Scratch a diehard chukar hunter and he’ll bleed molten Nevada silver (it is the Silver State, after all). But ask any other bird hunter about the state and he’ll probably shrug. Stark, sandy, sagebrush, cactus, and snakes. Perfect.
While it’s not the be-all and end-all of this state, Nevada’s mountainous, desert environs are where the most intriguing of species reside. Okay, there are just as many valley quail, but newbies often wear chukar goggles, ignoring the smaller birds (in my opinion a very bad idea).
For Example, Gambel’s quail. Yep, in the southern part of the state, those gregarious, lesser-known-and-unappreciated little birds skitter amongst the shrubs and boulders. Quail are a two-fer for those who love star-filled skies, distant coyote howls, and long looks.
Gambel's quail are one of the many upland species that call southern Nevada home. (Photo courtesy of USFWS) Add yet one more bucket-list bird, mountain quail, and you’ve hit an upland trifecta! Perhaps appropriate for the state that made gambling our nation’s favorite pastime. Unsung to most, foreboding to many, and a scrubby siren song to a small cohort of hard-core hunters; Nevada uplands can challenge, disappoint, dazzle, and almost kill you—all in the same day.
Yep, it’s that cool. And that’s before you ascend the foothills of the mighty Sierra Nevada mountains, alpine home of Bigfoot and winter Olympic dreams. Stunning white against the cobalt-blue sky, the peaks are a stunning contrast to the drab earth tones that color most of the state. If you own a dog and a shotgun, both versions of Nevada are worth a visit.
From Mesquite to Elko, and Reno to Laughlin, you’ll experience a true western upland hunt—full of physical and strategic challenges. But there’s one more good reason to head south, besides big-time magic shows on the Vegas Strip. When the thermometer plummets in other bird hunting states, you’ll be slathering on the sunscreen down there. So, let’s follow the sun on a bird hunter’s tour of Nevada.
Upland Hunting Northern Nevada Starting near the Oregon line, where snow falls earliest, it’s a chukar and valley quail game. Drive east on Interstate 80 from Reno, or Highway 140 from Lakeview, Oregon, and any hardscrabble knob or hill might hold one or both species. Massive swaths of federal land are open to hunting if you’re brave and fit enough. Take the north-south highways (such as they are), branch off on gravel roads and start hunting.
Massive stretches of public land are ready to be explored by Nevada's upland hunters; if they're brave and fit enough. (Photo courtesy of Scott Linden) If you can find sparse vegetation, vertical landscapes, and water sources, then you’re probably in a decent spot. Exposed lava boulders and folds in the terrain are a bonus. The higher you go, the more likely you’ll find chukar. (Unless you’re in the Ruby Mountains or East Humboldt Range, where a select few will risk oxygen deprivation for a Himalayan Snowcock.) Probe the cracks, crevasses, watercourses, and canyons for valley quail.
Both species eat a varied menu of forbs and seeds, with filaree and cheatgrass seeds among their favorites. Once fall rains begin, cheatgrass shoots are a primary food. If you don’t find “green-up” at the base of old cheatgrass stems while panting uphill, you probably won’t find birds. Likewise, an early-season prerequisite is water, from a creek, cattle tank, or rain-filled depression in a rock.
Where to Start In northern Nevada, some of the best jump-off points include old cattle (now mining) towns from Winnemucca, to Elko, to Battle Mountain. Closer to Oregon, start in Gerlach, Denio Junction, or McDermitt. Where you go from there is a closely held secret you’ll have to pry from the cold, dead vocal cords of ornery veteran hunters. Bring sturdy boots and a surplus of resolve. You ought to also throw in plenty of fuel and an extra spare tire.
If you didn’t get to the gym enough, focus on alluvial slopes watered by small creeks trickling to the valley floor. You might find valley quail, or if the timing is right, a covey of chukar coming for their twice-daily drink. If your thigh muscles are toned, start with a climb at daybreak and search for chukar from the top of ridges and hills. Uphill breezes will help your dog scent birds below.
Northern Nevada is the polar opposite of its neon-bedecked cousin to the south, with a lot of empty space between “towns.” Sometimes, there’s nothing but a gas station, other times you’ll find a casino gone to seed, or even a Wal-Mart. There’s Basque and buckaroo cultures, plenty of western charm, and daunting logistical challenge. Fuel up often, prepare for no connectivity, and be self-sufficient. Or else.
If you venture into Nevada, be ready for the lack of civilization—remember to fuel up often. (Photo courtesy of Scott Linden) Practical Advice Hunting upland birds in Nevada is a paradox: so much birdy-looking habitat, yet oftentimes miles between coveys. Micro-habitats are sometimes the difference between the tantalizing smell of burnt powder and a long slog with a heavy shotgun. Find edges bordering heavier cover, rocky ledges, drop-offs, and boulder piles. Both species of quail, and chukars, are cover-oriented birds without a lot of cover, so look with a practiced eye at subtleties and send your dog there.
If you’re lucky enough to hit one, open their crop and figure out what they’re eating. If you shoot chukar at one elevation, start side hilling at the same level. When they fly, mark their landing place and go to it, approaching from uphill. If it’s windy, explore bowls and depressions, benches, and thickets of sagebrush. Be cognizant of your dog’s location at all times, pull him away from cliffs, and avoid rock piles that may harbor rattlesnakes. Carry more water than you think you’ll need and call it quits when it’s gone.
Nevada’s landscape is a checkerboard of public and private ownership, and some property owners can be very proprietary. Consult your map frequently and know that a cattle-grazing lease is not a prohibition from you hunting the same federally administered land.
Carry a map and compass even if you trust your GPS. Remember, in much of this country there are no Starbucks or hospitals, no search and rescue, and a lot of bleached bones. Hunt in pairs, bring your survival kit, and get in shape—that goes for your dog too.
Hunting in the Sierras Take any small town’s ramp onto Interstate 80 headed toward Reno and you’re gazing at those blindingly-white Sierra peaks. Their forested slopes offer skiing (and more resort casinos), a few forest grouse, and a reasonable chance to fill out your bucket list with a mountain quail.
In the Peterson range just 30 miles north of town, high spots have chukar and a few mountain quail, the bottoms of the draws can produce valley quail. Follow the Truckee River east from Reno and make forays into publicly owned river bottom. The tall brush is ideal valley quail habitat. The Carson range south of town can deliver mountain quail, as will patches near Peavine Mountain. They are good choices early in the season before snow hampers foot travel.
(Photo courtesy of Scott Linden) Viva Las Vegas! Gambel’s quail are the dominant species. Explore the Delamar range, and the arroyos and slopes near the town of Searchlight—just 50 miles south of Vegas. There are birds east of Alamo (100 miles north of Las Vegas), south of Caliente (another 60 miles east from there), and in the Mormon Mountains. Drive Interstate 15 southwest—into California—for 75 miles and explore the Mojave National Preserve; there are also chukar in that country if you need a red-leg fix. Las Vegas’ little brother is Laughlin, about 90 miles south along the Colorado River. The quail hunting is even more convenient there, just north of town there are vast swaths of public land. An Arizona license, and short drive across the river, opens even more territory.
If you’re after Gambel’s quail, biologists will tell you, “Find the water, find the birds.” They are seldom more than a mile from a water source. Search out springs, intermittent streams, and guzzlers in Clark, Lincoln, and southern Nye counties.
Early in the morning, listen for the birds’ gathering calls, and search sandy washes for tracks. In the early season, start your hunt along valley floors; birds will often be found in the rankest shrubbery in the neighborhood. Once pressured by hunters, Gambel’s quail will visit the bottoms only for water, then head upslope.
Judging from the license plates in Nevada chukar country’s tavern parking lots, it seems like there are more visiting upland hunters than residents. That’s because hunting in Nevada is an attainable goal for us, beckoning many who love dog work, arresting scenery, and adventure.
