The chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), usually just called chukar, is a medium-sized game bird of the pheasant family, or Phasianidae. Because of the difficult terrain in which the birds are found, chukar have an almost cult-like following of hunters who risk life and limb to put a limit of these tasty game birds in the bag.
The chukar, like the ring-necked pheasant, is not a native bird of the United States. Native to the Middle East and southern Asia, chukar were brought to North America back in 1893, with later introductions in 1931 and 1970. The birds survived and even thrived in arid regions of the western United states, and they are still common in a ten-state area today.
Chukar Range The chukar partridge lives in the high desert plains of western North America, usually between 4,000 and 13,000 feet above sea level. The birds are very common across the dry, rocky Columbia Basin, particularly around the Snake River in Oregon and Washington. The chukar range takes in nearly all of Nevada and Utah, much of far eastern California, most of Idaho, the western one-third of Oregon and a wide swath of Washington.
At its southernmost range, the bird can be found in a few areas in northern Arizona, while its northern range reaches all the way up into British Columbia. The birds are also found in portions of Wyoming , Montana, and Colorado. Since the bird is widely bred on game farms and often used for dog training purposes, running across a chukar out of its normal range isn’t out of the question.
Chukar Biology & Habitat Chukar have a distinctive appearance and are seldom mistaken for other game birds, even on the wing. A chicken-like bird, the chukar has a plump body and small head. Bold striping on the sides, combined with a red bill, make the chukar hard to misidentify, as does the black eyeline that extends down around the throat. Like most game birds, the chukar is a ground-dwelling upland bird that would rather run than fly. At night it roosts on the ground, often under rocks or vegetation. In size, the chukar falls between a bobwhite quail and a ring-necked pheasant. The bird’s wingspan is about 20 inches, and weight ranges from 19 to 27 ounces.
Chukar typically are found in steep, rocky grasslands and shrublands in remote, rugged areas where many hunters choose not to trod. Dry pasturelands and sagebrush flats are also frequently used habitat, particularly those with a water source in the vicinity.
Chukar are often found in some of the most difficult-to-access rimrock peaks, making hunting them a worthy endeavor. (Photo By: shanesabin/Shutterstock.com) Chukar partridge are ground foragers, with leaves and seeds of annual grasses making up a large part of their diet. They also feed on sunflower seeds and seeds of fiddleneck and pinyon pine. Chicks eat mostly insects, then transition over to an adult diet as they grow.
Chukar are monogamous birds, with males displaying in spring to attract a mate. After breeding, the female makes a depression scratched in the ground as a nest, often lining it with dry grasses and feathers. Clutch sizes range from ten to more than 20 eggs, which the female incubates for about 23 days before they hatch. The precocious chicks hatch covered with down and leave the nest to feed soon after hatching.
Chukar Hunting Some hunters refer to the chukar as the “devil bird,” and the reason why lies largely in the kinds of areas where these birds are typically found. Chukar are generally found in coveys, especially during the months when hunting seasons are open for them, so there’s a payoff when birds are located—it’s finding them that can be the hard part.
Chukar will often seek refuge in sage and scrubby areas to locate food and water. (Photo By: Gchapel/Shutterstock.com) There are two things guaranteed on a chukar hunt. First, you’re going to do a lot of steep walking, so hunters considering a trip out West should put in plenty of miles getting into shape. The second certainty is that the terrain you’ll be traversing doesn’t, in any way, resemble your local walking trail. There won’t be any trail, in fact, and very little land that isn’t greatly sloped.
Unlike pheasants that are commonly hunted by large groups, chukar are a species more often hunted by a lone hunter or one with just a buddy or two along. If you choose to hunt chukar alone, be sure and tell someone exactly where you’re going and when you plan to be back for safety’s sake.
In early season, you’ll typically find chukar near water, often lower down in the steep, rugged canyons. Later in the season they’ll more likely be found higher up in the same types of habitat. If you find a covey, mark it with your GPS for next time. You might think it would be easy to return to the same spot, but chukar country can all look pretty similar after a long day afoot.
Many people enjoy hunting chukar with pointing dogs, although the birds tend to run a lot and can confound unexperienced dogs. Early in the season, the birds will sometimes hold for a flush, but later on birds that have received pressure will run far ahead before taking wing. Because of the vast open lands where chukar are found, a big-running dog that can cover plenty of territory will bolster your chances of finding a covey or two. In that kind of country, however, even a well-conditioned dog is going to tire after a few hours, so keeping a fresh dog or two on standby will increase your chances.
Pointing dogs are typically deployed when hunting in chukar country for their ability to cover more ground and pin down a covey while the hunter catches up. (Photo By: Jaden Sorenson/Shutterstock.com) Hunting season timing varies throughout the chukar’s range, but the following states offer chukar hunting: Idaho , Nevada , Oregon , Utah , and Washington . Those planning to hunt other states should check their state regulations for season dates and open areas.
The chukar isn’t an extremely tough bird like a wild ring-necked pheasant tends to be, so hunters can take just about any gauge shotgun they wish to the field. However, because of the long, hard walks on steep terrain, a lightweight shotgun is going to be much easier to tote comfortably. Hunters typically pursue chukar with 20- or 12-gauge shotguns with fairly open chokes, like improved cylinder, earlier in the season. As the birds get more wary and flush wilder later in the season, a modified choke keeps the pattern tighter a little further downrange, increasing the chances of downing a bird. While some people prefer larger number 5 or 6 shot, others go with lighter 7.5 or 8 shot. It’s kind of a trade-off, as larger pellets carry more energy at a longer range, while shells with smaller shot have more pellets to fill the pattern. Choose what you shoot well and have the most confidence in when afield.
In the late season, chukar can be found in the snow-covered hills at higher elevations. (Photo By: SomendraSingh/Shutterstock.com) Chukar Population Status According to wildlife biologists, U.S. chukar populations remain stable. Because the rugged terrain they inhabit isn’t attractive for agriculture or other commercial uses, habitat decline hasn’t affected the species as much as it has some game birds. The global breeding population of chukar partridge is estimated at about 7.8 million birds, making it a species of “low concern.”
As with any species of game bird, always check the regulations in the area you intend to hunt before heading afield on a chukar hunt. This will ensure that you do your part in proper management of the species, as well as keep you out of trouble with the law.
Interested in becoming involved in chukar conservation, check out the Chukar Chasers Foundation.
The challenging terrain and high level of difficulty are just some of what attracts chukar hunters to pursue this noble upland game bird species. (Photo By: Kali Parmley)
