Photo by Jim Ward for the East Oregonian ...and a partridge in an open field Contrary to popular belief, partridges harbor no special fondness for pear trees. These very tenacious birds prefer open country Ð even during the harsh winters. Gray partridges, aka Huns, were first brought to the U.S. by Benjamin FranklinÕs son-in-law in the late 1700s. In 1913, 1,522 birds were released in Oregon and since have established themselves as a very popular game bird. The gray partridge season in Umatilla and Morrow counties runs through December 31.

Contrary to popular belief, partridges harbor no special fondness for pear trees. These very tenacious birds prefer open country even during the harsh winters. Gray partridges, Huns, were first brought to the U.S. by Benjamin Franklins son-in-law in the late 1700s. In 1913, 1,522 birds were released in Oregon and since have established themselves as a very popular game bird. The gray partridge season in Umatilla and Morrow counties runs through December 31.