Chukar hunting is a popular sport for many hunters across North America. Chukars are a type of partridge native to Eurasia that were introduced to parts of North America for hunting purposes. They thrive in arid, rocky environments and provide a challenging hunt. When planning a chukar hunting trip, one of the most important considerations is choosing the optimal location to maximize your chances of success.
What are the best states for chukar hunting?
Some of the top states for chukar hunting include:
- Idaho – Idaho has an estimated chukar population of around 2 million birds. The arid, mountainous terrain provides excellent chukar habitat. Many of the best areas are located in the southwestern region.
- Oregon – Popular chukar hunting areas in Oregon include the Steens Mountain region and the foothills of the Blue Mountains. Hunter success rates for chukars are quite high.
- Washington – Chukars thrive in the shrub-steppe habitat of central Washington. Some prime areas include Chelan, Grant, and Douglas counties.
- Nevada – Parts of northern and central Nevada host good numbers of chukars. Hunters should focus efforts in the high desert regions.
- Utah – The rocky slopes of western Utah provide excellent chukar habitat. Try hunting areas like Box Elder, Tooele, and Juab counties.
- Arizona – In Arizona, you’ll find chukars in mountain ranges below the Mogollon Rim. Focus on the more arid regions in the southern and western parts of the state.
- Wyoming – Chukars can be found in suitable habitat throughout much of Wyoming. However, the western regions tend to be best.
- California – Most of the chukar hunting in California takes place in the northeastern part of the state. Popular areas include Lassen, Modoc, and Siskiyou counties.
These states consistently have the highest chukar populations and provide excellent hunting opportunities. However, don’t rule out less popular chukar hunting destinations. If you can find quality habitat, there’s a chance of encountering chukars.
What type of habitat and terrain do chukars prefer?
Chukars thrive in very specific types of habitats. Focus your hunting efforts in areas with the following terrain features and vegetation:
- Steep, rocky slopes – Chukars like to roost and escape predators in rocky areas with plenty of cover.
- Grassy hillsides – Open hillsides with grasses and scrubby vegetation provide feeding areas.
- Water sources – Chukars need to drink regularly, so areas near streams or springs can be productive.
- Varied elevation – The best chukar habitat will have a mix of steep hills and more gentle slopes.
- Sparse shrubs – Shrubs like sagebrush and bitterbrush provide escape cover.
- Canyon drainages – Drainages and gullies surrounded by rocky ridges are prime spots.
In general, you want a mix of rugged terrain and vegetation. Chukars aren’t found in dense forests or heavily developed areas. Focus your efforts on arid, hilly areas with a combination of rocks, shrubs, and grassy openings.
What time of year is best for hunting chukars?
Chukars can be hunted in the fall and winter months. However, the timing of the seasons varies according to location. Here are some general guidelines for the best times to target chukars:
- Early fall (September – October) – Young chukars are widely dispersed at this time of year. Early fall is a good time to hunt before birds gather into larger coveys.
- Late fall (November) – In most states, the chukar season peaks in November. Numbers of birds are still high from hatching season and patterns are more predictable.
- Early winter (December – January) – Opportunity to hunt late in the year after snow has arrived. Birds gather into large coveys on south-facing slopes.
- During mating season (March – April) – Males are very vocal and aggressive when displaying for females during breeding season. Decoys and calling can be effective.
Of course, be sure to check your state’s regulations for specific chukar season dates. If possible, try to plan your hunt during the peak of breeding activity or shortly after the hatching period when numbers are highest.
How can you locate promising chukar hunting spots?
Finding a good starting point is key for a successful chukar hunt. Here are some tactics to locate promising areas:
- Research online maps and terrain – Use topographic maps and satellite imagery to identify steep, rocky terrain in your chosen region.
- Talk to wildlife biologists – State agencies often track upland game bird populations and can suggest areas to target.
- Scout beforehand – If possible, walk potential hunting spots prior to season to look for signs like tracks, droppings, and feathers.
- Ask locals – Talk to other hunters, farmers, and ranchers in the area for leads on where they’ve seen chukars.
- Search for water sources – Identify springs, streams, stock ponds, or tanks that provide the water chukars need.
- Drive back roads – Slowly drive rural roads in suitable habitat and look for coveys along hillsides.
Locating chukars is challenging, but doing some homework ahead of your hunt will increase your odds. Focus on arid areas with rocky terrain that provide food, water, and escape cover.
What are the best techniques for hunting chukars?
Smart hunting strategies are vital when pursuing wily chukars. Here are some effective techniques to maximize your success:
- Hike uphill – Chukars prefer to run uphill when approached, so hiking up slopes pushes birds toward you.
- Use a zigzag pattern – Traverse hillsides back and forth to cover more ground and cut off escape routes.
- Post an observer – Have one hunter quietly glass the terrain while others walk to flush birds.
- Bring a dog – Well-trained pointing and retrieving dogs are extremely helpful for flushing and retrieving chukars.
- Focus on food and water – Sitting quietly near feeding areas and water sources in early morning can be productive.
- Try calling – Use chukar calls during breeding season to locate aggressive males.
- Watch for dust baths – Chukars will use the same dry, dusty bowls to bathe regularly. Sit nearby and wait.
Persistence and thorough coverage of the terrain are vital. Having a dog, an extra set of eyes, and hunting during mornings and evenings when chukars are active can also help increase your success.
What shot size and choke are best for chukars?
When hunting chukars, a shotgun capable of shooting lead shot or non-toxic alternatives is required. Some recommendations for shot size and chokes include:
- Shot Size – #6, #7 or #8 lead or non-toxic shot. The smaller shot provides plenty of pellets in a dense pattern.
- Choke – Improved Cylinder or Modified choke tubes. This provides a balanced, mid-range spread.
- Shell length – 2-3/4 inch shells are sufficient, 3-inch can also be used if permitted by your firearm.
- Shot material – Heavier non-toxic shot maintains energy better than steel at long ranges.
The most important factors are a dense pattern of smaller pellets and a consistent percentage of hits within a 30-40 yard range. This combination provides enough knocking power to cleanly harvest chukars without excessive pellet dispersion at longer distances.
What are some rookie mistakes to avoid when chukar hunting?
Chukar hunting presents many challenges, even for seasoned hunters. Here are some common mistakes made by beginners:
- Hunting the wrong terrain – Chukars rely on rock outcroppings for escape, so hunting flat or forested areas is rarely productive.
- Not hiking far enough – You often need to reach remote terrain and cover several miles for the best chance to find chukars.
- Underestimating the difficulty – Chukar hunting can be extremely strenuous. Be prepared for rugged country.
- Being under equipped – Proper footwear, plenty of water, and essential safety gear are must-haves for rugged chukar terrain.
- Not shooting fast enough – Chukars often flush in big coveys, so you need to shoulder your gun quickly and pick targets fast.
- Poor shot selection – Only take reasonable shots within 40 yards to avoid wounding birds.
- Assuming all small game are chukars – Properly identify your target as chukars are often mixed among quail, grouse, and doves.
- Not planning access – Many of the best areas are on private land, so seek permission and scout ahead of season.
Avoiding these common mistakes, having realistic expectations, and being well-prepared will help lead to chukar hunting success.
Conclusion
Chukar hunting provides an exciting upland game bird pursuit across much of the western United States. To maximize your chances, focus efforts in states like Idaho, Oregon, and Utah which offer wide-open terrain and healthy chukar populations. Hunt arid, hilly areas characterized by rocky slopes, grassy openings, and water sources. Use techniques like hiking uphill, employing dogs, and calling to help flush birds. Go prepared for challenging conditions and mountainous terrain. Avoid common beginner mistakes like poor planning and shot selection. Follow these tips to discover some of the best chukar hunting the West has to offer.