E postcard quail on the Chap

Hey guys,

I grew up hunting dove and always wanted to go quail hunting. I ended up getting drawn for a quail hunt on the Chap. Now I need to figure out if this hunt is doable without a dog. I don't mind hiking a long ways if it is feasible that I may kick up some coveys. Do y'all think I should give it a go? Does anyone have any experience with this hunt?

I wouldn't drive all the way down there to hunt without a dog, especially if your planning on going alone.

The draw has no preference points and no second chance draw to let someone else get the permit. It is a popular quail hunt that a lot of hunters put in for and wanted to draw. You wanted to hunt quail. You put in for the hunt knowing you don't have a dog and got drawn. Why on earth would you not go if your able? Wear good boots and take some snake chaps in case it's warm. Get out early at first light and walk. Don't stop walking. As you walk, always believe there is a bird in front of you, always be ready. I promise you will kill more birds that way than you would by staying at home mowing the lawn. And if you want to forget all of your troubles, buy new boots and don't break them in until the first day of your hunt.

if you are lucky and get on birds, don't take your eyes off a downed bird

Yeah sorry. I should have said I am going to do this hunt. Just looking to see what other people's experiences are. I will be going and making the best of it no matter what. Thanks for the reply.

No worries there. I will search endlessly for a downed bird.

You just might be able to join up with someone who has dogs. I've only been once with two friends and my pointer named Sis. We picked up 17 birds on Saturday, went out and got drunk and didn't go back Sunday.

You can't believe the outfitters who were there.

It sounds like y'all had some fun for sure Mr. Oxner. I will see what happens. I don't mind going it on my own but would also enjoy the company if I hook up with others.

I haven't been there but I think I would walk em up hunt for several hours and then make a point if I see a smaller group with dogs on the road by their trucks to stop and strike up a conversation about how they are doing. If its a single or a couple of guys, you might have some luck with them saying "man, you should quit kicking bushes and hunt with us"

I've put in for this hunt with two other guys before, we haven't been drawn yet. I notice it says groups of 1-4, so can you take other hunters with you? I say this because I have hunted the chap several times with a couple of buddies and we never used dogs. We just line up about twenty or so yards apart and begin our march through the brush. Most of the park rangers can't believe we did so well without dogs when we check our birds in. Yes, you will do a lot of walking, but if you're in decent shape it's not bad at all. Good luck!

I will look into it but I think you have to have the other hunters listed when you apply for the draw.

I do not mind hiking a lot of miles, so I should be ok. I will not give up and it will still be nice to hike around a new place even if I do not get a lot of birds. We will see.

From the reports there, there will not be a lot of birds this year. Am glad as it won't be as crowded.