South 40 Birdshooter

Built with Russell's signature triple vamp moccasin construction, the South 40 Birdshooter features waterproof WeatherTuff leather and stands nine inches tall. The boot utilizes the company's patented overlap stitch, developed in 1941, combined with hand-molded oak leather heel counters and a Vibram sole system. After 40 years of production, the South 40 continues to serve upland hunters seeking specialized footwear for moderate terrain hunting from sea level to 6,000 feet elevation.

The South 40 Birdshooter emerged from practical field testing conducted by Russell Moccasin in the pheasant fields of South Dakota between 1983 and 1984. The development team recognized the need for a boot that could handle diverse hunting conditions while maintaining the lightweight characteristics of the company's traditional Bird Shooter design. This field-testing approach resulted in the addition of a molded sole that provided improved stability compared to Russell's existing moccasin constructions.

Introduced to the market in 1984, the South 40 became an immediate success within the upland hunting community. The boot's name references both its South Dakota development origins and its intended application in varied terrain that characterized hunting grounds across the American Midwest. The design represented Russell Moccasin's response to hunters who required more substantial underfoot protection while retaining the flexibility and comfort of traditional moccasin construction.

Over four decades of continuous production, the South 40 has maintained its original design principles while incorporating updated materials and sole technologies. The boot's longevity in Russell's product line reflects both the success of its initial field-testing approach and the specific performance requirements it addressed for upland hunters.

The South 40 Birdshooter employs Russell Moccasin's distinctive triple vamp construction method, which involves three layers of leather with no two seams facing each other. This construction technique, which takes three to four times longer than conventional welted or stitchdown methods, creates the boot's characteristic water resistance and durability. The innermost layer functions as a sock-like liner that seals the boot's interior, while the hand-lasted true moccasin layer provides the foundation for the boot's flexibility.

The boot's exterior utilizes waterproof WeatherTuff leather, fully lined with soft Agua Tan waterproof leather for additional protection and comfort. Hand-molded oak leather heel counters provide ankle stability and prevent rolling, while the construction maintains the nine-inch shaft height that balances protection with mobility. Russell's signature overlap seam, hand-sewn for nearly two hours per pair, protects the critical joint between the vamp and plug where most boot failures occur.

The South 40's molded sole system distinguishes it from Russell's traditional moccasin constructions. Originally serving as the actual sole, the molded component now functions as a heel counter for the entire foot, providing stability on mountainous terrain while maintaining the true moccasin layer's ground feel. A heavy-duty Poron Technical foam layer in the footbed provides all-day comfort without compressing over time, while the current Birdshooter II variant incorporates a low-profile Vibram 360 Force sole for enhanced balance and stability.

The boot is constructed on Russell's Model 40 Last, which offers greater overall volume and a more spacious toe box compared to standard lasts. This design accommodates heavyweight socks while maintaining proper fit around the instep and allowing natural foot movement. The construction includes eyelets over the instep for security, pull loops for easier donning, and Army studs that facilitate smooth lacing adjustments.

The South 40 Birdshooter is engineered for elevations ranging from sea level to 6,000 feet, making it suitable for diverse North American upland hunting environments. The boot excels in moderate terrain characterized by mud, brush, and varied surfaces typical of pheasant, grouse, quail, deer, and turkey hunting grounds. The triple vamp construction and waterproof materials provide protection in wet conditions while maintaining breathability for extended wear periods.

The boot's moccasin foundation delivers improved ground feel and flexibility compared to traditional welted hunting boots, allowing hunters to navigate uneven terrain with better stability. The molded sole component provides underfoot protection without sacrificing the natural foot articulation that Russell's moccasin construction preserves. This combination enables hunters to traverse varied surfaces while maintaining the foot sensitivity necessary for quiet movement in hunting situations.

Long-term durability represents a key performance characteristic, with users reporting service lives of 20 years or more through resoling. Some examples have been documented with nine resole cycles over decades of use, demonstrating the construction's ability to maintain structural integrity through extended service. This durability factor often results in the South 40 outlasting multiple pairs of conventional hunting boots, making it a long-term investment for serious upland hunters.

The South 40 Birdshooter is available through Russell Moccasin's Premier Build program at $1,050, with production lead times of 12 to 16 weeks. The boot is offered in sizes six through 14 in both D and E widths, accommodating a range of foot shapes and sizes. Russell's custom manufacturing approach means each pair is built to individual specifications, with detailed records maintained at the company's Berlin, Wisconsin facility for future orders.

The Premier Build program includes Russell's Sizing Confidence policy, allowing one free size exchange within 30 days of delivery if the initial fit is incorrect. This accommodation addresses the challenges of fitting custom-made footwear without in-person measurement, though Russell recommends professional measurement when possible for optimal results.

Historical pricing for Russell's bird shooter line has ranged from $400 for single vamp models to $565 for specialized leather variants such as kangaroo hide construction. The South 40's premium positioning within this range reflects its triple vamp construction complexity and the specialized materials required for its waterproof performance. Production is limited to Russell's Berlin facility capacity, contributing to extended lead times but ensuring consistent handcrafted quality.