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< 16ga. General Discussion ~ Saying goodbye to chukars again-a story |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 12:37 pm
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Joined: 26 Apr 2010
Posts: 3185
Location: NCWa
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The terrain resembles where I go on the breaks of the Columbia and Snake rivers; with one major difference. We have roads to the top and bottom of the cliffs, so we don't have to walk uphill. If alone, I can drop off a motorcycle at the bottom, drive the truck to the top then hunt down to the bike then ride back up to the truck. Logistics are a hassle, but it beats having to try and walk uphill. If (when) I slip/fall it's nice to know that it's downhill to the motorized transportation. |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 4:14 pm
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Member
Joined: 03 Sep 2007
Posts: 161
Location: Orangevale (aka, Sacramento)
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great write-up and photos. worthy of a magazine - really.
This was my first year hunting Chuckars in NV. I hunt Montana for Huns, sharpies, pheasant. But, I live in CA and a new friend talked me into chasing Chuckars - he's nuts for them.
He did warn me. I'll not forget. "Chuckars ARE HARD" and was he ever right. I don't think I've fallen more times on a hunt since I got my Mt. Goat in '05
He told me not to bring any gun that I would mind dropping - 'cause it's not if, but, when and, how many times.
Yikes!
Now, our running joke about Chuckar hunting is: "we sure saved a lot of money today" |
_________________ a bad day hunting is better than... Anything else! |
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Posted:
Fri Feb 02, 2018 5:01 pm
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Member
Joined: 06 Apr 2007
Posts: 3375
Location: The Great Northwet
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Great write up. I love how chukars surprise you even when you're expecting them. And the long hike is why we keep doing it. If it was easy, it wouldn't be half as fun. Glad to see you're taking a nice gun too. Life is too short to hunt with an ugly gun. |
_________________ Gun art: www.marklarsongunart.com
Gallery art: www.marklarsonart.com
The man's prayer from the Red Green Show: "I'm a man, but I can change, if I have to. I guess." |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 4:59 am
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Member
Joined: 04 Mar 2008
Posts: 1944
Location: Lowcountry Ga.
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Stunning photos and a wonderfully written account. The gun's beauty and utility are woven perfectly into the day's hunt. Gil |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 1:54 pm
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Joined: 28 Jan 2014
Posts: 66
Location: Wyoming
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Enjoyed yor post! Awesome dog and beautiful gun. Only 7 more months until blue grouse season... |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 10:39 pm
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Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2127
Location: Hudson,Wy
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I don't mind the uphill legwork. In fact I prefer it when shooting time comes. I have moved down on chukars from above countless times and while the hiking is easier there are several disadvantages.
First, sometimes it is real difficult to quickly plant your feet for the shot, gravity fights you on loose pebbled ground, especially when you are already traveling in it's favor.
Second, from above the chukars blend perfectly with the background making visual acquisition of the target far more difficult. Birds flushing above the hunter are distinct against the sky. I know my shooting average is vastly better when I stand below the flush. Plus, they have to blow past you: getting out of range takes them a lot longer than when they jump from far below and don't have to change directions to bomb down the mountain.
This leads me to the third point. A covey fanned out overhead, scrambling against an endless sky is just plain gorgeous! You just don't get to enjoy that when looking down at rapidly disappearing birds. |
_________________ Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter... |
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Posted:
Sat Feb 03, 2018 11:59 pm
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Joined: 26 Apr 2010
Posts: 3185
Location: NCWa
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WC - You make some good points. My only rebuttal is that, at least the birds that I see, when approached from below, they tend to run rather than fly; when approached from above, they tend to fly. Otherwise, next season I may leave the truck at the top and hike back up to it. |
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Posted:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 9:36 am
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Joined: 16 Jul 2015
Posts: 2127
Location: Hudson,Wy
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I suppose I really should add that angling across a slope then swinging up on them for the flush does help when it comes to the amount of effort, and the birds are less likely to scramble straight up the mountain.
Catching them near sage is a big plus too. They will run into the taller stuff, but often hide once there. I don't mind them running if they are headed to cover. Sage edges are number one on my list, here or Nevada. |
_________________ Only catch snowflakes on your tongue AFTER the birds fly south for the winter... |
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Posted:
Sun Feb 04, 2018 11:23 am
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Member
Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Posts: 1115
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WyoChukar wrote: |
I suppose I really should add that angling across a slope then swinging up on them for the flush does help when it comes to the amount of effort, and the birds are less likely to scramble straight up the mountain.
Catching them near sage is a big plus too. They will run into the taller stuff, but often hide once there. I don't mind them running if they are headed to cover. Sage edges are number one on my list, here or Nevada.
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It amazes me how well those running devils will sometimes hold in tall sage. I was hunting my buddy's Idaho ranch with his brother-in-law when my GSP, Bode, went on point on a patch of tall sage downhill from me. John, the BIL, was closer and on the same level on the sidehill, so I told him to go in and make the flush. He went in and stomped all over the patch with no results, so after he was out, I released Bode to continue hunting. That big renegade dove into the sage patch and came out with a live chukar. I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. |
_________________ An elderly gentleman, his faithful dogs, and a 16 ga SXS. All is right with the world. |
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