Scouting for chukar Options

[USAF Medic]

Ok gents, I am a dogless hunter for starters. I found a few secluded areas that look like prime chukar territory. Water all year long, lots of lava rock mesas and rimrock and cheatgrass. I have done lots of googling, and is there any way to scout chukar besides playing the sun against the hills and do lots of walking? Don't get me wrong I love scouting and walking Honestly these areas just look good for chukar and never seen one, and I know there are chukar probably within 20 miles. This is kinda a crapshoot, but its good country for chukar. Basically I'm asking for advice how to scout for chukar dogless. I am going to set up my game cam on the rimrock for a few weeks hoping I catch a glimpse of something. Thanks dudes!

[Rimrock]

They will work their way downhill to water early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Then they will start working their way back uphill. Early and late you can listen in likely areas and hear the "chuka-chuka-chuka" calls.

If you are trying to follow and overtake them that call sounds more like "sucka-sucka-sucka."

[tawnoper]

What I like to do is get up high overlooking an area. Get a Chukar call and give it a few clucks...you'll be suprised how often you'll get response...don't over do it a few is all it takes. I hear some people going to town on them. If you know of an area with a water source like a spring or guzzler it's usually a safe bet there will be some around. If you do happen to bump them down low around a water source you can usually get a shot or two off but they will be heading uphill in a hurry. In the morning I usually find them up high on a sunny slope. Then the workout begins lol.

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[Troy08er]

I agree with the above post. I have seen them hit the water early morning to 11 am. I would use a chukar call. Chukar like to run up and fly down when seen. I think that camera would be great around the water hole.If I was going to hunt them without a dog you may look into buying a hawk screamer. My GSP wears a hawk screamer on his e-caller and it works pretty good. Good Luck

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[USAF Medic]

Thanks guys, I will do all suggested above. I really want to get a German short haired pointer eventually, but cannot happen logistically for a few more months.

[HogHunter714]

I agree with what everyone said in previos post. I live in Reno and Chukar is the #1 bird hunted here. When you find Water, Cheat Grass and knarly rock formations, you "usually" find Chukar. I think the game cam idea is excellent. Put it up for a few weeks and see what comes in. Good ole boot leather is the best way to find birds. Good luck on your adventure!

[Yodel Dog]

Chukar like to run up and fly down when seen. ..If I was going to hunt them without a dog you may look into buying a hawk screamer.

Thus the old saying..."You hunt Chukar once for fun, the rest for revenge."

+1 on the hawk screamer, blowing sideways thru a crow call resembles a hawk and can be used fairly well for that purpose.

[Gunorea]

You might also want to try looking down once in awhile. Chukar leave pretty big tracks and big ol' poop piles too.

[Troy08er]

Thanks guys, I will do all suggested above. I really want to get a German short haired pointer eventually, but cannot happen logistically for a few more months.

When you start looking for a GSP give Larry a call at www.lowellsgundogs.com .He's got great dogs and is a trainer. The above dog is from a linebreeding of his Neo dog. I will be getting a female from his Bean X Goonie litter around Oct. I know he's done a few breedings that should have pups around Sep. Oct.

pic of gator on point

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[tawnoper]

What a good looking dog.

It's a pleasure to hunt behind a well trained dog, I've hunted behind a couple and was always impressed with their abilities...they hunt harder than any person I know. I've never owned a "bird dog" but I have had a couple great dogs that loved to hunt (and fish, hike backpack etc.). My last one was a pit/lab mix. She was too fat to chase down a covey of chukar or even quail but she was great at finding downed birds.

Personally I've never had much luck with a hawk call for Chukar. I have for freezing quail but not Chukar. As said, most Chukar will fly downhill. Nothing like hiking straight up a mountain and have them take flight down the otherside just out of range. A lot of times if you see them take off.... walk slowly thru the area they took off from...quite often I'll kick up a straggler or two.

[Troy08er]

Thanks Tawnoper
He's from a great breeder.I don't know if the hawk screamer was working or the chukar were just holding.My e-caller has a beeper so I can keep track of Gator then when he goes on point the hawk screamer goes off.I had to but the beeper on him so I could track him. Gator is a big runner sometimes out to 800 yards.While hunting chukar i just walk the ridges and let Gator work the hill sides and valley..
If you ever think of buying a GSP I would but Larry Lowell as one of my contacts to call.Once I get my female I should have pups in a few years.My male is a linebreeding of Larry's dog Neo. Larry had to lease Goonie the female. Here's a pic of Goonie http://thegreifcorps.blogspot.com/2007/07/goonie.html
He's breeding Gooine to Bean. He's the all liver GSP on his web page. If he hasn't sold all these pups they should be ready around late Sept or Oct.

Here's a great chukar or upland vest. http://www.wingworks.biz/VestSale10/tabid/82/Default.aspx

Maybe this chukar season,we can hook up. That's when I do alot of my calling. Before and after chukar hunting.