Chukar Hunting Below Maupin Tomorrow

Limbhanger · 01-13-2006, 07:21 PM

Heading over tomorrow, I was just curious to know if anyone has hunted around there lately? Any reports?

Thank you.

greenheadgunner · 01-13-2006, 09:04 PM

[image]

[/image]
[image]

[/image]

Went over to Mack's Canyon, 29 miles above Maupin, today for my first chukar hunt.

Dad and I went without a dog, which as we were warned and as we expected, made it a lot harder. I've never worked so hard for a bird. The hills are enormous (1500ft elevation ascents) and there's lots of scree (loose rock) which makes footing difficult.

We didn't see anything until we had hiked straight up for an hour and a half, then all of the sudden we heard a big covey flush up 100 yards in front of us. We snuck below the rimrock towards where they landed. They popped up 50 yards away and I hit one on a LONG shot. My first chukar.

Saw about 6 more coveys all day. Most flushed too early for a shot. Although one did fly RIGHT by me, 20 yards away, as I was taking a leak. Once again, I got caught with my pants down.

Lots of deer. Lots of climbing, and consequently some falls. No quail. Great day with Dad.

Seth

lor · 01-13-2006, 09:18 PM

Wow Maupin, thats not too far from PDX.
So is this Mack's canyon public or private land?

greenheadgunner · 01-13-2006, 09:22 PM

Both public and private. You should get an updated map from the BLM office and it will show the boundary lines. In general, everything within one mile of the Deschutes (on the east side) is public.

quackersnacker · 01-13-2006, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Both public and private. You should get an updated map from the BLM office and it will show the boundary lines. In general, everything within one mile of the Deschutes (on the east side) is public.

That one mile is a generalization that can and will get you into trouble in some places up there. Those BLM maps are pretty accurate though.

lor · 01-13-2006, 10:49 PM

Whats a good place in the PDX area to get a BLM map.

PullShootExplode · 01-14-2006, 08:29 AM

Went a couple of days ago down by south junction with some buddies. Busted one covey of four and ended up with only one. Then it was down to the river where there were no birds. Finally down to Jones canyon and after a good hike no birds. Beautiful country good friends and a day off of work. I'll take that anyday.

greenheadgunner · 01-14-2006, 08:33 AM

Quote:

Whats a good place in the PDX area to get a BLM map.

Go to the BLM office in Portland, its the closest one to PDX. They are down at 333 SW 2nd Ave, right next to Oak.

Like I said, its a "generalization" that within one mile of the river its public land. Yes, if you were ONLY going off that, you may find yourself trespassing, but that's why I suggested getting an updated BLM map.

Good luck and wear good boots.

dubl_t · 01-15-2006, 07:30 PM

greenheadgunner, looks like you were clear up on top? see any sheep? I seen 2 up Rattlesnake canyon (just S. of Macks)not too long ago. Right in the bottom of the draw. My 1st time hunting chuckar with my "dog" (Jack Russel) but only went 1/2 way up.

gottafish · 01-15-2006, 07:38 PM

Quote:

My 1st time hunting chuckar with my "dog" ( Jack Russel ) but only went 1/2 way up.

How did that work out?? My Dad back in Michigan say's his is a bird getting machine. Just wondering if yours is a hunter also

Limbhanger · 01-15-2006, 07:45 PM

I hunted above Shears Bridge and didnt see a chukar. Almost 8 hours of solid hiking tops, mids, and bottoms.

A Jack Russel??? For Chukar???? I am not knocking, I cannot even imagine what something with legs that short felt like after a day in that country. I saw a porcupine in the bottom of one draw, Mr. Russel could have gotten in trouble with that. I think those are bred to go after varmints right?

gottafish · 01-15-2006, 07:51 PM

HEy limb, Is the white still pumping concrete into the big D or is it fishable.

dubl_t · 01-15-2006, 07:55 PM

Yea, they're bred for varmints, rabbits and foxes. She 1/4r's really good out in front of me, never going more than 20yds. She would've hunted the rest of the week regarding her enrgy level (I think when you're that small, big hills don't matter) regarding the 'pine, there's a racoon that lives in front of my house she tries to play with. Of course the coon has different ideas but when I call her she drops everything and comes running. Guess I got lucky with this one, 'course she never leaves my side. You should see her on a rafting trip :smile:

Limbhanger · 01-15-2006, 07:56 PM

High and muddy, no fishing for a while. Lots of water from the feeder creeks pouring in.