EASTERN OREGON CHUKARS

By Troy Rodakowski

It’s not easy hunting these fastflying birds as they spring off cliffs and fly across large expanses of open canyon country. Chukar, that is. Bird dogs make the rugged terrain look easy to cover, but it’s a real workout for us aged folks in blaze orange. But that’s one of the many reasons these birds are such a prized quarry and make for some of the toughest bird hunting in the West.

My German shorthair Porter likes to make sure and wear me out on our trips east of Oregon’s Cascades to chase these amazing birds. Finding wild flocks isn’t as easy as it used to be, but we always manage to run into a few coveys. The hills seem steeper than they were 20 years ago, when recovering from long

hunts came much faster than it does today. But Porter’s first wild birds as a youngster were these Asian partridges and we still manage to make a few trips to chukar country each season.

HUNTING CHUKAR

The frosty morning led us from a watering trough up a grassy hill towards some small rock outcroppings. The dogs’ noses were catching wind currents and the scent of birds, and their tails told the tale that we were getting close. The breeze was in their faces, which was perfect. Porter lifted his head and paused for a moment as his trot slowed to a walk.

“There they are – point; he’s on point,” I hollered. With our guns readied we slowly converged on the thick grass above the rocks. Hunt these birds enough and you come to realize that they will move and oftentimes be several yards in front of the dog. Focusing about 30 yards to the front, I saw the grass move as the first birds flushed, followed by several more.

Shots rang out across the grassy hill as the familiar smell of gunpowder filled the air. We managed to knock down a handful from the covey of about 15 birds. It was nice to have a few birds in hand for dinner. Plus, it just feels better when there is a little weight in your bird vest. By this time sweat was dripping down my face and soaking my undershirt; by the end of the day a few layers would be shed. It was cold, 28 degrees, but the uphill climbs quickly warmed us all.

We found two more small coveys, which produced a pair of birds and even a Hungarian partridge. The dogs were finally tiring and their feet were becoming sore. I like to pay close attention to their feet during these hunts because some of the rocks can occasionally tear pads. Depending on the location we will be hunting that day, I may have my dog wear booties.

With snow and cold weather the birds will tend to hold a bit more. This is nice, though how much ground you have to cover to find them can entail twice as much work. Keeping up with an energetic bird dog isn’t quite as easy either. Marking on a GPS or onX map where you previously found coveys will help once the weather takes a turn for the worse. Keep in mind that the birds will be found in good cover out of the wind and snow on southern slopes or sheltered draws.

THE BIRDS

Chukars were introduced from Pakistan to America as early as 1893, with more releases between 1931 and 1970. Oregon’s birds were stocked in 1951 and they came from India. Chukar are now thriving across the West, with huntable populations in most states. Oregon provides some great habitat. The rolling hills and sage rock outcroppings provide excellent nesting, good cover and forage.

Of course, our recent drought conditions have hampered brood success and population growth. During the past few seasons, I have focused on locations that have water during the early fall. Topography with wells, windmill irrigation and springs are where we like to focus our hunting efforts. Chukar, as do all upland game, need good water sources for survival. Finding where birds will come for water will help put you in places with

healthy bird populations.

These birds run up steep grades like they’re mountain goats and they’ve been known to be called “the devil bird” by many hunters. I remember the first time I hunted them thinking to myself that I’d never do it again. Of course, I was young and over time I learned to love the challenge and exercise, at least to a certain degree.

Chukar feed on an abundance of seeds and insects, one of their favorites being Canada thistle. The eastern quarter of Oregon and portions of eastern Columbia Gorge tributaries like the Deschutes and John Day provide the main home range for these birds. They have been slowly expanding, though loss of habitat has slowed the pace in most cases. Recent fires that will ultimately be beneficial in the long run have caused a temporary slowdown. Audubon forecasts that in the decades ahead chukar will gain ground at higher elevations in the Wallowas and western Blue Mountains.

LOCATIONS & NUMBERS

For me, the drive to chukar country takes nearly six hours. We have hunted around Burns for several seasons and had some great success. Other places between Vale and Juntura also have some good quality birds and there are a few public access points along the way.

Up toward Ontario you can also find some good access on private lands, as well as public access onto some Conservation Reserve Program ground. In the gorge between Heppner and Hermiston there are many acres of CRP that can be accessed and we have done very well in the past here. The Jordan Valley has several access points along the Owyhee River, including Bureau of Land Management parcels and additional CRP. There are also well over 250,000 CRP acres signed up in the MidColumbia region that comprise both public and private access.

Per the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s upland bird forecast, an “above average year” was expected overall during the 202223 chukar season. ODFW reported “strong populations” in the Baker County stretch of the Snake, “greatly improved” numbers compared to the past two falls in the Malheur District, and “strong chukar production” in the John Day and Deschutes canyonlands. The only question was whether down numbers reported in the Harney District were legit, as agency biologists felt populations were actually better than that. For more specifics, see myodfw .com/game-bird-hunting. Season runs through January 31, 2023.

In 2020 there were 33,241 chukar harvested in Eastern Oregon, the most since 2015. From 2001-2006, Oregon saw harvests of over 100,000 each season.

Regardless of all the sweat and achy muscles these birds can create, they present a great challenge to any new or seasoned bird hunter. Devil birds are well worth the chase, with the ultimate reward being a full vest and a tired dog at day’s end, not to mention they are one of the tastiest upland birds around. There are many different options for cooking them – on the grill, over an open flame or in the oven. One of my favorites, of course, involves jalapeño peppers, bacon and cream cheese, all washed down by an ice-cold beverage.

Just know that this time of year you’ll want to go prepared for drastic weather changes and extreme temperatures. Prepare your vehicle with that in mind and make sure to pack plenty of clothing and fresh changes of socks. Take high energy food and fresh water for both yourself and your hounds, and you should be good to go. NS