Hunting in Cheatgrass?

[Hedgerow]

Do you Idaho guys, or those who have hunted there or hunt there regularly, feel there is a safe time to turn the dogs loose in cheatgrass for Chukar?

According to the internet (vets, hunting websites, blogs, etc.), the most dangerous time for cheatgrass awns is summer. And, it sounds like once there has been some heavy rain or snow, which can cause the seeds to drop, it can be safer for dogs. I've also read that the seeds soften in the fall, which makes them potentially less likely to injure dogs in terms of awn inhalation or a migrating foreign body, which is the stuff of nightmares (for me anyway). I would hate to lose a dog because of grass awns.

Clearly, lots of hunters and dogs chase chukar in cheatgrass, so there must be a time when it's safer to do so. I know tailgate checks are imperative, but if a dog inhales an awn or several, you'd likely never know until a problem presents itself.

Any info would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[marsingbob]

In Idaho if you do not hunt in cheatgrass you do not hunt. It will be in some cover for all birds except possible mountain grouse, and even there you can encounter it while huntting ruffs. It definitely can be a problem but the danger is greatly exagerated. In late summer and early fall it can be a real problem, particulary in dog's feet. Check after each hunt.
Later it will be softened by dew and rain. I always worried a lot more about rattlesnakes and falls than cheat.

 

[GSP7]

it sounds like once there has been some heavy rain or snow, which can cause the seeds to drop, it can be safer for dogs

Yep , I figured out the same thing. Your good to go late summer and on when the "foxtails" shed to the ground

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