It’s not too early to think about Chukar populations ahead of the upland game hunt this Fall. Biologists estimate that chukar populations are similar to last year in northern Utah, but they have decreased in the central, southern and southeastern parts of the state, due to dry conditions. In northeastern Utah, pen-raised chukars will be released before the opening days of the youth and general-season hunts. Look for chukars in the cliff areas along the Green River and near the face of the Book Cliffs. Hunters should focus on steep slopes with rocks and bunch grass, sagebrush or cheatgrass, as well as areas with water. The best time to hunt chukars is early in the morning since that’s when they’re feeding and when they tend to be vocal, making them the easiest to find. Both partridge seasons will run from September 25th to February 15th.
