Hunting Washington Forum
Other Hunting => Upland Birds => Topic started by: riflehunter on April 29, 2019, 10:00:07 AM
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I recently got back into upland hunting and did decent with Pheasant and Quail last year still have room to work. Dog is finally at the point where i think we can do Chukar but i don't know where to begin looking or hunting. I have read books and watched videos but it is hard to translate that into this state and where they might be. I am not looking for any ones secret spot or anything like that but some advice on where to look or what to look for or general areas of the state would help a lot.
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They have a map in the upland bird regulations that pretty much shows where the main chukar populations exist. It'll really narrow it down even though it's not a detailed map.
Here it is, from page 31:
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The training center has Chukar as well as Huns.
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Take those maps and look for water. Then take a drive and look at south facing slopes that look like the chukar videos and go explore. Nothing complicated. Birds are there or not. You will start putting the pieces together and stumble on some great spots.
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In the late summer months you can scout them early in the morning just by listening for them.
During hunting season. One thing I have learned is that when you find birds at an elevation stay at that relative elevation and you will find more coveys.
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Best tip for a dog that has not ran chukars much get that dog rippin on some stone!!! Pads will be toast first few hours if your hunting hard... if the dog has soft paws. Buddy and I didn’t run our dogs last summer and it was a rough oleander for the pups but after a few hunts they will be great!
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I often find chukar in sparse cover, open ground even. Trust your dog's nose and be willing to put some miles on. Scan the ground for droppings, if you find fresh droppings on a ridge search it thoroughly and come back it whether or not you find birds
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Let's talk Chuker?
Okay, but if your'e like me, there's no other sound that get's my trigger finger itching. :tup:
Doug
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Early season look for a water source and cheat grass. Water source can be as simple a stock pond or seepage in a draw. Once there is rain or dew they aren’t so dependent on the water source. Later season look for where cheat grass is starting to grow new shoots. Bare south facing hillsides once it snows. And always watch for rattlesnakes.
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Cool video Doug :tup:
Hunted them for the first time last year. I am hooked
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Sounds to get you going, sounds a lot like the snow cocks in Nevada Rubies. Often worth it to hunt the snow line later in the season with less cheat and snake issues
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can't wait to chase some birds :tup: haven't done much Chukar
