Drew
Well-known member
Malheur County
Ring-necked pheasant
Last winter the county received above average precipitation at higher elevations while mid-elevations stayed fairly open. Timing and the amount moisture was good for nesting conditions resulting in good brood production of upland birds. Over all hunters should expect to find more birds than last year, yet another year of good bird hunting across the county. The Cow Valley and Durkee fires in the northeast portion of Malheur County/south portion of Baker County burned a combined 427,755 acres. This includes significant portion of Cottonwood Mountain and Brogan Canyon which are both popular chukar hunting spots. Habitat loss in these areas is going to negatively impact chukar, huns and quail in the short term.
Chukar: Surveys on established routes yielded 109 birds per 10 miles, this is a 127 percent increase from last year and 123 percent above the 10-year average of 48 birds per 10 miles. Brood production was excellent at 12.1 chicks per brood, total number of brood classified was significantly increase from last year.
Pheasant: Surveys along established routes yielded 7 birds per 10 miles, a 123 percent increase in number of birds observed last year and 36 percent above the 10-year average. Chick production was good at 3.3 chicks per brood. Hunting prospects will vary depending on the farming practices in the area where you have permission to hunt. The outlying areas around Willow Creek and Vale have higher bird numbers than areas closer to Ontario and Nyssa.
California quail: Surveys on established routes yielded 111 quail per 10 miles, a116 percent increase from last year and 171 percent above the 10-year average. Production was excellent at 12.2 chicks per brood with good production observed in range and agricultural lands.