Before I tell you what I found yesterday, I would like to show a video I took two days ago while on a scouting trip. The boys and I found these bears in a draw we were heading up. Mama had us pegged but didn’t seem to worried. I tried to move in a little closer but the dogs heavy breathing put a halt to that. The special thing about this encounter is that my nickname for my daughter who passed 6 weeks ago was my little bear. As usual, she was with me on the hill.
On to yesterday. The boys and I had a much better trip as far as the hiking goes. Once again I have to credit my daughter Kerri for pushing me. Every time I thought about turning back, her voice was in my head telling me to go a little further. She was the most incredibly fit five foot tall girl there was.
Thankfully, she got us close to the top of where we would normally like to be in the hunting season. I wasn’t expecting too much because of the dryness and I was not aware of any springs this high up. I have to wonder if there is a way that they possibly can get moisture from the grasshoppers. They were everywhere. The only cattle/game trail I crossed had plenty of chukar tracks on it. There were small tracks as well as full grown birds.
I followed the trail for a ways figuring it would lead to a water source but never saw it. The great news is that we saw chukars. Four different groups and all about 10 birds. There was no dog action with the flushes so I didn’t get any footage. But with the quick glances I got, there was no little birds. They were either all mature birds or a real early hatch. Hopefully the latter.
Here’s what the cover looks like. I watched one covey fly into this area and figured Grady might at least bump them for the camera but no luck. This is about the average amount of cover I’m finding on most open slopes.
The boys took advantage of any shade they could find along the way.
The chukars had the same idea. This is where one covey of chukar flushed from. Grady stopped to make sure I heard them flush.
And we mad one more drive and short walk today not to far from my house. The walk was more of a grouse walk and didn’t produce but the drive home found several covey of baby quail dodging off the road. All in all, it’s looking better all the time.
Barb, the boys and I are waiting for a new camper and then we will be heading up north of Riggins to do a little scouting. I’ve had a few inquiries about that area and hope I can bring back some good news.
The Reigning Chukar Champions 