Anyone able to recommend a state/specific area where I would have a good chance at find wild chukar on public land?

I'm considering doing a trip out west for a week and see if I can connect on wild pheasant, chukar, and anything else that might be doable on the trip.

Check out Idaho Hell's Canyon area. I have had buddies go there for chukars. Steep country though!

Idaho or Nevada. I live in Idaho County, Idaho and recommend you keep tabs on Idaho Fish and Game web site for the Chukar counts in late summer. Some years there are plenty some years not so good.

You can find plenty in the Snake River and Salmon River canyons in Idaho County down stream to Lewiston. There are plenty down south too but I don't know the area.

BUT load google earth and "fly" the country to make sure your up for it. If you are in Chukar shape you can get after them every other day and coast on recovery days. If your not in shape you will hunt part of one day maybe a whole day and then your body will be done, finished. Rafting or jet boating gives you the best access to unpressured birds. They bare no resemblance to the farm raised birds except in looks.

Except for Snowcock hunting in the Ruby Mtns of Nevada, this area is the toughest bird hunt your going to find.

Good hunting

want to hatch out some chucker's for my place any one know where to get chicks

quote:

Originally posted by stradling:
want to hatch out some chucker's for my place any one know where to get chicks

Go over to gundogforum.com and make a post. I'm sure someone can tell you where to get them locally.

Navaluk

great description of the toll it will take on your body.
When I was 25 years younger we would literally chase them up hill. If you had a dog, or were stupid in shape, you could get birds this way. Best idea is to take two cars, park one at the bottom, drive to the top and hunt down

Historically there are lots of good chukar areas on public land in the California desert. This has changed dramatically the last two years with our drought conditions. We need a couple of back to back wet years to bring back the bird population. Gambel quail and California quail are in the same boat! I chose not to hunt them in 2013. 2014 looks even worse.

You have reasonably good chances in eastern Oregon for chukar in the Malheur River basin between Juntura and Vale, and for pheasant closer to ag lands -- but much of this land will be private.