
Competition with other game species 
In Spain, the Hungarian partridge (Perdix perdix hispaniensis) 
and the migratory quail (Coturnix coturnix) are the only other galli- 
naceous birds that are native within the range of the red- legged 
partridge. Huns and redlegs may occasionally be found in close proximity 
and since the food habits of the two species are somewhat similar there 
is always the possibility of competition for food where it is scarce. 
In Spain and from southern France and England, where these birds are 
common and usually occupy adjacent coverts, no reports of serious com- 
petition for food or shelter have been received, though the question 
has often been raised. In captivity it is possible to pen chukars, 
Spanish redlegs, and Huns together without much difficulty. 
Handling Techniques 
Trapping methods 
Throughout Europe and Asia, amazingly ingenious and effective 
methods of catching partridges have been devised. To this Spain is no 
exception. 
Perhaps the most common and efficient method employed is to 
throw together a flimsy fence of weeds and branches. About 18 inches 
high and from one-quarter to one-half a mile long, it is usually built 
across open fields or through brushy areas. In this fence small 
openings are left at intervals of from 20 to 40 feet. In each opening 
are rigged four horsehair snares suspended from a U-shaped wire set 
loosely in the ground. As a variation of this, a hole, some 10 x 15 x 
14 inches deep, is dug in each opening. Over this is placed a wooden 
trap door which is covered lightly by earth and leaves. These prepara- 
tions completed, the birds are driven rather slowly to the fence by 
- from 15 to 50 beaters much as in an ojeo. Depending upon the wind, the 
weather, and the skill of the trappers, from 5 to 25 percent of the 
birds rounded up will be caught. The birds that are snared usually 
struggle briefly then settle down quietly until the beaters arrive. 
The horsehair nooses stay tight about the neck only while the birds 
are pulling on the snares and open to permit breathing as soon as 
they are quiet. Foot snares are occasionally used in place of head 
nooses but are much less effective. 
A second, more picturesque, and equally effective method 
consists in catching the birds by hand on still, dark nights at their 
roosting places. Equipped with a strong flashlight or old acetylene- 
gas lantern and with bells attached to pants legs to deaden the noise 
of his footsteps a man cautiously approaches the covey. Confused by 
light, about three out of five birds may then be caught by hand. 
Those that are frightened usually fly only a short distance and can 
be marked down and caught singly. 
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