Annual forecast good news for Partridge hunters


RENO — Let’s not beat around the bush and just cut right to the good news. 

This year’s Nevada Chukar Hunting Forecast, an annual report put out by the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) that takes habitat conditions and statewide survey results to estimate chukar populations, was recently released and predicts that Nevada will experience the best chukar and Hungarian partridge season in the last 20-30 years.

After surveying 59 areas across western and eastern Nevada counties, Game Division biologists report that two good years of precipitation along with an above average number of carry over birds (birds that are 2-3 years of age) have resulted in a literal boom in the chukar population.  

“Last year we counted 4,966 chukar. This year that number is 10,906. That is almost 120 percent increase from last year,” said Game biologists Justin Small. “That’s almost unheard of and should make chukar hunters very happy.”

For the 2024 season, some areas of Pershing County, Churchill County, Mineral County, Eureka County, Lander County, Washoe County and many areas in northeastern Nevada, will provide quality chukar hunting opportunities. 

Overall, base populations of chukar are above average and production was promising. Seven out of the eight counties this season showed production values over the 4.5 chicks per adult threshold; only Pershing County was below with 3.3 chicks per adult. 

Hungarian partridge numbers in north central and northeastern Nevada are well above numbers observed in the recent past and should provide for a quality wing-shooting experience this season as well. 

Chukar season will open Oct. 12 and run through Feb. 2, 2025.  

The hunt is open to both resident and nonresident hunters with limits set at six daily and 18 in possession. 

A notable change was made for the upcoming season with respect to both partridge species. Hungarian partridge limits are now split from chukar and are four per day and 12 in possession. Shooting hours are sunrise to sunset. The Youth season for both species is set for Sept. 28 - Oct. 6.

“This year, anything goes in terms of where to find chukar. They may be encountered from the valley floor to high elevations and in areas where you may not typically find them,” said Small. “If you don’t have much experience hunting either of these species, make sure you check out pages 14 and 15 of the Nevada Small Game Hunting