News on Brownlee Reservoir Chukars

If you are heading out to the Brownlee Reservoir in the Rocky Mountains, you may want to know that the numbers of chukar are dropping along this popular Idaho-Oregon border spot. It is still worth taking a shotgun.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game released a press report titled “Brownlee Chukar Count Nears Record Low.” Due to the drought conditions this year, the normally very healthy chukar population has been dramatically affected. During the annual survey only 506 chukar were counted in 70 groups spanning a twelve mile block. This basically translates to 42 birds per square mile in groups of approximately 7 birds. Compared to the 10 year average of 1,412 birds in 112 groups, averaging slightly more than 117 birds per square mile.

While the numbers are far from what the regulars are used to seeing, it's really all relative. Another popular chukar hunting area in Lucky Peak, near Boise Idaho, not too far away, the ten year average there had been 26.6 birds per square mile.

So, even in an off year, the Brownlee Reservoir isn't such a bad place to chase chukar and gray partridge; it just won't be what the region's hunters are used to. During a normal year and with far better conditions, there is plenty of chukar to be had. And with all things considered, this too shall pass.

As a sides note, chukar can be easily recognized and located by their call and they will come down to the water. They are named because of their call and it is quite a distinctive series of "chuks"!