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About Chukar Hunting

The chukar partridge is nicknamed the "Devil Bird" for good reason. Native to the Middle East and introduced to North America in the early 1900s, these red-legged partridges thrive in some of the most rugged terrain in the Lower 48 - steep, rocky canyons and rimrock country that punishes hunters.

Chukars run uphill like mountain goats and flush downhill when pushed. The terrain alone - thousands of vertical feet through loose scree and basalt - makes this one of the most physically demanding hunts in North America.

Yet hunters return year after year, drawn by the challenge, the wild country, and the satisfaction of earning every bird the hard way. As the saying goes: "The first time you hunt chukars, you hunt them for the birds. After that, you hunt them to prove something to yourself."

Why Hunt Chukar

Ultimate Physical Challenge

Test yourself against the most demanding upland terrain

Wild, Remote Country

Hunt spectacular canyon country far from crowds

Challenging Shooting

Fast, direction-changing birds when you're winded and off-balance

Excellent Table Fare

Delicious, well-earned meat from grain-fed birds

Species Profile

Chukar Partridge (Alectoris chukar) - Introduced from Pakistan in 1893, with ~795,000 birds released across 41 states from 1931-1970.

Size: 13-14 inches, 1-1.8 lbs
Appearance: Light brown back, grey breast, black/white barred flanks, black "necklace" around white throat
Legs: Distinctive red legs (hence "red-legs")
Coveys: 10-50 birds, typically 10-20 in autumn/winter
Population: 7.8 million breeding birds, stable trend

Prime Chukar Country

Chukars established in the Great Basin region where arid, rocky terrain matches their native habitat.

Nevada: #1 in harvest, prime Great Basin habitat
Oregon: Eastern canyon country, excellent populations
Washington: Snake River breaks, Columbia Basin
Idaho: Snake River canyon, Hells Canyon, Owyhee
Also found: Utah, California, Arizona, Colorado, Montana, Wyoming

Season Overview

Chukar seasons typically run from early-to-mid October through late January or early February, depending on state. Long seasons reflect stable populations.

Weather significantly affects hunting conditions. Early season offers warmer weather but birds hold tighter. Late season has jumpier birds but cooler temperatures for hiking.

Seasons and limits change annually - always verify current regulations with your state wildlife agency.

State Seasons (Typical)

Idaho: October 1 - January 31
Oregon: Second Saturday of October - January 31
Nevada: Mid-October - Early February
Washington: October - January (varies by unit)
California: Mid-October - Late January

Emergency closures may occur during severe winter weather.

Bag Limits

Limits are generally liberal, reflecting healthy populations. Often combined with Hungarian partridge limits.

Oregon: 8 daily, 24 possession (combined chukar/Hun)
Nevada: 6 daily (combined chukar/Hun)
Idaho: 8 daily, 24 possession

Always check current state regulations.

Licensing Requirements

State Hunting License: Required in all states
Upland Game Bird Stamp: Required in Oregon ($17), some other states
Hunter Education: Required for first-time hunters
Washington: Wing/tail submission required for surveys

Working Steep Terrain

The cardinal rule: Approach from above or at the same elevation. Chukars run uphill but fly downhill - chasing from below only pushes them out of range.

Terrain Strategy

Approach from Above: Birds flush downhill toward you
Zig-Zag Upslope: Move diagonally to expected bird locations
Hunt at Elevation: Once you flush, continue at that contour
Ridgeline Position: Work dog on ridge, sneak below for flush
Never Chase Uphill: Birds run to ridge and flush far out of range

Hunting with Dogs

A good pointing dog is essential for consistent chukar success. Wide-ranging dogs that work independently are preferred over tight-working breeds.

Dog Strategy

Hunt into Wind: Dramatically increases dog's success
Position Dog Above: Use up-canyon thermals
Keep Dog Watered: Critical in arid terrain
Wide Range Needed: Chukars require dogs that cover ground
Expect Longer Shots: 5-10 yards farther than over grouse dogs

Finding Birds

Understanding chukar habitat and daily patterns helps focus your efforts on productive ground.

Key Locations

Feeding Areas: Grassier ridgetops, sun-drenched hillsides
Water Sources: Springs, seeps, puddles - visit daily in summer
Roosting Cover: Rimrock outcroppings, cliff faces
Optimal Habitat: 50% sage/grass, 45% talus/rock, 5% brushy draws
Elevation: 4,000-13,000 feet in arid conditions

Why They're Called Devil Birds

Chukars have earned their reputation through a combination of terrain, behavior, and the physical demands they place on hunters.

Running Ability: Cover steep terrain with agility, outrunning athletic dogs
Extreme Terrain: Thrive in the most rugged country in the Lower 48
Physical Demands: 10-18 miles daily through scree and basalt
Shooting Challenges: Shooting straight when winded and off-balance
Wounded Birds: Notorious runners that burrow and disappear

Chukar Behavior

Movement Patterns

Prefer Running: First escape option, only fly when pressed
Uphill Run, Downhill Fly: Key to positioning strategy
Daily Movement: Average ~280 meters, stay in small home range
Most Active: Early morning and late afternoon

Seasonal Changes

Early Season: Birds hold tighter, shorter shots (20 yards)
Late Season: Jumpy, flush at 30-40+ yards in bare cover
Water Dependent: Stay near water in hot summers
Winter: Can range farther when green vegetation available

Shotguns for Chukar

Lighter gauges are popular due to the terrain. You'll carry your gun for miles over rough ground - weight matters.

Recommended Setup

20 Gauge: Popular choice - light and effective
16 Gauge: "May be ideal chukar gun" - light with 12-gauge performance
12 Gauge: More shot in pattern for fast, direction-changing birds
Consider a Sling: Helps on steep climbs
Semi-auto Popular: Many prefer 20-gauge semi-autos

Shot & Chokes

Shot Sizes

Early Season: #7½ or #8 for closer shots
General Purpose: #6 (good range and knock-down)
Late Season: #6 for longer flushes
Experienced Choice: 1-1¼ oz of #7½

Choke Selection

Early Season: Modified or IC/Modified combo
Late Season: Modified/Full for 30-40 yard shots
Double Barrel: IC first, Modified second

Boots (CRITICAL)

Boots are the most important piece of chukar gear. Ankle support and lateral stiffness are essential for side-hilling on steep, loose terrain.

Key Features

Height: 9"+ for ankle support
Lateral Stiffness: Critical for side-hilling
Narrow Sole: Better for foot placement on rocks
Deep Tread: Traction on scree and talus
Breathability: Important in hot, arid terrain

Recommended Brands

Kenetrek Mountain Extreme/Guide
Lowa Z-8
Schnee's Timberline
Crispi Wyoming II GTX

Physical Conditioning

Chukar hunting is extremely physically demanding. Proper conditioning prevents injury and allows you to hunt longer.

What to Expect

Daily Distance: 10-18 miles typical
Vertical Gain: Thousands of feet
Terrain: Loose scree, basalt, no trails

Training Tips

Hike steep inclines with uneven surfaces
Stair/incline training for legs and cardio
Cross-training for hiking muscle groups
Know your limits and hunt within them

Essential Gear

Water: Carry plenty - arid terrain, long miles
GPS/Maps: Remote country, easy to get disoriented
Lightweight Pack: For water, shells, birds, layers
Trekking Poles: Help on steep terrain
First Aid: For you and your dog
Dog Water: Critical for dog performance

Dog Equipment

GPS Collar: Essential in broken canyon country
Protective Vest: Sharp rocks and brush
Collapsible Bowl: For frequent watering
Paw Protection: Consider boots for rocky terrain
First Aid: Carry supplies for cuts and paw injuries

Field Care

Chukar are small birds that cool quickly, but hot weather early season requires prompt attention.

Field Care Steps

Allow birds to cool - don't pile together
In hot weather, field dress immediately
Keep in shade, out of pack if warm
Transport in cooler with ice

Processing

Chukar are easy to process. Most hunters breast them out for the quality meat.

Methods

Breasting: Quick, yields boneless breast fillets
Plucking: More work, allows roasting whole
Legs: Small but worth saving for stock
Aging: 2-3 days refrigerated improves flavor

Cooking Chukar

Chukar has excellent, mild-flavored meat from their grain and seed diet. Don't overcook!

Popular Methods

Pan-Seared Breast: Butter, quick sear to medium
Roasted Whole: Stuff with herbs, bacon-wrapped
Grilled: Marinated breasts over high heat
Braised: Whole birds in wine and aromatics

Key: Chukar is lean - add fat and don't overcook.

Storage

Refrigerator: 2-3 days maximum
Freezer (wrapped): 6-9 months
Freezer (vacuum sealed): 12+ months
Aging: 2-3 days refrigerated improves tenderness
Thawing: In refrigerator, never at room temperature

Chukar Hunting