---

 

---

 

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 - The Chukar, Alectoris chukar is a Eurasian upland gamebird in the pheasant family Phasianidae of the order Galliformes, gallinaceous birds. Other common names of this bird include 'Chukker' (sometimes misspelled as 'Chuker'), 'Chukar Partridge', 'Red-legged Partridge', 'Rock Partridge', 'Indian Hill Partridge', 'Chukka', 'Chukkar', 'Chukor', 'Chukore', 'Chikone', 'Kabk', 'Kau-Kau', and 'Keklik'.

The Chukar is the National bird of Pakistan and the name is derived from Chakhoor in Urdu. In Indian mythology, the bird is said to be in love with the moon and to look at it constantly. In the United States, the Idaho Falls Chukars are a minor league baseball team in the Pioneer League.

BIOLOGY - The Chukar is a rotund 32-35 cm long bird, with a light brown back, grey breast, and buff belly. The face is white with a black gorget. It has rufous-streaked flanks and red legs.

It is very similar to Rock Partridge, Alectoris graeca, but is browner on the back and has a yellowish tinge to the foreneck. The sharply defined gorget distinguishes this species from Red-legged Partridge. The song is a noisy chuck-chuck-chukar-chukar.

This species is relatively unaffected by hunting or loss of habitat due to its remote and physically demanding terrain preferences. Its numbers from year to year are most largely affected by weather patterns during the breeding season.

DISTRIBUTION - This partridge has its native range in Asia from Pakistan and Kashmir, into the Republic of India (Himachal Pradesh and Punjab states). And Afghanistan in the east to southeastern Europe in the west, and is closely related and similar to its western equivalent, the Red-legged Partridge, Alectoris rufa. It has been introduced widely, and became established in the United States, Canada, New Zealand and Hawaii. In Great Britain, hybrids between this species and the also introduced Red-legged Partridge are common.

REPRODUCTION - The Chukar is a resident breeder in dry, open, and often hilly country. It nests in a scantily lined ground scrape laying 8 to 20 eggs. Chukars will take a wide variety of seeds and some insects as food; however, Downy Brome (Cheatgrass) is this species' strong food preference. When in captivity, they will lay 1 egg per day throughout the breeding season if the eggs are collected daily.

DEFENSES - When disturbed, it prefers to run rather than fly, but if necessary it flies a short distance on rounded wings.

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

 

---

 

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

 

 

---

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.
Alliant Powder (formerly Hercules) .... check out the online reloading data.
Cheaper Than Dirt .... Shooting supplies and hunting gear.
Dillon Precision Products .... One of the best reloading companies.
Federal Ammo ....
Graf and Sons Inc. .... The reloading authority.
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.
Hodgdon Powder Company .... Reloading powder.
Hornady .... Bullets and reloading equipment.
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.
Lapua .... Makers of match grade ammo and Vihtavuori powders.
Lee Precision Inc. .... The Lee family has been providing affordable reloading products since 1958.
MEC .... Reloading equipment.
Midsouth Shooters Supply Co. .... Your complete source for shooting accessories and supplies.
Midway USA .... The world's largest mail order shooting and reloading superstore.
Powder Valley .... Offering the finest in reloading components at the best possible price.
Precision Reloading Inc. .... Unique and hard to find reloading products.
RCBS .... If you're into reloading, bookmark this page now. All the info you need to be a top-notch re-loader is right here:
Redding Reloading Equipment ....
Remington .... Guns and ammo.
Western Powders .... Western Powders is the largest Master Distributor of reloading powders in North America. We carry a full line of smokeless and black powders, and have also released our own line of high-performance, smokeless powders called RAMSHOT.
Widener's .... Here you will find great deals on all your hunting needs. From Ammunition to Powder. Featuring all the top name products such as Hornady, Nosler, Remington, RCBS, REDDING, SPEER, Winchester and much more.
Winchester Ammo .... Makers of great ammo.

Calls

Acorn Naturalists .... Quail calls.
Haydel's Game Calls .... They have valley and mountain quail calls.
Homemade Quail Call .... Bob Gillis neat little quail call you can make yourself.
Jim Matthews Custom Quail Calls ....  PH# 909-887-3444. P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007.
Jone's Calls .... Quail call.
Lohman Calls .... They used to make a wooden and plastic California Valley quail call. Website no longer shows these for sale as of 10/17/01.
Primos .... Valley and mountain quail calls.
Scott's Dog Supply .... Quail calls and dog gear.
Sureshot Game Calls .... Western Quail call.

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

Bryce Mann's Gundogs & Guide Service .... Gundog training near Visalia CA. JHO Pro Staff
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.
Gun Dog Supply .... Lots of gear for the upland hunter.
High Desert Brittanies .... We breed hunting dogs of the highest quality with great temperament, good looks and bird desire and provide wonderful family members to approved homes.
High Desert Kennels .... Bird dog training for 30 years. Family owned and run. Jimmy Berneathy Owner/Trainer.
High Test Retrievers. .... 1021 Lower Honcut Road, Oroville, California 95966
Hunting Dog Trainer .... Carl Porter. 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.
Lowell's Gundogs .... Gun dog training in the high desert near Victorville CA.
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 .... Quail calls and dog gear.
Starlight Kennels .... Paul Cacciatori. We understand that hunting is more than a hobby, and that your dog is more than an animal. It's a lifestyle for which we share our clients' passion. That's why we devote so much to providing a complete array of hunting dog services so you can rely on Starlight as the single source for all your hunting dog needs.
UplandBirdDog.com .... Bill West. Information for bird dog and hunting enthusiasts.

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

Gear

2nd Amendment Sports .... Stores in Bakersfield CA. and Tucson AZ.
Auto Life .... Sporting goods. 901 N Carpenter Rd. Modesto, California 95387. (209) 574-1400 or (800) 499-1004. service@autolifeinc.com
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.
E.A.R. Hearing Protection and Hearing Aids .... Protect your precious hearing with these fine quality ear plugs. JHO sponsor.
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.

Guides

Blue Ridge Guide Service .... Call Bill Sweetser for quail, turkey, bear, bobcat, and deer in the southern Sierra Mountains of California. 2 hours north of Los Angeles. PH# 661-539-5102.
Bryce Mann's Gundogs & Guide Service .... Gundog training near Visalia CA. JHO Pro Staff

If you know of any other quail hunting guides please e-mail us at and we will update the listing.

Guns

Beretta ....
Brownells .... Everything you need for your guns.
Browning ....
E.A.R. Hearing Protection and Hearing Aids .... Protect your precious hearing with these fine quality ear plugs. JHO sponsor.
Ithaca ....
Knight Muzzleloaders ....
Mossberg .... Shotguns and rifles.
Remington ....
Ruger ....
Weatherby ....
Winchester ....

Hunting Clubs and Ranches 

If you know of any other quail hunting clubs or ranches please e-mail us at and we will update the listing. This listing is for informational purposes only. No endorsement is implied from JHO. CAVEAT EMPTOR!!!

Ace High Adventures .... Pheasant, chukar and quail. At Ace High Adventures we have 6,000 acres of prime hunting habitat. Our terrain consists of stands of wild grass lands. This is diverse habitat that makes the thriving pheasant populations possible. Our Birds Really Fly- At Ace High Adventures we raise thousands of the finest game birds available for you to hunt. Every bird used on the preserve is raised in one of our large fight pens with plenty of cover to insure that our birds can adapt to the outside environment. What does this mean to you? ...Makes for an excellent flight bird to hunt. Hunters who have seen our pheasants fly claim they can't tell the difference from the birds in the wild, with the majority of our birds sporting tail feathers of 21 inches and up. We have had customers take birds with tail feathers measuring over 27 inches.
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
Berry Guide Service .... 2312 Castro Lane, Bakersfield, CA. 93304. PH# (661) 397-7008. Contact: Mike Berry. 28 miles NE of Bakersfield. Established 1979. 1,000 acres. Public member on site clubhouse, lodging, meals. Shoots: field. Birds: dove, quail, turkey. Dogs available. Packages: 1 Day.
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.
Boaring Experiences Unlimited .... PO Box 398, Atascadero, CA. 93423. PH# (805) 461-0294. Contact: Kyler Hamann. 200 miles N of Los Angeles. 52,000 acres. Public on site lodging, meals, clays. Shoots: field. Birds: dove, quail, turkey. Dogs available. Packages: 1 Day, 1-10 guns.
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. Info at 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. 60 mi. N of Downtown Los Angeles. Acres 8,000. Public, member on site clubhouse, meals. Shoots: field, tower. Birds: quail, pheasant, chukar. Dogs availible 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 individuual.
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.
Montepaloma Ranch .... 4431 Via Marquesa, Camarillo, CA 99012. Contact: William Hernandez. Birds: quail, NAGA.
Multiple Use Managers .... Quail hunts at Dye Creek Preserve. P.O. Box 669, Los Molinos, CA 96055. PH# 530-527-3588.
My Country Club .... was created for people who have a passion for the Great Outdoors. Our goal was to structure an environment where you and your family can really get away from it all. With us, you can escape to large tracts of land where the goal is not just to get the last available campsite, but have the wilderness to yourself. As a member you will enjoy any of our beautiful, private properties, 365 days a year, all for one low annual fee. These fees may be paid in a single payment, or through monthly installments. JHO Sponsor.
Palomar Hunt Club .... Upland bird shooting in Association with My Country Club. Lake Henshaw CA.
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. Quail & chukar membership season, October 13, 2002, March 16, 2003. Pheasant, October 12, 2002, January 19, 2003. 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.
Richmond Hunting Club .... We are a "non-profit" organization offering approximately 20,000 acres in California to hunt Upland Game and Water Fowl with several localized club houses. All hunting areas are posted and patrolled. You can be a member for a low initiation fee of $200 and seasonal dues of $375.
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.
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.
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.
Tejon Ranch Company .... 1 hour north of Los Angeles off I-5. Deer, upland bird, hog and varmint hunting. Contact Don Geivet at PH# 661-248-6774 or Sandy at 661-248-6775.
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.
Wilderness Unlimited .... 20974 Corsair Blvd., Hayward, CA. 94545. PH# (510) 785-4868 .Anytime Fax (510) 785-4868. Locations throughout CA and OR. 200,000 acres. Member only on site clubhouse. Shoots: field, blinds. Birds: dove, quail, pheasant, chukar, turkey, ducks, geese.

Organizations

Becoming an Outdoors-Woman (BOW) .... Offers weekend skills clinics to women throughout North America. Explore our pages and discover  what's waiting in the great outdoors!
California Dept. of Fish and Game .... Hunting info and licenses.
California Rifle And Pistol Association (CRPA) .... Founded way back in 1875, the California Rifle and Pistol Association is an organization of sportsmen dedicated to the preservation of our American heritage. I n this age of constant political attacks on the rights of law-abiding citizens to own and use firearms for legitimate purposes, the California Rifle and Pistol Association is the state organization dedicated to protecting firearm freedoms and promoting shooting sports.
COHA .... The California Outdoor Heritage Alliance (COHA) is a partnership of wildlife conservation organizations, outdoor industry, other related interests, and individuals who support science-based wildlife management and the promotion of our hunting rights in California. COHA serves to effectively counter the growing threats and challenges to our outdoor traditions by working all levels of government.
Hunters for the Hungry .... A great nationwide effort for sportsmen to donate extra game meat to help those in need.
Hunt Of A Lifetime .... is a nonprofit organization that grants hunting and fishing adventures to children who have been diagnosed with terminal or life threatening illnesses. We are making a difference. We need your help.
International Hunter Education Association .... Hunter Education classes explore a variety of topics, including wildlife identification, landowner relations, outdoor survival skills, wildlife management, field care of game, and more. Volunteers teach all types of hunter safety, including the use of various modern firearms, black powder, and bow and arrow.
National Rifle Association .... If you're a gun owner, you really need to join, to maintain your 2nd amendment right to bear arms.
Quail Unlimited .... Quail Unlimited was established in 1981 to battle the problem of dwindling quail and wildlife habitat. Quail Unlimited, Inc. is the only national, non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the wise management of America's wild quail as a valuable and renewable resource.
Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance .... The Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Alliance is a huge grassroots effort to give hunters and anglers a stronger collective voice. It's an alliance of individual sportsmen and women, plus national conservation groups, as well as local and regional clubs and organizations who care about the future of wildlife and outdoor activities on the 192 million acres of National Forests and grasslands.
Safari Club International .... Advocate for 45 million hunters and wildlife conservation worldwide.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service .... Conserving the Nature of America.
Wildlife Legislative Fund of America .... The Wildlife Legislative Fund of America (WLFA) provides direct lobbying and grassroots coalition support to protect and advance the rights of hunters, fishermen, trappers and scientific wildlife management professionals. This is accomplished through coalition building, ballot issue campaigning and legislative and government relations.

If you know of any other quail organizations please e-mail us at and we will update the listing.

 

Websites, Talk Forums

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

If you know of any other quail hunting websites please e-mail us at and we will update the listing.

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!!

Taxidermists