Chukar Hunting

[riflehunter]

Looking for someone’s brain to pick about chukar hunting in Washington and Idaho (PM’s preferred). I have a 6yo GSP and 5yo WPG, plan has always been to get into chukar hunting, but having 2 young kids in sports has delayed the ability to get away. Oldest got his license and has been out pheasant and quail hunting. Will probably join me in Washington but not quite ready for Hell’s canyon.

Would like to talk about what to scout for in Washington, possible good starting points, and if there is anyone willing to talk about camping spots or starting points in hell’s canyon it would be appreciated.


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[metlhead]

My area is a burnt wasteland. Gonna skip the chukar this season. Young pup isn't ready for em and my main buddy has passed his chukar years. Quail and ducks for him. Biggest obstacle is access to land. State lands above the Grande Ronde have been good as have the areas between Entiat and Chelan. Only places in this state I've chased em.

[KP-Skagit]

Numbers are way down (like 95% or more) in the areas I typically hunt along the Columbia north of HWY 2 and have been for the past 3 years. I heard from a bio that there has been a die off. I plan to venture out a bit later this year and hopefully get back into them.

I have heard the numbers are great in the Snake Watershed and specifically Hells Canyon. I have never been to Idaho, hunted them a bit in college on the WA side. Access has all changed now.

They like rocks and steep country. They predominantly eat cheet grass. When numbers are good it seems you will find them anywhere you think they might be.

[GWP]

Don't take a gun if you care what it looks like. It will probably will get some dings and scratches.
Look for a canyon with the worst possible walking conditions. Slippery shale with rocks can be good. The steeper the better.
Start hiking. Up, down, does not matter.
If you are going up, you will see a group of tiny soldiers running/cresting the top before you get there. When you get to the top they will all fly down to the bottom or all the way across to the other side where you just came up.
If you start at the top they will fly to the crest and start running down. When you get to the edge they will fly to the bottom or to the other side of the canyon.
If you shoot one it will be hard to find, plus, it will wait to die until it gets to the furthest and hardest point you just came from.
You will be tired and sore when you are done.
This is for wild birds.
Hunt Club and paid for/planted Chukar are not even close. But hey! You get to shoot a bird! IF you can get them to fly.
Best of luck!

[Wingin it]

Steep country with rock shelves. Be mindful of your dogs! Many dogs have been injured or killed following birds off a cliff.

[3dvapor]

I'd take 5 days and go to elko nevada.  Lots of chukar.  Best numbers they've :had in 30 years. Blows idaho and oregon away.  You won't be disappointed.   

[Loup Loup]

I’ve shot chukar in Kittitas, Chelan, and Okanogan counties this season. Very good numbers of birds everywhere I’ve hunted. Lotsa young of the year birds.

[boneaddict]

Good year for them. I ran into them multiple times this fall where I’ve never seen them or Huns.

[nwwanderer]

Elko is a good idea and buy a tag for the big birds in the Rubies, bring water.

[KP-Skagit]

Well shoot, guess I need to try some new spots!!