The charming and alluring Peaceable Hill Farm of Vermont is a must-visit destination for every hunting and shotgunning enthusiast.
You don’t have to imagine the nostalgic imagery that defines the timeless tradition of pheasant hunting – you’ll find it at Peaceable Hill Farm in Shoreham, Vermont. An immersive experience among rolling hills covered in golden-yellow grasses, under infinite bluebird skies awaits you.
Our founder and her husband recently enjoyed a fall hunt on the farm; read more about hunting at Peaceable and hop into the experience with some of Alexandra's favourite moments.
About the Farm
Nestled quaintly among the rolling hills of the Lake Champlain Valley with equally stunning views of its own Green Mountains, visitors are whisked away from the hustle and bustle of their busy lives to a place where time moves much slower. Among the delightful charm, uplifting camaraderie, skilled dog work, and unbeatable bird hunting, a visit to the iconic Peaceable Hill Farm is a countryside paradise for any bird hunter and shotgunner.
“We meandered up to Shoreham along quiet country roads, rolling by farms peppered with early morning grazers. As we turned down Peaceable’s dirt road, morning light streamed from behind storm grey clouds hiding a pale blue sky, casting a golden glow on the vast rolling fields. A quaint farmhouse and accompanying barns sat comfortably at the end of the long drive; the skeletons of old maples reminded us, despite the unusual warmth and humidity, that it was in fact autumn. And as I listened to the stones crunch under the tires, I could’ve been convinced we were driving right into a bucolic oil painting.”
Upon arriving, you’ll be cheerfully greeted by Glenn and Judy Symon, owners of the operation. Glenn and Judy have been lovingly caretaking Peaceable Hill for several decades now, having moved to Vermont after raising their children in Connecticut.
In the clubhouse, Judy’s warm, inviting smile welcomes you into a place of comfort and familiarity. Vintage double-barrel shotguns, classic framed art prints, and various species of upland bird mounts line the rough-cut paneled walls. A glowing fire crackles along in the wood-burning stove as veteran gun dogs and new recruit pups make their rounds greeting visitors. As you settle in, it’s clear this is a place where hunters gather, memories are made, and stories are shared.
“Sometimes, however unfamiliar a place, there is a sense of having been there before, of feeling like you could stay awhile. Judy’s cheery welcome and Glenn’s reserved but evident excitement were a refreshing reminder that people so easy on the soul do still exist.”
Aside from being the epicenter of bird hunting and gun dogs in Vermont, Peaceable Hill now features additional offerings for aspiring shooters and hunters through renowned gunsmith and shooting instructor, Lars Jacob of Wild Surroundings. Lars has become somewhat of a regular resident and offers custom gun fitting and gun mount analysis, along with wingshooting instruction via clay shooting and/or a live bird hunt. He has five decades of wingshooting and shotgunning experience having worked as a hunting guide, gunmaker, and shooting instructor, and has been extolled in many of the most prominent sporting magazines and publications of our time.
With a little something for everyone, Peaceable Hill is a must-stop destination for hunters both new and seasoned, and sporting dog enthusiasts alike. It’s a place where all are welcome…and come as friends, but leave feeling more like family.
Hunting on “The Hill”
Glenn is also available to assist newcomers on their hunt and is sure to leave a lasting impression. He takes a kind and supportive coaching-style approach and is happy to help you with all aspects of the hunt from working your dog to anticipating the flush to refining your shooting technique. He guides with ease and encouragement to boost your confidence and foster your enjoyment in a complementary way.
Although hunting on a preserve can at times feel a little less than wild, the wily flyers and unpredictable flight patterns seen here offer even the most seasoned bird hunters a chance to prove their wingshooting proficiency. The staff strives to produce healthy, hard-flying birds and ensure fresh ones are put out on the hunting grounds prior to each morning, allowing them to move around cover in a true-to-life way. Hunters can expect to encounter all of the most challenging shooting scenarios from the low-and-slow straight-aways to rapid crossing shots and all points in between. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, you may find something completely unexpected and uncommon like a true pair double-kill!
“As if we were shooting simul trap doubles straightaways, we fired in unison and the birds dropped as a pair.”
There’s no doubt you’ll be in a target-rich environment with birds raised on site. Raising strong flyers for ideal bird contacts are what they strive for, leaving the hunter to focus their efforts on shooting straight and taking in all of the sights, sounds, and scents. It’s not just the behavior of the birds that makes for such a great hunt on the Hill, it’s also in the premium landscape and attention to detail of the grounds. The farm boasts healthy, pheasant-favoring habitats of open corn, milo and grain cropland bordered by swale grass ditches and thicket edges. A potential shot opportunity around every turn makes for an exciting adventure for hunters and dogs alike.
Peaceable Hill Pups
Dogs are an integral part of any hunt, and especially a visit to Peaceable Hill. Whether you’re a general dog lover or passionate sporting dog enthusiast, watching a flushing dog crash through the cattails to drive a flier or a pointing dog transform into a stoic statue behind a bird is a spectacle that will leave you enamored with your hunt. You’re welcome to bring your own dogs or hire a professional guide to do the handling while you focus on shooting.
The Peaceable house dogs currently include Nocci and Chance, their unique personalities analogous to their hunting styles. Nocci is as sweet and spirited as an English cocker spaniel comes, his beautiful hazelnut coat the inspiration for his name. As a flushing dog, he gobbles up scent, nose to the ground, darting in and out of cover. He makes short work of sorting through the terrain and just bounces along, every so often popping his head up excitedly. Be ready, as the flush from Nocci provides a short window of opportunity, but is the thrilling epitome of working behind a flushing dog.
Chance is an intrepid and bird-wise English setter with a dapper white coat you’d want to pet if only he weren’t so quick to dash into the fields. As a pointer, he is more methodical in his approach, with a longer gait and stretching out farther in front of the gun. He appears to glide along between the cover strips, occasionally lifting his head up to check the air until he crosses the familiar scent cone. Once he finds a bird, his movements slow down to a creep as he deftly closes the distance to the nearby bird. Once locked into a staunch point, the hunters move in and carefully position themselves for the most opportune shots.
Dogs dart and bells jangle as they bounce in and out of thick, bird-holding cover strips.
With an abundant area to let working dogs roam, Peaceable Hill is the perfect venue to get behind a gun dog for the very first time and witness first-hand the differences between these two hunting dog styles.
Whether you are training a young bird dog, just beginning your wingshooting wanderings, or have a lifetime of feathers under your belt, Peaceable Hill is the idyllic venue in Vermont for action-packed hunting, spirit-lifting camaraderie, fancy dog work, and breathtaking mountain views. A visit to “The Hill” is an invigorating experience that will leave you ready for more. From the prolific covers, fast-flying birds, alluring aesthetics, and quaint charm, the memory of a lifetime awaits as an experience you won’t soon forget.
“It was, hands down, one of the best days ever. We rested well after a great day in the field, and I woke up with a smile on my face, wondering how soon we could get back out there. ‘The thrill of the hunt’ indeed…”
