No early news

I had a couple of people asking me about the effects of this weird June weather on the chukars. I wish I knew the answer. The best I can do is tell you of my findings over the years and compare that to what the game biologist said and let you try and sort it out.

First off. It’s obvious why the helicopter flights they used to take to count chukars was always late in August or early in September. You just can’t find them until they are in larger covey’s and much larger.

Jeff Knetter, a friend of mine and the bird biologist for Idaho Fish and Game, estimated that the chukar hatch starts about the 10th of June. I believe it is about two weeks later from what I have seen over the years. But, my method is strictly a guess with no consistant surveying method. My percentage of being correct on the hatch is about the same as the F&G’s when they did the helicopter surveys. About 50%.

If Jeff is right, then I suspect a lot of chicks bit the dust the last couple of weeks with the heavy rains and cooler temps in certain areas. If I’m right, then these rains have enhanced the growth and insect crops for a longer time this summer and aid the growth of the chukars hitting the ground over the next two weeks. I’m praying that I am right.

Coming off the chukar hill today, I had only four sightings of chukars. All were single birds which flew quite a ways. I’m guessing they were males and the mate was still sitting a nest. But that’s just a guess.

Being out there still gives me some thrills to take advantage of. Some not so good. Like this rattler who was perfectly content to stay right there without making a sign. Jake was walking right in front of me and probably would have stepped on it had I not have detoured him. I persuaded it to move away but it did so very slowly. As lethargic as it acted it might not have struck at Jake, but I wasn’t ready to find out.

We also found four different fawns along the way. Either they have more scent than they say they do or Grady has a super nose. He seems to be able to locate them pretty easily. This is the only one that stayed still for a picture.

Grady also found this sow and cubs. She was so busy keeping an eye on him she did’nt know I was even around.

https://videopress.com/v/eztloA0Q?resizeToParent=true&cover=true&preloadContent=metadata&useAverageColor=true

Enjoy Idaho’s great outdoors, but tread lightly.