Bird Shooter

The Bird Shooter gained historical significance through Earl Shaffer, who wore the model during his 2,050-mile Appalachian Trail hike in 1948, and aviator Wiley Post for his stratosphere flights. The boot is handcrafted in Berlin, Wisconsin using water-resistant Walnut Timberjack leather and features a lightweight Vibram Aspen Gumlite sole designed for various terrain conditions.

The Bird Shooter model was introduced in the early 1930s by Bill Gustin after he purchased Russell Moccasin Company in 1928. Gustin, a competitive trap and skeet shooter, recognized the need for specialized footwear that would be lighter and more flexible than traditional hunting boots. The original marketing described the boots as "light as a feather" and "quiet as a stalking Indian," emphasizing their suitability for hunting applications where stealth and comfort were essential.

The model gained widespread recognition through its use by figures in extreme outdoor pursuits. Earl Shaffer, the first person to complete the entire Appalachian Trail, wore Russell "Birdshooter" boots for his historic 2,050-mile journey from Georgia to Maine in 1948. Aviation pioneer Wiley Post also chose the Bird Shooter for his stratosphere flights, demonstrating the boot's reliability in challenging conditions.

The South 40 variant of the Bird Shooter was developed in 1983-1984 specifically for enhanced upland hunting performance, building on the original design's reputation for durability and functionality in hunting environments.

The Bird Shooter employs Russell Moccasin's proprietary Double Vamp Moccasin construction, a method patented by the company in 1910. This construction technique takes three to four times longer to complete than conventional Stitchdown, Welted, or Maine Moccasin methods. The overlap seam is hand-sewn for nearly two hours per pair to ensure water resistance.

True moccasin construction builds the boot "from bottom up" with a single vamp piece forming a "hammock" around the foot. The leather vamp serves as the insole, creating a construction where the uppers wrap around the entire foot. This method allows for the removal and replacement of the leather midsole and Vibram outsole while maintaining a fully functional boot.

The Double Vamp configuration provides enhanced durability and water resistance compared to Single Vamp options. The entire boot is leather-lined for additional support and moisture protection, with the overlap seam construction providing improved water resistance through specialized hand-sewn seaming.

The Bird Shooter is constructed from water-resistant, full-grain Walnut Timberjack leather sourced from S.B. Foot Tannery in Minnesota. This leather is treated for water resistance during the tanning process and develops an attractive patina with wear. The Timberjack leather provides durability while maintaining the flexibility required for comfortable long-distance hunting.

Standard sole configuration includes a lightweight Vibram Aspen Gumlite sole designed for traction across various terrains. The sole features low tread depth for easy mud removal and is supported by Russell's Double Stack Midsole system. An alternative Vibram Roccia sole option is available, which the company has used since the mid-1900s for customers preferring different traction characteristics.

The boot is available in Single Vamp, Double Vamp, and Triple Vamp configurations, with the Double Vamp being the standard construction for the Bird Shooter model. All leather components are hand-cut and assembled using traditional techniques passed down through generations of Russell craftsmen.

Each Bird Shooter boot is handcrafted at Russell Moccasin's Berlin, Wisconsin facility, where the company has operated continuously since 1898. The manufacturing process involves hand-lasting, hand-cutting, and hand-sewing by skilled craftsmen, many of whom have worked for the company for decades. Annual production of 10,000-12,000 pairs across all Russell models ensures individual attention to each boot.

Premier and Classic Build timelines require two to three months for Single Vamp models and three to four months for Double and Triple Vamp configurations. Orders enter production immediately upon receipt, with detailed customer measurements stored at the factory for future reference. The company maintains records for repeat customers, streamlining the ordering process for additional pairs.

Every pair is custom-made to individual specifications, with the company offering multiple measurement options including trade show fittings, online measuring instructions, or factory visits to Wisconsin for precise measurements.

The Bird Shooter is designed primarily for upland bird hunting applications including grouse, pheasant, quail, deer, and turkey hunting. The extremely lightweight design enables comfortable wear during long-distance hunting expeditions, while the water-resistant construction provides protection in various terrain conditions from wetlands to upland forests.

The boot's durability allows for resoling and refurbishment, with proper care enabling a lifespan exceeding 20 years. The true moccasin construction provides flexibility and comfort during extended wear, while the specialized sole configurations offer appropriate traction for different hunting environments.

The lightweight design and water-resistant construction make the Bird Shooter suitable for hunting applications where mobility and stealth are priorities, maintaining the original design intent established by Bill Gustin in the 1930s.

Russell Moccasin sizing runs approximately half a size large compared to Brannock device measurements. The company recommends ordering half to a full size down from athletic shoe sizing for proper fit. The Bird Shooter's fit characteristics are comparable to Alden True Balance Last and Red Wing Heritage footwear sizing.

The boot is built on Russell's 40 Last, which provides greater overall volume and a roomier toe box compared to other Russell models. The company offers a 30-day exchange policy for sizing issues on unworn boots, allowing customers to ensure proper fit before use.

Accurate measurement is emphasized by Russell Moccasin, with multiple options available for customers including attending trade shows, following detailed online measuring instructions, or visiting the Berlin, Wisconsin factory for professional fitting services.