Chukars - having a tough winter

I was in the Salmon area this weekend chukar hunting. In 15 years of hunting the area I haven't seen this much snow in late Jan. Some areas that normally winter 30-50 birds, had 4-6 and the few birds we shot were in very poor body condition. In fact when I cleaned them I was shocked at how little meat there was. I spoke with another hunter and they were there a few weeks ago and their dogs were finding dead birds. The only good news was some birds had found farmsteads or yards to winter in and make a living (hopefully). The forecast for this week looks like it might help things (it doesn't take much above freezing to melt the south slopes off). Only time will tell what this means for next season.

There were elk everywhere you looked, always nice to see. :cheers:
 
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