Chukar Hunting

Salmon Stryker · 12-11-2003, 09:10 AM

I was invited to go chukar hunting this weekend and was wondering a little about it. Obviously I've never been before and was just wondering if anyone had any tips for me on how to better bag a few.

I was thinking of 2 and 3/4" 6 shot. Is that about right?

I've heard that they like to hang out up a long rimrock and they tend to run quite a ways before they fly. Thats about all I know.

Any info would be appreciated.

Ifishsum · 12-11-2003, 09:42 AM

Load sounds right, at least it's what I use. Work downhill where possible, they tend to hold tighter when you approach them from above. After you flush them, if you mark where they fly to you can often jump them again on the way downhill. Good luck and have fun!

jetsled1 · 12-11-2003, 09:53 AM

The only advise I have is, carry as many shells as you can pack because you can't pack enuff to get a limit

Gun Rod Bow · 12-11-2003, 10:14 AM

Carry a tank of helium and a mid sized baloon to get yourself out of the canyons after you "hunt downhill".

Advice: It's hard to shoot in front of one that's screamin by. Good luck

nitrobass · 12-11-2003, 10:26 AM

Especially if its been rainy really look for the heavier cover, brushy draws etc. Where I usually go its almost all cheatgrass with some sagebrush and small juniper trees growing in the creek draws. A dog really helps. If you are the one that flushes them they arent that hard to kill. If someone uphill jumps them and they fly past you...well good luck on that one. When we go we always take turns hunting the ridgetops because thats usually the best shooting for us.

Salty Walty · 12-11-2003, 10:36 AM

The person who got me into chasing them said,"The first time you hunt them is to say you did it and every time after that it is to get even with them." 6s work good. If by any chance it snows they often hang out at the bottom of the rimrock where there is no snow on the ground.

James in Idaho · 12-11-2003, 01:30 PM

I like good trap loads (using Remington "Handicaps" right now) in 7.5 shot with a 12 or 20 guage (winchester "AA"'s for the 20). I will use 6's if it is real windy, but otherwise I think it's overkill. A good retriever is worth their weight in gold on chukar. The dog goes up and down hills a lot faster than I can. Great boots (love my Whites) are pretty much required, and a lightweight gun is really nice. My favorite is a Model 12 20 guage with a full choke. Kills them red legged devil birds good. And yes, it IS about revenge!!!!!!!!!!!! I might try for a few if I take a break from steelheading on the Salmon this weekend.

SlamminKokes · 12-11-2003, 01:42 PM

I like to load my gun to shoot a 71/2 on the first shot followed by a 6 on the 2nd, YES, almost always there has to be more than 1 shot!

You might also want to think about taking a stretcher and a hottub for when you make it back down the hill! :grin:

SlimPickens · 12-11-2003, 01:59 PM

If you see some birds uphill from you, don't bother pursuing them. They will stay just ahead of you every time and then laugh/chuckle at you!!!

Sick the dog on them, so you get the last laugh when one flies down by you....BAMM

straightweave · 12-11-2003, 02:13 PM

This late in the year, odds are, the birds have been chased somewhat. If you do NOT have a dog, can the game loads and go w/ express loads. The birds will get up and out quicker than ya think. You can even think about loading a #4 express in behind those #6's.

If you have a pointer, then the 7 1/2's will work fine, followed by #6 express loads.

Remember to aim BELOW the bird when they fly downhill.

Darth Wader · 12-11-2003, 03:49 PM

The first time you hunt chukar, its for sport. After that, its revenge!

mcknerkneykak · 12-11-2003, 06:22 PM

Chukars are an evil bird. No dog--the advice about approaching from above is on the money. I've hunted with retrievers for them for about 30 years. Good- but my first pointer (three years old) upped my revenge (kill) factor by about 300%. Watch out. There are a lot of us that are addicted. It could happen to you!

mcknerkneykak · 12-11-2003, 06:25 PM

By the way--As of last weekend they were still answering calls after being scattered. Take one.

skein · 12-11-2003, 06:40 PM

Good tip, Mck. I bought one this fall but haven't used it yet. Are there any things a guy might want to do (or avoid) when using one?

Skein

mcknerkneykak · 12-11-2003, 07:11 PM

Early in the season they will answer almost immediately when flushed. As it progresses the birds get smarter(the ones who survive) and it takes longer for an answer. I don't think it is because of hunting pressure from us---hawks know what a chukar sounds like too. By January they're pretty well clammed up--even in areas where there is, or has been, little or no hunting pressure. Its kind of like pheasant hunting. As a rule the roosters will cackle when flushed early in the year but keep quiet later. Last weekend it was taking about 5 minutes for the chukars to start talking after the initial flush-- but only if they didn't all stay together. I have called and KNEW I sounded baaaad. They answered anyway. Not sure if you can make a sorry enough call to turn them off if they want to regroup.

willametteriveroutlaw · 12-11-2003, 08:27 PM

The first time you hunt chukar, its for sport. After that, its revenge! [/QUOTE]
[img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img]

Crappie Chaser · 12-11-2003, 09:20 PM

I have found that more important than the shot size is the load.I would stay away from the light -loaded bargain shells.Especially for the late season birds that are heavier feathered and are more likely to jump a little wild. This time of year I use 1 1/4 oz of #6 shot with 3 3/4 dram eq. This load will drop birds clean at the edge of effective shotgun range.A faster load means a lot less cripples this time of year. The hard part is staying down on the ones that jump close and you have to wait on to get out to where you don't blow them away.I shouldn't say this because now I will probably be snakebit but I was 4 for 4 today. They held really well today.A good 7 1/2 load would have worked fine.Along with the good advice you have got I would add to be ready for the stragglers after the initial covey rise.Try to get the covey broken up as the singles hold better.Don't get discouraged.Your chance will come.

SlamminKokes · 12-12-2003, 02:28 AM

Mck, whereabouts do you do your chukar hunting, i see we live in about the same area!

Salmon Stryker · 12-12-2003, 06:54 AM

Wow! Thanks for all the advice. We are heading over Sunday...somewhere near Antelope and hunting Monday. I'll post a report when I get back on Tuesday.

Thanks again!

DriftR · 12-12-2003, 01:54 PM

I know what I do. I always carry a couple ace bandages with me. Walking up and down those ravines, rocks, elevation really gets to my knees. I just wrap them up and it really helps. A good pair of boots are a must.

Bill Monroe · 12-13-2003, 02:34 AM

A friend, Pat Wray, has written a pretty good book about chukar hunting...you can get it on his web site at www.patwray.com.
Me, I chase a few now and then, but am mostly reduced to stomping nests in the spring.

BuKuBass · 12-13-2003, 02:31 PM

Bill: At first I was apalled by your comment of "stomping nests". But then I noticed the time of your post and dismissed it as an early a.m. (addled mentality) induced piece of Walter Mittie-ish fantasy that I'll probably repeat in chukar camp next year. Good'un.