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Hunting and Scouting Tips

STRATEGY WITH A DOG

The key to any dog being of value to you, whether it is a pointer, flusher, or retriever, depends upon control. A dog under poor control is more likely to cause you trouble than be of any enjoyment or service to you. The greatest asset that a dog can be to a California pheasant hunter, besides companionship, is as a retriever. Chukar are not too hard to find without a dog, but finding and retrieving downed pheasants can be very difficult.

The strategy is to start by letting the dog range freely and find fresh scent. Dogs of the pointing breeds are useful here. Once the dog has found some chukar and come to point, the hunters must quickly decide on a strategy and maneuver into position. How well the pheasant holds depends largely on how good the cover is they are hiding in and whether they have been shot at recently. If the cover is poor or the pheasant has been hunted recently, they will most likely not hold for very long, if at all. In most cases, it is therefore a good idea to move quickly to where the dog is on point.

Anticipate that chukar always seem to be aware of the location of every member of the hunting party, and will flush in a manner and direction to put the greatest amount of distance and obstacles between the hunters and themselves in the least amount of time. They will also try to head toward the thickest, most impenetrable cover nearby. If this is your situation, try to position yourselves either to prevent them from getting to this cover, or to at least get a shot before they bury themselves in it. Once everyone is in position and the chukar is still holding, it can then be flushed

STRATEGY WITHOUT A DOG

There is no question, hunting chukar with a good dog is the best way to go. However, there are a good many of us that for one reason or another must get by without a canine companion. For those of us in this situation, there is still hope, although there are several things that generally cause problems when hunting chukar without a dog. One is finding chukar initially and then after they have flushed. Another is finding a chukar once you have finally managed to knock one down. The solution to the first is to know something about the behavior of chukar . The solution to the second involves concentration and discipline.

The first step is to locate a chukar, this goes for persons both with and without a dog. There are two keys to this puzzle: one is cover, the other is water. When given the space and time, chukar prefer to run away rather than fly. So if you spot a chukar running on the ground ahead of you, you have to keep up with them. Otherwise they will disappear like ghosts, But before you head out after them at a frenzied pace, it is wise to take a moment or two to think out a strategy.

One of the most frustrating things about hunting without a dog is finding downed chukar . With a little concentration and discipline, this can largely be avoided. There are a pair of rules that must be followed to avoid losing birds.

The first rule is to ask yourself  WHERE WILL THAT BIRD LAND WHEN I ROLL IT? This question should be asked as you are raising your shotgun and tracking the bird; the question has to be answered before you smack that trigger. It does your body and the resource no good if you land a bird in the middle of a blackberry patch. A dog might be able to retrieve it, you won't! This question is especially important if you are having one of those all-to-common days where you are not quite on and are knocking down cripples. If you shoot only when they cross open areas, you are much more likely to follow and find cripples. The thing to remember about cripples is that they will fly or run to the nearest, nastiest cover, and the further they are from it when hit the less likely they are to get to it. Trying to answer this question while they are flying all about is not easy, but it will help improve your recovery rate and leave you much more satisfied. Mistakes will be made, but with practice you will improve and you won't come home with a body that looks like it's been through a shredder.

The second rule is MARK YOUR BIRD. The instant you pull the trigger on that first bird, your mind should be focused on the following series of questions:

Is the bird dead? If not, shoot it again. Live pheasants will hit the ground running if they can and disappear quickly. If the bird is still alive when it hits the ground, DO NOT take your eyes off of it. Do not even think about taking a shot at another bird. Immediately head over there and get that bird. Do not shoot the bird on the ground if you are within 15 yards of it, this is unsafe and will only destroy the bird. Humanely dispatch the bird upon retrieval.

  If it is dead, where is it falling? Don't take your eyes off of it until it hits the ground, and don't move. Note the landmark nearest to where you think it landed. Next note where you are standing. This will come in handy if you can't find the bird initially and need to replay the shot in your mind, which only works well from the original location.

Are you positive the bird is dead and you have it well marked? If you can answer yes to both of these questions, you now have the choice of going for another shot or retrieving the downed bird. It is always wisest to retrieve each chukar first before shooting another. You will be amazed at how often a "stone dead" chukar that landed on bare ground 50 feet from the nearest clump of grass disappears on you. The same set of questions should be answered for every chukar you shoot at. If you do shoot a second or third chukar before retrieving any of them, start with the most recent one shot because it is usually the easiest to find. Finding at least one of them is better than none, and gives you confidence that they can be found.

Once you have worked a field and you are not able to find them anymore, calling can sometimes produce a little more action. Find a spot where you can sit down and see some openings around cover. Give a few calls every few minutes. This can be done by mouth or with a call. It may take as long as 30 minutes or more to get any responses, so patience is necessary. You will first see them creeping along or through nearby cover. When you get them close enough, stand up quickly and they will usually take to the air. If they start running, rush toward them to get them into the air. It is tempting to "ground sluice" them, but this is not sporting and usually results in badly shot-up pheasants.

LOCATING DOWNED CHUKAR

DEAD CHUKAR

You are standing in the area where you know the dead chukar fell, but you don't see it. Now what? Look for loose feathers on the ground. Feathers are almost always left where they hit the ground. However, there often is another group of feathers dropped by a chukar when shot that can be misleading. The reason they can be misleading is that the bird often travels a considerable distance beyond where it was hit, and if there is even the slightest breeze the feathers can drift a considerable distance from where it might be. The two groups can usually be told apart by where the feathers are found and how tightly the feathers are grouped.

The feathers left on the ground where the bird lands are usually tightly bunched. Feathers from the in-air hit are usually found widely scattered and on top of shrubbery. Don't expect to find the pheasant sitting right there among the feathers. Most often they bounce or roll a few feet from the point of impact with the ground. When you find these feathers remember the direction it was heading when you rolled it. Search the area beyond the feathers in the same direction. If you have searched this area with no success, double the distance beyond the feathers and search again. They usually travel further than you think they did. It is not unusual to spend 30 minutes searching for a single downed bird. You owe it to the bird to keep trying.

CRIPPLED CHUKAR

When you knock down a crippled chukar it is your moral and ethical obligation to retrieve and humanely dispatch the bird as quickly as possible. The problem is that finding crippled pheasants is commonly difficult, and this is the single most frustrating aspect of hunting without a good dog. The key to successfully finding a cripple is to get to where you knocked it down as quickly as you safely can.

The first thing you do before taking a step is to reload your gun and put the safety on. Flying cripples should always be shot again, as your chances of finding one of these if you don't knock it down near you is next to nothing. Assuming you have lost visual contact with the cripple and you are standing where you thought it should be, the first thing you should do is to listen for any sounds that might reveal its location. If you are met only with the sound of your pounding heart, look around for feathers. These will often give you the area and direction in which to look.

There are several things to keep in mind when looking for a cripple. One is that if the bird landed on sloping terrain, look downhill from where you think it landed. They almost always tumble or run down slope. Two, look for the nearest cover around where the bird landed. They may crawl into it and tuck themselves underneath whatever they can. Three, look down any holes in the area as quail will often try to hide in these holes. Don't forget to look under the edges of rocks or other debris.

CAUTION: All of the places you should be looking at to find a crippled chukar are also good  places to find rattlesnakes! Do be careful and never stick your hand into places you cannot see into.

When you do get close or find it, the chukar often try to run or fly away. There is a great temptation to shoot it as it runs away, but don't unless it is at least 15 yards away or going to dive into cover that you will not be able to retrieve it from. The reason for this is that at close range there is danger of a ricochet and destroying the bird beyond use. If it is flying away, do shoot it again, but let it get a least 15 yards away before shooting. Again, shooting at it any closer will just make the bird inedible.

CAUTION: Your gun should always be on safety when looking for downed birds. Always keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction when trying to catch a cripple. If the bird cannot fly it is best to unload the gun and put it down so that you can use two hands.

Because the chukar's primary defenses are hiding and running, hunters profit from working cover slowly and methodically. A zig-zag style of hunting is not only effective on birds hiding in heavy cover, but helps to interrupt the run-ahead, circle, and run-back tactics used by other chukar . Quick, accurate marking of downed game also helps hunters find birds. Hunting partners who assume responsibility for marking each other's downed birds increase their chances of finding them by "homing in" along two lines of sight. Solo hunters can mark the spot where a bird drops, then work around it in ever-increasing circles, pausing frequently; often a brief pause is enough to make a wounded bird break cover.

 

Chukar Biology 101

HISTORY -

REPRODUCTION -

AGING CHUKARS -

DEFENSES -

Chukar Hunting Safety and Ethics

Chukar hunting is a relatively safe sport. However, it is imperative that to remain a safe sport that certain safety rules be adhered to without exception. When you take a newcomer, especially children, into the hunting experience, part of your responsibility as a hunter is to teach that person proper safety. The following rules are good ones to LIVE by:

THE ELEVEN COMMANDMENTS OF CHUKAR HUNTING SAFETY

1) Always treat the gun as loaded.
2) Never have a loaded gun except when hunting.
3) Always make sure that the barrel and action are clear of obstructions.
4) Always carry your gun so dig you can control the direction of the muzzle, even if you stumble.
5) Always keep the safety on until the gun is brought to shoulder.
6) Always make sure your target is a quail and your backstop is not a hunter or a dog.
7) Never point a gun at anything you do not want to shoot.
8) Never leave guns or ammunition within reach of children or careless adults.
9) Never climb trees or fences with a loaded gun.
10) Never shoot at a flat, hard surface or water.
11) Never drink alcohol or take other mood-altering drugs before or during a hunt.

Always know where all members of your hunting party are. The more members in your party the more difficult this will be. It is recommended to keep hunting parties as small as possible, preferably two, but no more than three. If you are with a large party, try to spread out or split into several groups of two.

If your party has found some chukar, determine in which directions it would be unsafe to shoot. Each person should wear some safety orange, a little is better than none. Camouflage clothing is not necessary for chukar hunting, they know where you are regardless of what you wear. Take extra precautions during deer season. Wear plenty of safety orange and talk with your buddy while hunting.

If you have to chase down a crippled bird, make sure your gun is on safety.' Almost all good chukar country is good rattlesnake country. Be careful around brush and water. When hunting in the deserts of California, always be sure to carry plenty of water. If you are hunting with a dog, make sure to carry additional water for your dog. It also pays to avoid hunting during the mid-day hours when it can be quite hot. Be prepared for cold temperatures at night.

HUNTER ETHICS

Hunting in this state and country is not a right, but a privilege. In order to preserve this privilege, it is essential that each chukar hunter, as a representative of all chukar hunters, conduct him or herself in an ethical manner. Without the public's support even if this support is in the form of indifference, we could lose our cherished privilege. The following are some suggestions:

1) Respect other's property: don't trespass without permission; don't litter, leave gates as you find them; if driving on someone's property, drive slowly, and don't drive off the roads; don't harass livestock; and do offer to repair or compensate for damage you may have caused.

2) Be kind and courteous: don't interfere with other hunters, campers or bird watchers; and always be helpful - whether it be telling a landowner about a hole in his fence, or offering to help fix the fence.

3) Conduct oneself as a sportsman: always hunt safely! always follow the regulations - nobody likes a game hog and don't shoot birds of prey (this includes Cooper's hawks).

Chukar Hunting Gear List

 

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Trespass Permission Slips For Private Land Use & Emergency Alert Sheets

 

You'll need Acrobat Reader to read and print these .pdf files, you can get Acrobat at

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Click the link below to get the trespass permission slip you can print.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/permission-slip-1.pdf

Click the link below for an Emergency Alert sheet you can print out and leave on your vehicle, with your family or friends.

http://www.jesseshunting.com/emergency-alert-notice.pdf

 

 

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Chukar Links

Ammo

Active Ammo .... is no longer in business. Kent Cartridges bought the company in 1997 and Kent does not make the nickel plated shells anymore, sorry.
Federal Ammo ....
HEVI-SHOT™ .... Revolutionary, non-toxic lead shot alternative. With HEVI-SHOT™ shells, you can shoot a smaller shot size with more lethality. More pellets at a higher energy means more knock-down power. This new shotshell pellet is actually heavier than lead with the hardness similar to standard steel shot. It is made from a tungsten alloy and the hardness and density allow hunters to use smaller shot sizes to get equivalent energy as in larger lead or steel pellets. Because the pellet is smaller, this allows for more pellet to be in a shotshell cartridge which makes for a denser pattern, increasing the likelihood of multiple hits on the target. Both penetration and retained velocity are also greater with these pellets. Darryl Amick, who holds the patent on the tungsten-nickel alloy used to make this new shot, said he set out to offer something heavier than lead that would be even more effective for hunters. "My passion for this product is that I hate the fact that we wound these birds, that we have to shoot steel. I'm also absolutely committed to making this product as inexpensive as possible, and we'd like to be significantly under the other non-toxic alternatives to steel," said Amick. "It's going to perform better. I don't think anyone can argue that. It's just a matter of keeping costs down so guys can afford it," said Amick. You will be hearing more about Hevi-Shot in the near future as it becomes available for both reloaders and in loaded offerings.
Kent Cartridge ..... IMPACT™ shot shells are specifically designed to deliver the pattern density and down range lethality required by dedicated turkey hunters. These loads may be used in any Nitro-proofed shotgun without fear of barrel or choke damage. Standard choke restrictions and lead shot size recommendations apply, including X-full Turkey.
Remington .... Guns and ammo.
Winchester Ammo .... Makers of great ammo.

Calls

Acorn Naturalists .... calls.
Haydel's Game Calls .... calls.
Lohman Calls .... calls.
Primos .... Chukar calls.
Scott's Dog Supply .... calls and dog gear.
Sureshot Game Calls .... calls.

Chokes

Ballistic Specialties .... Angle Porting chokes.
Briley Chokes ....
Carlson's ....
Gun Docc. .... Custome turkey gun work.
Hastings Chokes .... PH# 913-632-3169
Johnny's Shotgun Chokes and Forcing Cones ....
Kick's .... They make the famous "Gobblin' Thunder" choke
Patternmaster ....
Seminole Gunworks .... Seminole specializes in the making of precision choke tubes for most makes and model of shotguns.
Trulock Chokes .... Manufacturers of superior shotgun chokes.

Dogs

Foothill Brittanys .... Very Birdy, Natural Pointers and Retrievers (Land and Water).
Gameland Kennels Dog Training Center .... Patrick Callaghan specializing in Spaniels, Retrievers and Pointing dogs. Rattlesnake avoidance classes, boarding, obedience. 5800 Bluff, Norco, CA. 91760-0458, PH# 1-909-735-3251.
High Desert Kennels .... Bird dog training for 30 years. Family owned and run. Jimmy Berneathy Owner/Trainer.
Hunting Dog Trainer .... We are the complete Hunting and Field Trial Dog Training Program. We are located in the beautiful Southern California High Desert community of Lucerne Valley California. Our training grounds include our own 20 acres of real "Wild Bird" High Desert Habitat with Quail and Chukar available year round and Pheasants upon request with thousands of unfenced wild acres surrounding our facility. JHO Sponsor.
Reibar Kennel .... Grady Istre's excellence in dog training. 7480 Domingos Rd. Lompoc Ca. 93436, PH# 1-805-736-5309, e-mail reibar@impulse.net
Scott's Dog Supply .... calls and dog gear.

If you know of any other trainers, dog links or info please e-mail us at and we will update the listing.

 

Gear

Bass Pro Shop .... One of the biggest hunting and fishing gear suppliers. Stop by one of their 'Outdoor World' stores, you'll be amazed. They have calls, decoys, shells, sights, blinds camo and tons more.
Brigade Quartermasters .... Outdoor gear, military issue gear, GPS, everything you need.
Cabela's .... One of the biggest retailers of outdoor and hunting gear. They have calls, decoys, shells, sights, blinds camo and tons more.
JHO Online Store .... Camo, calls, hydration packs, dog supplies, gun supplies and much more.
Lacrosse .... Excellent boots and waders.
Midwest Turkey Call Supply .... Everything you need for turkey and quail hunting.
Ranger Joe's .... Military, Law enforcement and outdoor gear.
REI ....The biggest outdoor store on the net.
Schnee's Boot's ....These guys make the best cold weather elk boots I've ever owned. I like the 'air bob' soles.
Shomer-tec .... Law enforcement and military equipment. Box 28070, Bellingham, WA. 98228 ph# 360-733-6214. Call for free catalog.
Turner's Outdoorsman .... Southern California's best hunting and fishing store.
Uncle Lee's Wing Supply .... PH# 1-800-388-9464 for your free catalog. They have GPS, clothing, and turkey and duck hunting equipment.
U.S. Cavalry .... World's finest military and adventure equipment.

Guns

Beretta ....
Browning ....
Ithaca ....
Knight Muzzleloaders ....
Mossberg .... Shotguns and rifles.
Remington ....
Ruger ....
Weatherby ....
Winchester ....

Hunting Clubs, Preserves, Lodges and Ranches

If you know of any other clubs, preserves, lodges, ranches or info please e-mail us at and we will update the listing.

Antelope Valley Sportsman's Club .... Location: Roughly 15 miles west of Lancaster. Acreage: 1,200 acres of farmland, natural upland and meadows. Hunts offered: Dove, quail, pheasant and chukar. Memberships: Annual memberships start at $650, which includes 20 pheasants; family memberships are available for $795, which includes 25 pheasants. Corporate memberships are also available. Memberships benefits: Access to hunting grounds five days a week from October to March; access to clubhouse; dove, quail and chukar hunting limited to members only. Day hunts: Open fields on weekends only where you pay $45 for two pheasants and one chukar. Other hunts also available, including $100 for a private-land hunt for three pheasants and three chukar. Camping: Allowed on club compound, but no hookups or facilities are provided. Reservations: At least two days before desired hunt. Contact: 1-805-724-1291
Birds Landing Hunting Preserve .... PO Box 5, Birds Landing, CA. 94512. PH# (707) 374-5092 Fax (707) 374-5092. Contact: Dan Cirillo. 60 miles NE of San Francisco. Established 1987. 1,200 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-120 guns.
Black Point Game Bird Club .... 7711 Lakeville Hwy., Petaluma, CA. 94954. PH# (707) 763-0076. Contact: Mike Sutsos. 25 miles N of San Francisco. Established 1964. 1,000 acres . Members only on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available.
Camanche Hills Hunting Preserve .... 2951 Curran Rd., Ione, CA. 95640. PH# (209) 763-5270. Contact: Larry L. Skinner. 80 miles E of San Francisco. Established 1981. 1,500 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, lodging, meals, clays. Shoots: field, driven. Birds: pheasant, chukar, ducks. Dogs available. Packages: 1 Day.
Camp 5 Outfitters .... Hogs, pheasants and chukar on thousands of prime acres near Paso Robles and Bradley in Central California. 1230 Arbor Rd., Paso Robles, CA 93446. Ph #831-386-0727.
Circle HH Hunting Preserve .... HCR#1, Box 512, Nipton, CA. 92364. PH# (702) 642-9405, 5pm-10pm/ Contact: Fred Hymes/Jessie Hymes. 78 miles S of Las Vegas, NV - 100 miles E of Barstow/20 miles N. I-40. Established 1988. 200 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-6 guns. Circle HH Hunting Preserve is located in unspoiled country, surrounded by California's East Mojave Natural Preserve Area just 78 miles south of Las Vegas, 50 miles west of Laughlin, with interstate access off I-15 and I-40. We have committed ourselves to provide excellent hunting of pheasant, chukar and quail on a preserve that incorporates habitat improvement. An altitude of nearly 5,000 feet presents changing temperatures throughout the day, and hunters should dress accordingly. The Preserve is set up to accommodate six (6) hunters per 1/2 day reservation hunt.
Clear Creek Sports Club .... 3971 Keefer Rd., Chico, CA. 95926. PH# (530) 343-9263. Contact: Bob or Janet Henman. 45 miles N of Sacramento. Established 1986. 1,000 acres . Public member. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs Available. Packages: 1 Day, 4-60 guns NAGA.
Eagle Peak Ranch and Pheasant Club .... Pheasant, chukar and spring turkey hunting on 120 acres near San Diego. Manager is Jason Caringella. Ph #619-448-1679.
Flying D Ranch Pheasant Hunting Club .... PO Box 1242, Jamul, CA. 91935. PH# (619) 468-3857. Contact: Ken Davis, Owner/Mgr. 22 miles SE of San Diego. Acres 1,200. Public member on site clubhouse, lodging, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-30 guns.
Four Winds Pheasant Club .... 2806 May Ave., Redondo Beach, CA. 90278. PH# (310) 370-2238. Contact: Sam Elder. 75 miles SE of Los Angeles. Established 1993. 155 acres. Public member on site lodging, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1 Day, 1-36 guns NAGA.
Fun In The Sun Hunting Club. .... Quail, chukar dove and pheasants. El Centro Ca. PH# 760-352-3648.
G&G Pheasant Shoot & Sporting Clays .... PO Box 116, Gazelle, CA. 96034. PH# (530) 435-2309. Contact: John or Dot Giorgi. 40 miles S of Oregon Border off of I-5, near Mt. Shasta. Established 1980. 750 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available.
Gaines Ranch .... PO Box 132, Durham, CA 95938. PH# (530) 882-4607 (530) 882-4607 Contact: Fred Gaines. 60 mi. N of Sacramento. Established 1991. Acres 1,600. Public member on site lodging, meals. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, ducks, geese. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-8 guns
Golden Ram Sportsman Club .... 840 Hinckley Rd., #250, Burlingame, CA 94010. PH# (650) 692-6670 10-5, M-F Fax (650) 692-6670 Contact: Nick Tacito/Lou Federico. 10 mi. NW of Sacramento. Established 1970. Acres 3,000. Member only on site clubhouse, meals. Shoots: Field birds quail, pheasant, chukar, Huns, ducks, geese. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 25-50 guns.
Guns & Roosters Hunting Preserve .... 31661 Rd. 160, Visalia, CA. 93292. PH# (559) 798-1966, after 5pm. Contact: Dave Hamilton. 45 miles S of Fresno. Established 1991. 2,100 acres . Public member. Shoots: field. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1/2 Day, 2-35 guns. NAGA.
H&H Gun Club .... 3971 Keefer Rd., Chico, CA. 95973. PH# (530) 343-9263. Contact: Bob Henman. 10 miles south of Chico. 1,100 acres . Member only on site clubhouse. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available.
Hamilton's Pheasant Resort .... 71604 Cholame Rd., Parkfield, CA. 93451. PH# (805) 463-2349. Contact: Larry Hamilton. 115 miles NW of Los Angeles. Established 1985. 900 acres . Members only on site lodging, clays. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, ducks. Dogs available.
Hastings Island Hunting Preserve ..... 7758 Hastings Island Road. Rio Vista, CA. 94571. PH# 707-678-3325, 8am-4pm. Fax PH# 707) 678-3325. 50 miles E of San Francisco . Established 1969. 4,700 acres. Member on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available HDW NAGA.
Henman's Pheasant Ranch .... 3971 Keefer Rd., Chico, CA. 95926. PH# (530) 343-9263. Contact: Bob Henman. 15 miles S of Chico. Established 1983. Public member on site clubhouse. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available. Packages: 1 Day.
High Desert Hunt Club .... European pheasant shoot, fashioned after the 18th century sport in Europe. P.O. Box 89, Gorman, Ca. PH# 1-888-425-HUNT. Contact: Lisa McNamee. 60 miles N of Downtown Los Angeles. Acres 8,000. Public, member on site clubhouse, meals. Shoots: field, tower. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-60 guns NAGA. Bird processing. Brochure available. Corporate hunts. Half, full and multi-day hunts. Experienced guides. Excellent upland game habitat. High Desert Hunt Club is located just 60 miles from Downtown Los Angeles. We have committed ourselves to provide excellent hunting for Wild/Native Valley Quail and top quality, flight conditioned, released pheasant, chukar, and Bobwhite Quail. Our professional staff is trained to cater to each unique need; business entertainment or individual.
Lakeview Farms, Inc. .... 5490 Riosa Rd. West, West, Lincoln, CA. 95648. PH# (530) 633-9112. Contact: Donald Norris. 20 miles NE of Sacramento. 1,000 acres. Member only on site clubhouse, lodging. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar, turkey, ducks, geese. Dogs available. NAGA.
Lone Pine Pheasant Club .... 430 N. Main St., Lone Pine, CA. 93545. PH# (760) 876-4595, 8am-3pm. Contact: Bruce Ivey. 200 mi. N of Los Angeles. Established 1988. 1,000 acres . Public member on site clubhouse, meals. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available HDW. Packages: 1 Day, 1-12 guns NAGA.
Mills Shooting Preserve .... 19094 Jumper Ave., Buttonwillow, CA. 93206. PH# (805) 764-5000, 8am-5pm. Contact: Carl or Mary Mills. 150 mi. N of Los Angeles. Established 1956. 320 acres . Public member on site clubhouse. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs available HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day.
Pheasant Patch Hunting Club .... 84-850 Avenue 58, Thermal, CA. 92274. PH# (760) 398-1103 (760) 398-1103. Contact: Jack Cotton. 20 miles E of Palm Springs. 120 acres . Member only. Shoots: field Birds: pheasant, chukar.
Quail Point Preserve .... Quail Point is a 1,700 acre licensed hunting preserve located 3 miles west of I-5 and 1/2 mile west of I-505 on Road 14 in the rolling foothills west of Zamora. The preserve is 30 minutes north of Sacramento & only 1 hour from the Bay Area. Quail Point consists of natural cover on CRP land offering ideal conditions for hunting bobwhite quail, chukar, and pheasant. PH# (530) 735-6217. 50 Birds, 30 Birds, 20 Birds, 10 Birds, custom hunts. Wednesday thru Sunday 8 am, 3 pm. Closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day & New Year's Day. Membership cards must be used by above dates. Punched on release, no limit on harvest, no extra charge. Rental dogs available, bird cleaning facilities, corporate/group hunts. Offering breakfast & lunch on weekends. Catered BBQs for groups available. Hunts: Wednesday thru Sunday 8am, 3pm.
R&R Pheasant Club .... 460-305 Lakecrest Rd., Janesville, CA. 96114. PH# (530) 253-3410. Contact: Ron Blickenstaff. 65 miles N of Reno, NV. Established 1986. 500 acres . Public member. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar, ducks, geese. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day
Raahauges .... Duck and pheasant hunting, sporting clays, hunter safety classes. 5800 Bluff St., Norco Ca. 91760. (909) 735-2361 Sporting Clays: (909) 735-7981 Fax (909) 735-2361 Contact: Mike Raahauge. 35 mi. E of Los Angeles. Acres 2,000. Public member on site clubhouse, clays Shoots: field., blinds. Birds: pheasant, chukar, ducks. Dogs Availible, HDW. Packages: 1 Day, 1-50 guns NAGA .
Reibar Hunt Club .... 7480 Domingos Rd., Lompoc, CA. 93436. PH# (805) 736-5309. Contact: Grady Istre. 6 miles W of Boellton. 150 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, meals. Shoots: field. Birds: dove, pheasant, chukar. Dogs available.
Rising Sun Hunting Preserve .... Located in beautiful Siskiyou County, California. Pheasants, chukars quail, Hungarian Partridge, predators, bass trout. The Rising Sun Ranch is proud to present to the Sportsman a family owned & operated hunting & fishing preserve located at the base of the Cascade Mountain Range in extreme Northern California with a scenic panorama, tranquility, peacefulness and privacy. Take a look through our photo album to see some of the sights at our preserve. We offer lodging, guides & dogs. Special packages to members, family units & corporate hunts. This family-oriented preserve is run with the highest standards. Serious inquiries only, please.
Rock Springs Ranch and Lodge .... Pheasant and hogs. 11000 Old Hernandez Rd., Paicines, CA 95043. PH (800) 209-5175 Fax (800) 209-5175 Contact: Ken Range. 75 miles S of San Jose. Established 1994. Acres 19,00.0 Public on site lodging, meals, clays. Shoots: field, riven. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, Huns. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1 Day, 1-24 guns NAGA.
Romero Ranch .... PO Box 517, Likely, CA. 96116. PH# (916) 233-4938, 10-5. Contact: Chris or Rich Hamel. 125 miles N of Reno, NV. Established 1989. 1,68o acres. Public on site clubhouse, lodging, meals. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-16 guns.
South Butte Gun Club .... 6790 South Butte Rd., Sutter, CA. 95982. PH# (530) 755-0524. Contact: Larry Mungier. 160 miles N of San Francisco. 4,000 acres. Public member on site clubhouse. Shoots: field. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar, Huns, turkey. Dogs available, HDW. Packages: 1 Day NAGA.
Southern California Pheasant Club .... 555 N. Bristol Ave., Los Angeles, CA. 90049. PH# (310) 472-0326. Contact: Richard Lane. 18 miles NW of Wasco. Established 1989. 400 acres. Members only on site clubhouse, lodging, meals. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, pheasant, chukar, ducks, geese. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day.
Stillwater Sportsmen's Club .... 7010 Hunting Club Rd., Anderson, CA.. 96007. PH# (530) 365-6845. Contact: Doyle & Laurel Besecker. 160 miles N of Sacramento. 1,500 acres. Members only. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, Huns, turkey, ducks. Dogs Available,HDW.
Timbuctoo Sporting Estate .... 625 Bridge St., Yuba City, CA. 95991. PH# (530) 639-2200. Contact: Donna Rauser. 50 miles NW of Sacramento. Established 1988. 6,000 acres. Public on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Shoots: field, driven, blinds, boat. Birds: quail, chukar, Huns, turkey, ducks. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-8 guns.
West Valley Sportsmen .... PO Box 257, Gustine, CA. 95322. PH# (209) 634-1547 8-5 (209) 384-0784. Contact: Robert Kloepfer. 80 miles SE of San Francisco. Established 1987. 2,000 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: pheasant, chukar. Dogs Available, HDW. Packages: 1/2 Day, 1-60 guns.
Wilderness Unlimited .... 20974 Corsair Blvd., Hayward, CA 94545. PH# (510) 785-4868 .Anytime Fax (510) 785-4868. Locations throughout CA and OR. Acres 200,000. Member only on site clubhouse. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, turkey, ducks, geese.

Organizations

California Dept. of Fish and Game
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .... Conserving the Nature of America.

 

Chukar Websites, Talk Forums

Jesse's Hunting & Outdoors Upland Bird Forum .... Great place to ask and read about hunting chukar.

 

Taxidermists

If you know of any other taxidermists or info please e-mail us at and we will update the list. The listing is for informational purposes only and does not imply any endorsement from JHO. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!

African American Taxidermy .... 711 S. Victory Blvd., Burbank , Ca. Ph# (818) 846-2000. Game heads, birds, fish, tanning, fur rugs, cleaning, and repair.
Al's Four Season Taxidermy .... Don Covert. 2537 South Market St. Redding , CA 96001.
Art Kraft Taxidermy .... 10851 Vanowen, North Hills , Ca. Ph# (818) 505-8425.
Ault's Taxidermy .... Dennis Ault. Livermore , CA. PH# 925-449-5372.
Avilla's Taxidermy & Tanning .... 1754 Timothy Dr. San Leandro , CA. Ph# (510) 483-6733. I have only used him for tanning hides but he has a lot of his work on display in the shop and it looks great. He also puts on safari hunts in Africa each year. Bigdog.
Bateman Bros. & Co. .... 6378 Hollywood Blvd. Ph# (323) 463-8029. All work done on premises. Head and life size mounts. Rentals available.
Birds of a Feather .... Stu Renna. Carmichael, CA 95608. PH# 530-482-5203.
Bob's Taxidermy .... 1912 Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton , Ca. Ph# (714) 870-8282.
Dean's Bird Taxidermy .... Dean Inmon specializing in all types of waterfowl and upland game. Mounts available for sale. 11026 Pangborn Ave. Downey Ca. 90241, ph# (310) 923-2999.
Steve Eberhart .... Petaluma, Ca. PH# 707-782-9045.
Herman's Taxidermy .... 14201 California Av., Beaumont, Ca., Ph# (909) 845-6035.
Ken's Fur Repair .... 991 Bradshawe Ave., Moorpark , Ca. Ph# (626) 288-8315. Zebras, bears, leopards, tigers, etc.
Lyons and O'Haver Taxidermy .... 8180 Parkway Dr., La Mesa, CA. 91942 . For over 40 years, Lyons and O'Haver taxidermy located in San Diego California has enjoyed a reputation of excellence among taxidermists. We specialize in fish reproductions, bird mounts and big game taxidermy.
Marieiro's Taxidermy Studio .... Jim Marieiro. 138 Clipper Lane, Martinez , CA 94553. PH# 925-228-8258.
Darius Mostoufi Taxidermy .... Our mission is to recreate wildlife that is anatomically correct, enhancing its beauty by using artistic design, to help create an image and moment in the wild. Whether a museum, artist, or private collector, we are dedicated to quality craftsmanship, and a professional relationship with each and every client. Claremont Ca. JHO Sponsor.
Oscar's Taxidermy .... Specializing in big game mounts. You can see some of Oscar's work in the Wal-mart in Redlands and the Sportmart in San Bernardino. Calimesa Ca. Ph# (909) 795-2866
Richard Sawaske Custom Taxidermy ..... Richard Sawaske. 12513 N. Armstrong, Clovis , CA 93612. PH# 209-298-4967.
Second Nature Taxidermy .... Jesse Smith. 1800 Piner Road Unit E. Santa Rosa , CA 95403. PH# 707-528-1550.
Simon's Taxidermy .... Birds , mammals, fish, skin and reproduction. Los Angeles Ca. Ph# (323) 266-4020. Since 1980. African, North American, and fish.
Spec's Taxidermy .... I only mount birds as a hobby, waterfowl and pheasants but do about 50 birds a year just for hunting money and special events like more hunting LOL!! Vacaville Calif. 95687. PH# 707-448-7624.
Taxidermy Forum .... Great place to ask questions and see pics on how it's done.
Trophy Room Taxidermy .... 11801 Cardinal Circle, Garden Grove, Ca. Ph# (714) 534-6370. Since 1955. Game heads, birds and African.
West Coast Taxidermy Studio .... 876 San Mateo Ave, San Bruno , Ca. 94066. Owner Ronald Gomez .
Whitefront Express Taxidermy .... Bob Lewis. Elk Grove , CA. PH# 916-691-3190.
Bird Specialist Wilderness Taxidermy ... Tony , 12138 Humboldt Place, Chino , Ca. 91710, Ph# (909) 902-9355.
Wilderness Taxidermy .... Geoff Vassallo. Fremont, CA. PH# 510-490-4333.
Wildlife Arts Taxidermy .... 540 Traffic Way, Arroyo Grande , CA 93420 Ph# 805-481-2190. Gary Oulrey - Owner, 25 years experience. Dennis Berry - 17 years experience.