Chukar vs. Hun Season

[H8B8]

I've been taking advantage of the extended 2 week Chukar season over the last couple years and the weather has been cooperating! I'm wondering if any of you know why the WDFW didn't extend the Hun season as well? I understand you'll find plenty of huns in agricultural areas with Quail/Pheasant but where I chase Chukar in the hills of central WA, I'd say we're pointing huns 25% of the time and the numbers seem very healthy.  I don't mind backing off a shot but our GSPs are another story!

A hun is similar to chukar in size and flush and IMO could be challenging for some to identify (new hunters, low light/foggy conditions) so if the numbers are good, why not extend? Are you ag-land hunters in the Palouse, etc. seeing low numbers of huns?

[Henrydog]

I don't have an answer for you on the season but this is the most huns I have seen, and shot, in at least 30 years. 

[follow maggie]

Awesome picture

[metlhead]

I did not hunt the extended chukar this season due to not having positive ID on the flush. Seems to be 50/50 mix in the area I hunt.

[COOPDUCK]

I emailed wdfw about this last year, another example of their stupidity in game management.  Look at other states, chukars and huns run concurrently.  Too close in flush and environment to identify for most to identify, me included.  They need to have them both close on same date.

[salish]

I emailed wdfw about this last year, another example of their stupidity in game management.  Look at other states, chukars and huns run concurrently.  Too close in flush and environment to identify for most to identify, me included.  They need to have them both close on same date.

Did they respond to your emailed concerns, and if so, what did they say?

[H8B8]

I found a WDFW public comment email in rule making under "2023 season setting" and sent one out last week -  https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/regulations/development/2023-hunting-season-setting
I'm not getting my hopes up but maybe they'll pay attention if enough chukar hunters ring the bell.

[metlhead]

I'd rather it fly under their radar. I just wont hunt that week. Imagine WDFW response when they hear that folks are having a difficult time identifying gamebirds. These birds frequent sage grouse and sharptail habitat in places. Seems the only answer is to shut things down.

[RobinHoodlum]

Agreed - don't give reasons for further loss of opportunity (= default response IMO)