Central Idaho Bird Hunt (First Time)

[webhak]

I'm heading down from eastern WA to visit family in Boise so I figured I'd spend a couple days around McCall chasing grouse (blue and forest), and maybe some Huns or quail. Not really sure if I'd run into those or not since it will be my first time in the area.

I'll be camping for two days and ideally chasing birds in the morning and getting a line wet in the afternoon if I can find a dispersed camping spot not too far from a body of water.

This will be the first season with my year-old bird dog.

Any recommendations (not honey holes, just general pointers) about the area would be appreciated.

Also, any feedback on hunting with a dog in the area would be appreciated as far as predators go. I'm not worried about black bears was told by a state biologist grizzlies weren't an issue that far south. However, are wolves something to be concerned about with the dog?

The dog will be in the car or tent with me at night.

P.S. Hoping to spend another day in SW Idaho just north of Boise looking for chukar on the drive back.
P.P.S. I'm new to this part of the country so I'm still getting a feel for the local predators. I moved up from the Mojave Desert where I didn't have to worry about anything except rattlers.

 

[Jesse Jaymes]

First time getting serious on Idaho birds as well. Be sure to check regs on both Sharpies and Quail. Think quail are off limits a large portion of the state. Sharpies as well.

 

[webhak]

Thanks. I'm only aware of no hunting for Sharptail and Mountain Quail. I don't THINK I'll see sharpies in the terrain I'll be in. Could see Mountain Quail but will have to see what flushes. I'll be in Area 1 (Valley County) so I should be good to go for California Quail and Bobwhites.

 

[WRO]

Plenty of valley quail down low, go up into mountains and they’ll be grouse, focus on creek bottoms and ridges.


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[Idaho Mtns]

Like much of ID, you will have the opportunity to bump grouse at that McCall elevation, both in the valley floor and up higher in the trees, and also a couple of thousand feet lower. For decent covey’s of quail, better to target a lower elevation for that high desert type environment. Endless places to camp near water. No grizzlies but they are getting closer and just to the north (IDFG placed grizzly beware signs). Wolves are not seen that often nearby and not as prevalent as other areas but they pass through. Last wolf sign I saw was tracks while grouse hunting last fall. A small pack was in the area earlier this summer but I didn’t see them while scouting and trout fishing. If your dog ranges close-to-medium, not much of a concern. If your dog ranges big out a few hundred yards and out of sight, trust your instincts. Lots of predators.

Decent to some great public land spots for you and your 1 yr old pup to chase chukar from outside Boise back up north. Hells Canyon, etc. For all those nasty steep hillsides w/some rock outcroppings anywhere near water, there will likely be chukar. My thighs are burning just thinking about this upcoming season. ☹

Keep us posted and send a pic/update after your trip.

Charlie Kirk, RIP. God Bless.