The chukar limit for hunters in Oregon is set each year by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. Chukars are a species of upland game bird that are popular among hunters in Oregon. Understanding the daily and seasonal bag limits for chukars is important for hunters looking to hunt these birds legally and ethically.
Oregon Chukar Daily Bag Limit
The daily bag limit for chukars in Oregon is 10 birds per day. This limit applies statewide for all chukar hunters with a valid hunting license and upland game bird validation. The daily limit for chukars has remained at 10 birds for the past several years in Oregon.
Here are some key points about the Oregon chukar daily bag limit:
- The daily limit is 10 chukars per hunter per day.
- The limit applies statewide across all regions and hunting zones.
- Only legally harvested chukars in the field count towards the daily limit.
- Only one daily limit is allowed per hunter even if hunting multiple days.
- Limits are set by ODFW based on chukar populations and sustainability.
Hunters must stop hunting for the day once they harvest 10 total chukars. It is illegal to exceed the 10 bird daily limit under Oregon regulations.
Oregon Chukar Possession Limit
In addition to the daily bag limit, there is also a possession limit for chukar in Oregon. The chukar possession limit is three times the daily bag limit.
So with a daily limit of 10 chukars, the possession limit is 30 chukars total. Here are some key points on the Oregon chukar possession limit:
- The possession limit is 30 chukars.
- Only legally harvested chukars in the field count towards this limit.
- Chukars must be properly tagged and identified after harvest.
- Hunters may only exceed the 30 bird possession limit if hunting multiple days in a row.
- Exceeding the limit without consecutive days of hunting is illegal.
The possession limit exists to restrict the overall harvest numbers per hunter for conservation purposes. Properly identifying and tagging harvested chukars is important when it comes to enforcing the possession limit.
Chukar Season Dates and Limits
In addition to daily and possession limits, the Oregon chukar hunting season also has an opening and closing date each year. Here are the season dates and bird limits:
Season Dates | Daily Limit | Possession Limit |
---|---|---|
October 14, 2023 – January 31, 2024 | 10 chukars | 30 chukars |
As the table shows, the 2023-2024 chukar season in Oregon runs from October 14 to January 31. The 10 daily limit and 30 possession limit apply during the entire chukar season.
Chukar Population in Oregon
Chukar numbers vary each year in Oregon based on reproduction rates and winter survival. On average, Oregon hosts several hundred thousand chukars across their sagebrush and canyon habitat.
Here are statewide chukar population estimates over the past decade based on surveys by ODFW:
Year | Estimated Chukar Population |
---|---|
2012 | 521,000 |
2013 | 412,000 |
2014 | 682,000 |
2015 | 798,000 |
2016 | 601,000 |
2017 | 392,000 |
2018 | 428,000 |
2019 | 515,000 |
2020 | 387,000 |
2021 | 798,000 |
The table shows some fluctuation but an overall stable chukar population in Oregon over the past decade. This allows ODFW to maintain conservative daily and possession limits while still providing ample hunting opportunity.
Identifying Chukars vs Other Birds
When hunting chukars in Oregon, properly identifying your target is critical to obeying the limits and hunting ethically. Here are some tips for identifying chukars:
- Chukars have distinctive black and white striped feathers on their flanks.
- The face is marked by a black band over the eyes and white below.
- Chukars are 16-18 inches long with a stocky body and short tail.
- The legs are yellow and the bill is black.
- Chukars make a distinct “chuck-chuck-chuck” call when flushed.
Hunters should be especially careful not to confuse chukars with gray partridges. Though related, gray partridges are a different species with their own separate limits.
Chukar Habitat and Hunting Tips
Understanding where to find chukars is key to hunting success. Here are some tips on chukar habitat and hunting strategies:
- Look for rocky canyons, hillsides, and slopes with sagebrush cover.
- Focus on areas with cheatgrass and other natural food sources.
- Hike along the edges of brush lines at dawn and dusk when birds are active.
- A trained bird dog can help point and flush chukars for hunters.
- Shooting uphill improves your angle as the birds flush downhill.
- Bring plenty of shotgun shells – chukars provide challenging shooting.
Locating fresh chukar sign like tracks and droppings can also clue hunters into active areas. Overall, hunting patiently and safely is critical when pursuing chukars given the steep and rocky terrain they inhabit.
Chukar Limits on Public and Private Lands
The chukar regulations summarized in this article apply statewide to both public and private lands. The daily bag limit, possession limit, and season dates are consistent regardless of where you hunt chukars in Oregon.
Examples of public lands open to chukar hunting include:
- Bureau of Land Management areas
- U.S. Forest Service National Forests
- State wildlife areas and reserves
When hunting private lands, always be sure to obtain landowner permission first. Also be aware that some private lands may have more restrictive internal limits.
Oregon Chukar Hunting Licenses and Stamps
To legally hunt chukars in Oregon, hunters need a valid hunting license along with an upland game bird validation. Here are some quick license requirements:
- Resident hunting license or non-resident hunting license.
- General upland game bird validation ($22.50)
- Youth ages 12-17 need a youth license.
- Children under 12 hunt for free but must be supervised.
The upland validation covers chukars, grouse, partridges, pheasants, and quail. Licenses can be purchased online through ODFW or at authorized license vendors.
Oregon Chukar Hunting Rules and Regulations
In addition to licenses and limits, chukar hunters need to follow general hunting rules and regulations in Oregon. Some key items include:
- No baiting or electronic calls are permitted when hunting chukars.
- Only shotguns using shot shells and bows are allowed. Rifles and handguns are prohibited.
- Blaze orange clothing is required when upland bird hunting.
- Shooting hours are from sunrise to sunset.
- Hunters must know zone boundaries and only hunt open areas.
Properly tagging and identifying harvested chukars to comply with possession limits is also critically important.
Oregon Chukar Fines and Penalties
Hunters violating the chukar hunting regulations face penalties including fines, revocation of licenses, and even jail time. Some examples of violations and penalties include:
Violation | Potential Penalties |
---|---|
Exceeding daily bag limit | Up to $435 fine and loss of hunting privileges |
Exceeding possession limit | Up to $970 fine and loss of licenses for 3 years |
Hunting without licenses or tags | Up to $435 fine and suspension of licenses |
Hunting outside of season | Up to $435 fine and 3-year loss of privileges |
Hunting while suspended | Up to 6 months jail time and $25,000 fine |
ODFW wardens actively enforce chukar regulations. Fines and penalties will escalate for repeat offenders.
Hunting Opportunities for Disabled Hunters
Oregon provides special chukar hunting access and accommodations to disabled hunters with valid permits. Some options include:
- Special hunts on private ranches tailored for disabled hunters.
- Reserved blind sites and hunting areas.
- Permission to shoot from vehicles if needed.
- Ability to use crossbows during bow season.
- Extended season dates.
Contact the ODFW disabled hunting program for more information on permits and opportunities. They work closely with non-profits to provide mentored and assisted hunting trips.
Tips for New Chukar Hunters
For those new to chukar hunting, here are some handy tips to set you up for success:
- Research chukar habitat preferences and focus efforts there.
- Hunt early morning and evenings when chukars are most active.
- Bring a hunting dog to help locate and point birds.
- Practice shooting clays to prepare for fast flying chukars.
- Use topographic maps to identify promising terrain features.
- Pack extra water and snacks due to rugged hunt terrain.
- Invest in a hunting vest and pants for storage and durability.
- Obtain land access permission and scout areas thoroughly before season.
Starting with resources like this article will help new hunters learn the limits, rules, tips and tricks to hunt chukars safely and successfully.
Conclusion
Chukar hunting provides an exciting upland bird hunting opportunity in Oregon’s high desert country. With a daily limit of 10 chukars and possession limit of 30, hunters can harvest these challenging gamebirds while also maintaining healthy populations. Understanding the regulations, properly identifying chukars, and hunting ethically are critical for hunters. With proper preparation and hunting strategy, the Oregon chukar season offers a fun adventure each fall and winter.