What keeps me coming back?

quail hound

quail hound

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Another day hunting the seemingly desolate hills that wild chukar haunt got me asking myself, what keeps me coming back?

Let's start off with what I know its not. Full game bags? Nope didn't pull a feather today. Comradery? Not even my brother likes hitting the hills with me. Do I do it for my dog? No, these hills aren't a springers forte. This kind of hunting is more suited for an all age type pointer. The occasional covey of quail is nice but I could move far more birds in a more hospital location.

So what is it? The sheer vastness of these hills, where you could walk all day long for weeks and barely scratch the surface? The creosote that's among the oldest living things on the planet who witnessed the first introductions of chukar and cheat? The bur sage concealing a road runner from sight? The seldom witnessed flight of said road runner? The last strong hold of our San Jaquine kit fox who will give you a glimpse if you're lucky? Or is it the pip of that quail covey at the bottom of that canyon, or that siren song "chuk chuk chuk chuk chhuukkaarr" coming from the next ridge over?

Yes these are the things that keep me coming back for more punishment, and I'll be back every chance I get.

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QH,
What a Great Photo.
 
looks like a fantastic spot. I think I need to spend between now and next season brushing up on locations to take the dog. your pics and stories are taunting me.
 
fIRST OFF, Nice pic!!!!! Great Country!! Maybe in my youth!!! But now, it better weigh more than a pound if I am going to chase it in them hills.( More like 400-800 lbs.) I bet you have multiple pairs of the best boots!!!! LOL ! Thanks Quailhound!!!:cheers:
 
Wow, awesome looking ground to hunt. Some day I am going to turn my setters loose in something like that.:thumbsup:
 
Thanks guys. I really love those hill, I just wish they were a little closer so I could spend more time in them. Bleu, my Russell's aren't broken in enough for that terrain, I much prefer my old red head uplanders out there where wet feet aren't a problem.

Cd, how was it out near Mariposa, did you find any quail? Let's try to plan a hunt together next year, I've always wanted to try Grizzly Island.:cheers:
 
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quail hound said:
Cd, how was it out near Mariposa, did you find any quail? Let's try to plan a hunt together next year, I've always wanted to try Grizzly Island.:cheers:
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We didn't see a thing. Granted, it had snowed just a few days before, and I think we were too high, and in the wrong spots. We didn't see a living thing move all day. If we had another day to hunt, I think we would have done better after rethinking our scenario, but the ladies wanted to hang out instead. go figure.

yes. next year for sure. Seems like you're hitting all the spots, and I'm not. I need some tips if you've got any.
 
A buddy and I are going to try and squeeze in a day before months end for some quail, but not sure where to head to from here (bay area)
 
Yeah, that's how it goes in new spots.

My tips are no good. I don't take a day off work during the off season, save all my time for fall. My truck and dogs are run rabid during season, I'm broke as a joke this time of year and can't keep a girlfriend through hunting season but I do hunt a lot.:D I might be that weird guy with to many dogs, a beat up 4wd and nothing else when I die.:eek:
 
Maybe Daugherty Hill wild life area in Yuba county? Give me a bit I'll try to think some more.
 
Try finding the pdf called guide to hunting quail in california on the dfg web site. It has quite a few spots listed not far from you. Hunting a new area is always a crap shoot so don't get discouraged, remember its to get the dog running. Also almost all water ways in California are blm or reclamation land, if it doesn't have a locked gate you are good. Knock on some ranchers doors, I know your not in the most hunter friendly area but some rural farmers/ ranchers might be refreshed by a polite hunter with a dog asking for permission.
 
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