When you talk to chukar hunters in Nevada you hear about how challenging the hunt actually is. You climb up steep mountains with rough terrain trying to catch a bird that is fast and clever and seems to take great joy in taunting you. It makes you wonder why they do it.
“There are so many reasons why chukar hunting is so popular in Nevada,” said Chris Vasey, Western Region outdoor educator at the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW). “It really is the thrill of the chase. I can honestly say there are very few things as rewarding as getting your limit in chukar.”
Chukar season is open to both resident and nonresident hunters and runs from Saturday (October 13) through February 2, 2013.
Nevada averages more than 12,000 chukar hunters a year.
“It’s a true sport,” said Vasey. “You chase these birds for miles up difficult terrain only to have them shoot past you back down the mountain. And you would swear they are laughing at you as they fly out of range. Chukar hunters joke that the first time you go chukar hunting is for fun, every time after that is for revenge.”
The Chukar was first introduced in Nevada in 1935 when the Nevada Fish and Game Commission released a total of 289 birds in nine counties.
Currently, the state’s chukar population is estimated at more than 500,000.
Vasey also points to working with your dog as a very rewarding part of chukar hunting. “You train with your dog all year, so to finally take him out and watch him perform is exciting.I just can’t think of too many things better than watching your dog get on point. It makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up because you know the fun is about to start.”
An upland game bird stamp is required for anyone age 12 or older, to hunt upland game birds, except turkey and crow. The $10 stamp is available at NDOW offices, authorized license agents statewide and online at www.ndowlicensing.com. Funds from the stamp sales are used to support guzzler maintenance and habitat work that benefits upland game bird species.
Sportsmen interested in learning more about chukar hunting in Nevada including the 2012 Chukar Forecast should check out the NDOW website at www.ndow.org.