Anybody been chasing chukars?

[threecreeks]

Other than the brave souls who ventured east and shot chukars last month, anyone else been out chasing birds? I have only gone once this year (that's an all-time low) and have been hankering to give it another go on my next weekend. This past week/weekend had been dedicated into moving the family into our new to us house .

So if you've been out, please post so I can live vicariously until my next weekend off from work. I would be grateful.

-T.C.

[greenheadgunner]

dec 29-30 i'll be drifting the John Day for a chuckar hunt/steelhead on the fly adventure...will post up after I get back

[Maverick Maxcat]

I'm leaving tomorrow for 4 day in the Succor Cr/Owyhee river area. Report when I return!

[Teton]

I'll be out near the Snake next week...

[Anadramous Junkie]

Went to Juntura Saturday morning with a friend. Birds are up high as suspected. Made one hunt Saturday in the wind and got 6 covies. My typical shooting prevented a limit, but put 5 in the bag and had fun! Sunday we made two hunts and struggled to find birds that would cooperate. Our first hunt of the day we split up and we each only found 2 covies. We made a quick hunt together in a different location after that with poor results. The first 3 groups flushed long, and we ended the day with only a couple birds a piece. Beautiful skies this weekend, just a bit cold and windy! All in all a decent trip with some great dog work!

[Teton]

Originally Posted by Anadramous Junkie

My typical shooting prevented a limit, but put 5 in the bag and had fun!

Dude, bagging 8 chukar in a day is relatively difficult, given how fast those coveys flush, and the type of terrain. A 5 chukar day is a great success!! Kudos!

Yeah, when heavy snow pushes the birds down, it gets easier, somewhat...Last year, a few days after a big snowstorm, we found the opposite to be true. Birds more wary because they were concentrated. I'm headed out next week for 1-2 days of huffing and puffing.

[BaseCamp]

Not very many birds this year. I hunted all day Sunday and only saw one bunch of 6.

[1eyed]

Just got back from a 3 day weekend.

Lots of birds but man we had to put on the miles. There where 2 of us and we should have shot better but man the footing and balance can really get you some times.

Sat = 4 birds
Sunday = 1 bird (shooting went to @%, well you know
Monday = 8 birds

And 3 really tired dogs to match the owners, I need a week to recover.

See ya out there again next weekend.

[Teton]

Originally Posted by 1eyed

There where 2 of us and we should have shot better but man the footing and balance can really get you some times.

In October, we were in the middle of them on a steep, grassy slope in E. Oregon. I found myself in perfect position for a flush. About 15 came up just above and not more than 15 yards ahead....slipped on the dewy grass as I shouldered my O/U... Oh well, that's hunting!

[1eyed]

Yep, I know the slipping thing.

There was snow, freezing fog (ice) and then the thaw of 2inches of frozen ground that sticks to your boots making you 4 feet taller.

I think I ended up on my butt atleast 5 times, you just have to love Chukar Hunting.

I just have to go every available day I can during the season, haven't missed a weekend yet.

[Anadramous Junkie]

got to love it! I don't know who's quote it is but i refer to it often "you go chukar hunting the first time because you have never done it, you spend the rest of your life going to get even!"

[Jimbo]

I lived in Clarkston, WA in the 60's & 70's when Field and Stream called the area the chukar hunting capital of the world. I was a teenager and used to ride my Honda 90 down the river and spend a day chasing those critters. I got in good enough shape to try and chase them down ...climbing UPhill. After I'd finally shoot one, I'd then send 45 min looking for it. You learned to follow the trail of feathers. I came home with my limit in those days. The 1980's was devistating to a chukar hunter. I hope they come back to that point. I know its getting better.
I am new to Oregon. Where is the closest area you can find those chuckling birds?

[Ras]

Took the young pup out for some feathers this past weekend.

Have missed alot of the season up to now; going to make up for lost time from here on out

Ras

[James in Idaho]

One of my best days hunting was the one and only time I shot my limit of chukars. Even blew a head gasket coming off the hill, that couldn't even ruin the day. Got all 8 in about 45 minutes, man what a day.

[Jimbo]

Great pic Ras!