With 111 days until Idaho opener for chukars I've had a few inquiries from people living out of the state as to what we might be expecting. The short answer is to keep your bags packed because conditions have improved and a good hatch is likely.
A month ago I was worried about maybe having a dry spring because the mountains were already showing that mid June look. Well since then we have had many good wet storms come through and help get the grass growth going again. The hills are green with lot's of growth and the hoppers are starting to hatch everywhere.
Although a couple of the storms have had quite a downpour, I don't think the chukar/hun hatch has happened yet so there would be little chance of wiping out newborn chicks. Along with the rain has been warmer than normal temperatures that are helping promote good growth and insect hatches.
Jake and I haven't been able to get back in as far as normal on our scouts because Grady has been accompanying us and his short legs tire out a lot quicker. The hikes we are getting in are looking very positive though and hopefully in about two weeks the hatch will be on. Come August I hope to be showing you lot's of huge covey's of chukar/hun and possibly a young pup pointing some of them.
As far as planning a trip to western Idaho and eastern Oregon for upland birds I would definitely start packing my gear. If my notes from the past and my memories are right this is shaping up to be another perfect spring for the birds and with the great carry over we should see some high densities of birds.
We'll be hiking around a lot trying to find babies to take pictures of for the next month or two and will try and keep you posted on what we are seeing. Keep your fingers crossed and your shotgun and dogs ready, it's looking like fun times.
