyone was kept happy, full and caffeinated.  We were also fortunate enough to have a published freelance photographer, Rob Johnston on hand Saturday.  He took some amazing photographs of our four legged friends on point with his high-powered lens.  We finished the day just around 3pm with plenty of sunlight to spare and time to rest up for the next day of events.

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Sunday greeted us with cooler conditions.  We had another full-scheduled day with seven Master braces, five Senior braces and eight Junior braces. Sunday’s event ended just around 4 pm with many happy handlers and dogs.

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Rob A. Johnston/ Walkabout Wolf Photography

Our judges were thrilled to receive the gifted Filson merchandise and we would like to give a special thanks and shout out to Filson for their generous support.

Tommy Ellis of Following Ghost reminds us of the the traditions and memories that are passed along with learning how to hunt and sticking with it.

For years kids tagged along with Dad or Grandpa to the squirrel woods to learn the art of hunting. This was how generations fell in love with the sport, a .22 rifle or .410 shotgun were the tools of the trade to get started when I was a kid. Now things have changed, turkey hunting became extremely popular and turkeys are now the game of choice to introduce many new hunters to the woods.

Another great thing is more women are getting into the sport and turkey hunts provide one of the best ways to be able to mentor these new hunters. Ground blinds are plentiful, comfortable and provide enough room for a new hunter to sit with an experienced hunter and learn. Our hunters can sit and talk quietly while waiting on the birds, talking about equipment and techniques.

The rise of archery in turkey hunting is another step forward in getting some new hunters involved. Some don’t like the heavy loads and recoil of shotguns but the idea of taking a bird with some type of archery tackle is very appealing. Backyard practice with family and friends helps to encourage and get them excited for the hunt plus it doesn’t require a trip to the gun range.

While spring season is over in places and winding down in others many states have fall seasons or include a bonus bird in the archery deer season. Here in Tennessee the fall limit is liberal to say the least with the bonus of being able to take either sex. Fall hunting might even be a better time to get someone started if you have either sex hunts since the pressure to only take a mature tom is off. To a new hunter a jake or hen means just as much, later they can think about that big ol’ tom that struts in the back field.

If you have someone that is interested in hunting this would be a wonderful way to get them involved. Give them a call or two so they can practice, take them out to scout fields and teach them what to look for. Take a camera along to video their trips and save those memories. Encourage them to practice and teach them all you can before going to the woods.

The folks we start today will be mentors in the future.