doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com OT: Global War on Chuckars

I have always heard that chukar partidges originated in Aghanistan and adjacent Pakistan, where the Brits called them "Hill Partridges," and English speakers over there still call them that. I just wondered if, among all the war stories coming from that part of the world, any member knew of anyone who had seen chukars in their natural state? Or have they all been et by various hungry factions? (Somehow I doubt that, they are a tough critter, albeit tasty).

Any word from the Afghani uplands and cheatgrass roots?

I have a co-worker and hunting friend that is originally from Iran. He and his family hunted chukar back there. In fact, there is a group of about 6-8 of his friends all from Iran that hunt chukar with a passion. All of them hunt very well.

Have not been to the sand box but did see the wonderfull Golden Phesants in Viet Nam in the sixties.

did a tour in A-stan 2002-2003. Humped all over Paktia and Paktikia (Yes, they are different provinces) provences up over and all along the border with Pakistan , altitudes up over 10,000 feet. Never flushed a bird.

Thanks Brian and Chuck. It occurs to me from your answers that I may be seriously mistaken as to which part of the world chukars come from. Perhaps they really come from the Western side of Afghanistan and nearby Iran and Baluchistan? If there had been ckukars around Eastern Aghanistan, you would have at least heard them.

Chuck, I know from contacts at UC Irvine that there is a sizeable "Persian" community in LA/OC area. Just never occurred to me that they might avidly seek their naturalized game in their naturalized nation! Interesting; people and critters DO adapt. And I never met a chukar hunter that wasn't "passionate" about the pursuit--some are downright vindictive!.

MIke, You are quite correct re origin of Chukar partridges; northern Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran, some in Kashmir, too. I have lived and hunted them in all but Iran. They are called Chu-kor' in Urdu(Pakistan/Kashmir), Cowk in Farsi/Dari and Zerka in Pakhto. They were in my time in the area (1958-72)most abundant in Afghanistan, and I cncountered some in 2004 in NWFP of Pakistan, along with smaller partridge, Sisi, at lower altitudes. There were never many in Paktia/Paktika eastern provinces of Afghanistan [around Khost, Gardez] but were abundant in Nangrahar, around Kabul and to the northwest. Best hunting was in autumn as they migrated to lower altitudes and winter-wheat fields in valleys. The rascals behave at home the same as in Oregon/Idaho!! Bert Dunn

Thanks, Bert; interesting. I assume they are very dependent on rainfall like they are in US. I also "assume" that cheat grass, their main fodder in the US, comes from the same places and that they fatten up on grasshoppers and grainfields like they do here. You'd probably have to watch where you step in some of the places you used to hunt.... I believe my wife may know some Pashto; think I remember she called me a "Zherka" among other things when I brought our retriever home in my game bag after a long day of early season chukar hunting in the Snake River breaks(he recovered).

Bert,
Going again. any good spots to hunt near Kabul and that AO?

I will be based out of there but will be moving aorund a bit.

Brian, Bear in mind my info on specific spots around Kabul is dated - very dated - but the area east of town around the Minar-i-Chakri (an ancient stone tower), and further east at the head of the Khurd Kabul pass were once very productive in October. Khurd Kabul road turns off main road leading to Lataband Pass (old road to Sarobi)about 12 miles from town, and, yes, it is the historically infamous place where the Brits came to grief in the 1842 retreat, but the cowk/zerka sure liked the little canyons thereabout. Also the hills due north of the Kabul airport, SSE from Bagram. Wherever you go, keep yr head down.