I've been doing some research on chukar hunting and think I'm going to try for some of these wily birds this coming season as they seem to present a unique challenge and an exciting hunt. I've done lots of grouse hunting but have never gone for chukar. I'm located in the Okanagan, so I was thinking of hunting around Kamloops lake. I was wondering which end of the lake should I concentrate my efforts around, towards Savona, or towards Kamloops? Not looking for anybody's secret chukar hideouts, just general suggestions. Thanks for the help!
Epic place to hunt, tons of birds, but sometimes hard to locate, listening for them is easiest way to locate, but also keep your eyes peeled far out, they run far more that they fly, always keep your eyes 50-100 yards ahead to see them running away over rocks and such, your in the right spot as well, between loops and savona around the lake and down the river aways as wel
Far as I know, there like wood ticks and rattle snakes, they live at lower elevations, so around the big lake anywhere should produce a few birds. Good Luck.
you can check on imap BC with the parks & private land layers. There is lots of public land that you can hunt on in that area.. but also some private and some ecological reserves that are no go zones. Watch out for cactus if you have a dog. Chukars are awesome & fun to hunt... but not easy! They are white meat birds and taste good.
they like the train tracks when the grain cars go by, i see them lower elevation always, and like someone said, there are rattlers in that area also so keep on the look out
They travel down to water once or twice a day. They can be found on the slopes around the lake and river Savona way. Get your self a Chucker call. They will respond to a call with a verbal response. They run uphill and fly down.
If you can locate them, circle around and climb above them and hunt down. Make sure you have good footwear, running shoes are not the answer. Cactus and other stickers abound. Good ankle support is a must. #7 or 8 shot with an open choke.
Thanks for the info guys, lots to consider! I've seen them around the train tracks while fishing the T, that makes a lot of sense. Hopefully I'll bag a couple this fall. Seeing as how my dog (beagle) is more bird brain than bird dog, he won't be coming with me. Is it reasonable to go after these birds without a dog?
Yup, but you need to watch where they land.
They don't just drop out of the sky when they fly down hill.
Dad lost one in a boxcar years, well many years ago.
Might wish to wear some gaters to stop those cactus that launch
off your boots and catch you below the knees backside.
Needle nose pliers?
Boat and cross the lake from Savona?
Coming from the Kamloops side, be wary of city limits.
You can park at the end of the lake by the cemetery, and work your way along the lake through the draws. Dog do make it easier as they do the leg work and retrieve. Get ready to shoot when you see them because they are super fast always fly downhill following the contour of land, most guys shoot over their backs. Good luck