Hunting Pheasant & Chukar – Season Approaching
Hunting has been a part of human culture since our origin and continues to be of great importance today. It brings us back to nature, fills up our freezer in the fall and can help in managing an overpopulation of certain animals. With the use of licenses and tags, responsible hunters can pursue their pastime while respecting conservation efforts. Most game animals have a “season” which can run as little as two weeks to two months. During this time, hunting for the animal of choice is legal. As the 2019-2020 season approaches for our favorite small game: pheasant and chukar, we prepare for the challenging and rewarding hunting experience these birds entail.
California Wildlife
According to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, the 2019 – 2020 season for pheasant is from November 9th to December 22nd, and for chukar, the season runs from October 19th to January 26th. Both season dates fall under the general/statewide category so for further details regarding dates for archery or falconry hunting, refer to California’s fish and wildlife website. The common pheasant is a bird a part of the Phasianidae (family of heavy, ground-living birds) that is native to Asia but introduced widely elsewhere as a game bird. In North America, the term often used for the species is ring-necked pheasant, referring to the white “ring” that appears around their neck. Chukar, also a part of the Phasianidae, is a Eurasian upland gamebird that have established themselves in parts of North America, New Zealand, Middle East and South Asia. Chukars are medium-sized, non-migratory birds that are relatively unaffected by hunting or loss of habitat and more affected by weather patterns during their breeding season. Other birds a part of the Phasianidae family include junglefowl, chickens, turkeys, old world quail and peafowl. This family of birds include several of the most popular game birds.
Bird Hunting
In California, you will need a hunting license and an upland game bird validation to hunt birds like pheasants, quail, chukar, greater sage-grouse, sooty (blue)/ruffed grouse, white-tailed ptarmigan, wild turkey, dove, band-tailed pigeon and snipe. Many pheasant hunters use a 12-gauge shotgun, but 16 or 20 gauge works well too, especially if you are bringing a youth hunter along. Pheasants can be quite hearty birds so investing in quality shells can be worth it. High brass shells with 4 or 5 shot is a solid option and will fare better than target loads. As with all hunting, the standard bright orange colored clothing is best for safety reasons and most states actually require that at least one article of clothing above the waist be that bright orange color. Typically, your head is the first part of your body that another hunter will see, so wearing a bright orange cap along with an orange hunting vest is the safest option. Many bird hunters are accompanied with their loyal companions. Popular bird hunting dogs include German Shorthairs, English Pointers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels. While dogs are not a requirement, they sure make finding live and downed birds much easier. Lastly, make sure you have a good pair of boots and shooting glasses as bird hunting can require a lot of walking and any time you fire a gun, glasses are a crucial piece of inventory to shield your eyes from malfunctions or misfires.
Premier Pheasant & Chukar Hunting – Green Gulch Ranch
Green Gulch Ranch is a 4,000-acre ranch located in the historic Sierra Valley of California. This large property lines up against pine covered mountains at the north end of the valley, consists of open meadows, sage covered hillsides and 1,500 acres of cultivated farm ground. Beyond the farm ground lies over 2,500 acres of native cover used for pheasant and chukar hunting, a rifle range, and two full trap and skeet fields. In order to ensure an enjoyable and challenging hunting experience, Green Gulch Ranch uses the highest quality and fastest flying birds to provide the optimal sports performance. Birds are taken to the fields and hidden a half hour to 45 minutes prior to the hunter’s arrival and after checking in, hunters are escorted to their field where the fun begins. Whether you are experienced or a novice, our bird hunting operation is organized and suited to provide a thrilling experience. Check out our page on hunting memberships and packages, and give us a call at (530) 993-1129 for additional questions. Located in Vinton, CA between Portola and Reno Junction, our stunning ranch is the perfect destination for hunters in northern California and northern Nevada. Are you traveling from further away? We conveniently offer “The Hunt Camp” in which you can stay in a comfortable house situated in the middle of the ranch complex. With rustic furniture, wood floors and old barn wood walls, it’s the perfect place to relax after a successful outing. Click here for your hunt, stay and play experience.
