Shoot Review: Butler del Prado, Spain

The man with undoubtedly the biggest passion of all was Ashley. We spoke at length about what his vision was for his new venture, Butler del Prado, and it was easy to see this was not like other Spanish partridge shoots. “I want to offer something that isn’t available to the UK market” he said. It was very apparent that Ashley wasn’t just thinking about his operation from a financial perspective; his vision was to run a partridge shoot where the shooting fitted in with traditional farming practices. His focus is to create an environment where the shoot and habitat compliment one another, and where the shoot left no trace of commercialism on its landscape. It was such a pleasure to hear of a new business venture that puts the environment first. Furthermore, he wants to make it affordable, transparent and accessible, something Spanish partridge shooting isn’t renowned for. Our views were so aligned that he insisted that I go out to Spain and see it in action first hand. 

Spain has a reputation for some fabulous shooting with exceptional hospitality, but it also comes with tales of ill practices that has deterred English sportsmen in the past. Having never been out to Spain to shoot, I really had no idea what to expect. November 9th: following a short flight to Madrid I was met by my chauffeur, Hernando, who took me to the lodge which was just one hour from the airport. This was where I met the rest of the team. Sadly, it was dark so I couldn’t take in my surroundings, but once out of the town I noticed the topography changed with big climbs and gentle drops. Having arrived safely we were met by the same hospitality that I had experienced at William Evans. With a glass of champagne in one hand, and jamon in the other, I was introduced to the other guns with whom I would be shooting with the next day. A few familiar faces made me feel slightly more relaxed amidst the fairly strong team of guns, including Claire Zambuni, Tom Payne and Jonathan Young. 

Ashley and his business partner, Pepe, hosted us for the evening. Pepe’s enthusiasm and passion for hunting, shooting and fishing was admirable, and totally unquestionable. His impressive estate boasts a recently finished purpose-built shoot lodge for its guests. It was fabulous, full of his taxidermy, and featuring beautiful high wooden beams, open fires and big soft sofas. A few glasses of wine, and countless sticks of chorizo later, the gong was called for dinner in the dining room. With the table beautifully set we sat down to eat. The starter was a creamy Sopa de Puerros, following which we had true Iberian partridge from the estate, served pink. Pepe went into detail about the importance of only releasing the true native birds (Perdiz roja) and not hybrids. With Tarta de Manzana for desert, local cheeses and fine cognac to finish I was suitably full.

After a fantastic dinner, I retired to the comfort of my room, to ensure a spritely start the next morning. Breakfast was served at 9am, and after the full Monty we were taken to the gunroom, where a fine selection of Arrieta and Grulla guns are kept. Pepe offered us a choice of shooting single or double guns; he explained this was not because of the volume of birds, but the way they came over the guns. Not quite understanding, but willing to give it a go, I was handed two well-fitting Grullas and ushered outside for the safety briefing. It was a brisk morning with glorious sunshine, inviting the team to trade their jackets for sunglasses. We were introduced to our loaders and secretarios who were to mark the birds down that were shot. Pepe, along with two other key figures, were operating the beating line in the traditional Spanish way using stunning Andalusian horses. The rest of the beaters were proudly carrying their Spanish flag on high poles, which was a superb sight. 

We lined out in a stubble field with panoramic views of the glorious surroundings, with the most magnificent mountains of the national park Cuena Alta del Manzanares to one side, and golden stubble fields to the other, the beauty was overwhelming. Looking up at the first drive, a high scrub filled bank lay in front. Partridges in their ones, twos and threes started coming from all angles off the hill side. As peg one, I started off as a spectator and revelled in the opportunity to watch as the guns were challenged with every shot they could want. With the high driven bird that would compete with Exmoor’s finest, to the far out crosser, to the shot out behind; it had it all. As the drive progressed I started getting busy with some very challenging sport. The birds started coming over in coveys of 15 to 20 and this is when the double guns came into their own, managing to get 4 shots off as they came through the line. The sky was never filled with birds, but these intermittent bursts of coveys was what Ashley’s and Pepe’s vision was all about. 

The next two drives I was in prime position where I can honestly say I had some of the most exciting sport I’ve ever experienced. Every shot seemed to challenge my shooting skills, and it was nothing short of a sportsman’s dream! There was also some very smart shooting down the line which is always a pleasure to see. You’ve got to be on form when pegged only a gun shot from Jonathan Young and Tom Payne. After the third drive we stopped for a very smart field lunch with wine and beers to accompany the wide selection of cheeses, cured meats and the piece de resistance; a fabulous sea food Paella with enormous prawns!

The final drive of the day was equally exciting, and also different to the ones previous. We shot over a whole host of different landscapes which really made you appreciate the estate, and see how special this spot really is. Having thanked my loader, secretario and keeper for a truly superb day, we were taken to the top of a mountain for a gin and tonic sundowner, looking out over the valley below. It was the perfect ending to the most phenomenal day’s shooting. The views were truly remarkable, and like nothing I have ever seen before; the mountains shone blue in the light, and the earth appeared like blood red; it was simply breath-taking.

Butler del Prado offers guests, days starting from 250 birds rather than the usual 500+ whilst still being able to offer back to back days. There are opportunities to join as a single gun if a full team can’t be assembled. From start to finish this is some of the best valued shooting on the market now, and I doubt they will have much availability in seasons to come. I can’t recommend Butler del Prado and their hosts enough, it’s an experience like no other.

For more information on the Butler del Prado shoot or their availability, have a look at their shoot profile.