Brownlee Chukar Survey Shows Little Change from 2009

Chukar hunters can expect to find bird numbers about the same as last year in southwest Idaho. The annual aerial chukar flight took in a slightly smaller area this year because of helicopter scheduling and logistics. Biologist Jake Powell said chukar densities appear to be similar to last fall's, though the total numbers counted were fewer. Numbers appear to be somewhat below the 10-year average but considerably better than in 2007-2008. Chukar hunting begins, along with seasons for gray partridge and quail, on September 18. The chukar and gray partridge limits are eight birds of each species and 16 of each species in possession. Quail limits remain the same at 10 and 20. Upland hunting rules brochures are available at license vendors and at Fish and Game offices as well as online at fishandgame.idaho.gov.