Posted on 09/04/2009 3:20:06 PM PDT by Domandred
After two seasons of chukar hunting that could best be described as grim, chukar hunters have reason to be encouraged. It appears that chukar numbers are on the rise.
Surveying the highlands along Brownlee Reservoir on August 26, wildlife biologist Jake Powell counted nearly 900 chukars in the 12 square mile survey area. That translates to 73.7 chukars per square mile, double last year's dismal count of 37.8.
"It's encouraging news," Powell noted. "We found 106 groups of chukars distributed across the entire survey area with an average group size of 8.3 birds." In contrast, the 2007 and 2008 surveys counted only 70 and 61 groups of birds, and 7.2 and 7.4 birds per group, respectively.
While still below the 10-year average of 1,300 total birds and 108 birds per square mile, this year's count is the best since 2005 when a record 2,085 birds were counted. And Powell likes the trend. "We're headed in the right direction," Powell said. "If the weather cooperates, I'd anticipate seeing chukar numbers very near the 10-year average next year."
While the Lucky Peak area was not surveyed for chukars this year, Powell expects bird numbers there to be trending upward as well.
Clearwater Region biologists were not able to make aerial counts this year but ground observations indicate a rebound in the chukar populations there as well.
Chukar hunters can take these numbers to the bank. "Our surveys have proven to be an accurate predictor of chukar hunting success," Powell said. "Year after year, hunter reports confirm our projections. Over time, that has bolstered our confidence in the accuracy of our survey technique."
Chukar season opens statewide on Saturday, September 19 with a daily bag limit of eight birds. Consult the 2009 upland game rule book for additional information, or find it on the web at http://fishandgame.idaho.gov.
Maybe one should try hunting for those in Pear orchards?
Time for some old Hunting With Hank reruns. I miss that show and you can’t find it on any of the Bittorrent sites.
Word from central NV is that last year, the populations crashed. Northern NV is probably doing much better, but the grand, grand years of hunting up canyons filled with hundreds to thousands of chukar are over for awhile.
Oh yea — in Nevada, we said:
“Chukar - you hunt them the first time for sport. The rest of your life, you hunt them for revenge.”
Yea that about sums it up.
There are many in the Deschutes River canyon in Oregon. I’ve thought about hunting them in the afternoon between steelhead fishing in the morning and evening.
Any chance you can get one without a dog?
You can but it’s difficult. I tried one year and ended up chasing a covey all over this hill and never got in range for a shot. They just ran and laughed at me.
Guy I met last year did it with a hawk call. As he’d approach a covey on the ground he’d use the hawk call to keep the birds hunkered down and from flushing till he got in range. Chukar are more scared of hawks than they are of walking hunters.
I have never hunted them with a dog. I either knew where they hang out on a regular basis, or caught them going down for an optional, but apparently preferred sip of water or bit of gravel for their craw.
You must be at least level with them in order to get them to flush. Being above them is much better. Getting above them anymore is a bit tough on my old fat body as they like it steep, loose and rocky.
I was a little surpised to read the covey counts averaging only 8 birds. Sounds more like Hungarians. Chukars? 20 to more than a hundred is what I have experienced.
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