Predictably, the 2013-14 Nevada Chukar Hunting Forecast does not look encouraging, however there is some good news in the report for hunters……….

 

 

 

Aerial density survey data completed in August determined an overall average of 41 chukar per square mile, a decrease of about 35% from the 2012 average.  With snow storms occurring in December 2012, biologists believe the chukar were forced to lower elevations, where forage was less prevalent.    Additionally, extremely cold temperatures during this time period are cited to possibly have caused an increase in the overall mortality of the birds.   As a result, bird numbers are low among some of the traditional Nevada chukar habitat and hunting areas, especially mountain ranges that have experienced past wildfires.

 

 

As an exception, the Pine Forest Range (Humboldt County, northwest of Winnemucca) and Selenite Range Area (Pershing County, southeast of Gerlach) were surveyed to be well above average for chukar density….

 

 

For more information access ndow.org