Chukar Chasers – A Chukar Hunting Video

A.J. DeRosa, founder of Project Upland, is a New England…

A visually stunning landscape of public lands is the backdrop for the pursuit of chukar hunting in video of the Chukar Chasers Foundation.

Chukar hunting has a reputation. The bird itself is often referred to as the “red legged devil.” The terrain, inclines, and habitat they call home is all part of the physical toll this bird takes on those committed to pursue it. Then there’s the mystery of “here today and gone tomorrow” or maybe even nowhere to be found after miles upon miles of boot leather logged. Some may think this is all reason to never hunt the chukar. Others relish in the “calorie negative” hunt.

“The miles trekked. I think that’s the biggest thing that sets chukar hunters apart from other hunters.”

The chukar partridge is a non-native species to the United States. They call areas of the Middle East and Asia home where many cultures pursue them in their native habitat. Ten states have open wild chukar hunting seasons, all located in Western states with high elevations.

“You don’t have to be a millionaire with a hundred thousand acres and a ranch in order to enjoy the outdoors and hunt; it’s definitely land put to good use.”

In the annual Project Upland survey for Northwoods Collective in 2019, 21.68 percent of the community identified as being chukar hunters. It’s the fifth most popular upland game bird to pursue.

Who are the Chukar Chasers?

Chukar Chasers is a collective of chukar hunters originally based in Nevada. Over the years their passion is promoting the pursuit of chukar, wild places, and an emphasis on the ethics of hunters. Part of that ethic evolved into the “Chukar Chasers Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which supports youth chukar hunts and wildlife conservation efforts.”

Founded in 2018, the Chukar Chaser Foundation has now grown to having a board of directors as they expand their R3 efforts in the culture.

Listen: Chasing Chukar with the Chukar Chasers – Project Upland Podcast Episode #98

About this Story

We followed Damon Booth and Alec Garcia into the world of vast public lands in Nevada for chukar. From the bird dogs, public lands, and the food, this is a story of chukar culture in the West. The passion of the pursuit and the vastness of the landscape will leave viewers wanting to roam the expansive public lands of chukar country in these United States.

This Film is Presented by: Beretta and Eukanuba Sporting Dogs

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Beretta Eukanuba Sporting Dog Nevada Upland Upland Hunting Video

A.J. DeRosa

A.J. DeRosa, founder of Project Upland, is a New England native with over 35 years of hunting experience across three continents. His passion for upland birds and side-by-side shotguns has taken him around the world, uncovering the stories of people and places connected to the uplands. First published in 2004, he wrote The Urban Deer Complex in 2014 and soon discovered a love for filmmaking, which led to the award-winning Project Upland film series. A.J.'s dedication to wildlife drives his advocacy for conservation policy and habitat funding at both federal and state levels. He serves as Vice Chair of the New Hampshire Fish & Game Commission, giving back to his community. You can often find A.J. and his Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, Grim, hunting in the mountains of New England—or wherever the birds lead them.