texashuntingforum.com logo
Main Menu
Advertisement
Affiliates
Advertisement
Newest Members
TraeMartin, Beatixre, MooseSteed, Trappernewt, casyoo
71987 Registered Users
Top Posters(All Time)
dogcatcher 110,788
bill oxner 91,416
SnakeWrangler 65,416
stxranchman 60,296
Gravytrain 46,950
RKHarm24 44,585
rifleman 44,461
Stub 43,769
Forum Statistics
Forums46
Topics537,022
Posts9,719,496
Members86,987
Most Online25,604
Feb 12th, 2024
Print Thread
Wanting to hunt Chachalaca #6543815 11/15/16 01:33 AM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
D
Daisy8162001752015 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
D
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
Hey everyone, I'm new to the forum here. I'm an avid bird hunter from South Carolina, and enjoy traveling all over the United States in pursuit of new adventures. I've hunted for and taken all the species of waterfowl in North America, and am getting into Upland birds. I shot my first wild Bobwhite Quail two years ago, just outside of El Campo, on what was my last trip with my old yellow lab, Daisy. She has now passed on, but hopefully will get a new pup in a couple of years when my now 9 month old son is a little older.

I'm planning a trip to South Texas next month, mid December to try my luck for a Chachalaca or two, and maybe a couple White Wing Doves and White Tipped Doves. I'm not looking for limits of any species, but a few birds to get mounted.

With the limited information on Chachalaca hunting online, I've not had much luck getting any firm plans together. I've called the manager at Las Palomas WMA and left several messages over the months with no response. I've tried posting an ad on Craigslist even, but got no response there either. Despite this, I'm coming down anyway, because I can't hunt Chachalaca here in SC. I wanted to reach out to y'all here, and see if anyone might know of someone with some land that I could hunt them on, or another option for public land to look into. I'm not looking for a freebie here, I'll be happy to pay per day/per bird, etc. Or help anyone out who might want to travel for waterfowl. I have a bunch of contacts all over for various species. Thank y'all for any help y'all might can offer. I look forward to sharing my South Texas adventure next month, regardless of what I get or don't get. It'll be my first trip that far south in Texas, so I'll enjoy it either way. Thank you again, for any help. Chris




Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #6544298 11/15/16 01:42 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
M
Mundo Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
M
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
Nobody hunts chachalaca. They like thick brush and don't hold well. About the only Chachalacas shot are those raiding gardens in Brownsville or McAllen. I used to have a friend who shot them with his pellet gun when they got into his tomatoes. People in the valley have them come to feeders a lot. Some will react to your inquiries as if you are asking to shoot songbirds.

However, if you must shoot one, Las Palomas is a good bet. Listen for their call early in the morning; especially on cloudy or overcast days. If calling they will be in taller cover but cruise down to thick brush as you approach. You will recognize the call---movie makers put it on their soundtracks all the time when they film jungle movies. If you shoot one, there is a good chance it will fall into thick brush--be ready to crawl or have a dog that will.

Last edited by Mundo; 11/15/16 01:44 PM.
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Mundo] #6544331 11/15/16 02:05 PM
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868
C
Chet Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
C
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,868
for more info google Sly and the family Stone.

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Mundo] #6544400 11/15/16 02:44 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
D
Daisy8162001752015 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
D
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
Ok. Thanks for the input. I'll be by myself, and won't have a dog. If I'm not successful this trip, it'll at least be a good trip to learn and come back another year better prepared. Just getting to be in a new place that I have never been to, will be fun. Thank you again.

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #6545024 11/15/16 09:21 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
M
Mundo Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
M
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
Another thought. If you are willing to pay, contact the Texas Parks and Wildlife office in Brownsville. Tell them what you are about. They may be able to put onto a quail or deer guide in Willacy County who can find you a chance and chachalacas. Another possibility is this outfit:
http://elcaneloranch.com/history.html

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Chet] #6545062 11/15/16 09:45 PM
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,655
C
colt45-90 Offline
Texas colt45
Offline
Texas colt45
C
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 11,655
Originally Posted By: Chet
for more info google Sly and the family Stone.
loco_too


hold on Newt, we got a runaway
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Mundo] #6546946 11/17/16 12:25 AM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
D
Daisy8162001752015 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
D
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
I left the office in Brownsville a message today, along with putting in a call at Las Palomas WMA. Got to finally talk with the guy there, and he was very nice and helpful with suggestions. Going to start looking into guide services in the area and getting their thoughts. Will try the folks you mentioned too. Thanks again!

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #6549497 11/18/16 06:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 596
C
Cass Online Content
Tracker
Online Content
Tracker
C
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 596
Here is the only post I have seen where someone reported actually shooting one:

http://texashuntingforum.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/6004531/Re:_chachalaca...#Post6004531


Cass

Last edited by Cass; 11/18/16 06:42 PM.
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #6552237 11/21/16 02:41 AM
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 39
G
goosehunter51 Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
G
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 39
Hey Daisy!

I am the guy that got the Chachalaca in on the previous thread last year. Hit me up and I'll fill you in...It sounds like the two of us have a lot in common.

Greg aka goosehunter51

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: goosehunter51] #6560637 11/27/16 06:45 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
D
Daisy8162001752015 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
D
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
Sent you a PM, Greg. Thanks!

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #6571384 12/04/16 10:46 PM
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 777
M
MClark Online Content
Tracker
Online Content
Tracker
M
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 777
Here is a thread on another forum with a story of hunting chacalaca using a cat as a bird dog.
I don't know if true but a good read.
A few years ago I asked (not here) people about hunting them, all I got was smart remarks referring to the song.

M

http://www.levergunscommunity.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=38182

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: MClark] #6574425 12/06/16 05:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
D
Daisy8162001752015 Offline OP
Green Horn
OP Offline
Green Horn
D
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 6
I've gotten a lot of laughing as the initial response when I call an outfitter in the valley area and tell them I'm wanting to come hunt Chachalaca. Have hit a lot of dead ends, but I have a couple good leads with two guys I have spoke with. Plus I will try public land too. Hope to get a White Wing and White tipped Doves 5oo. I'll be down there for the dove opener.

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #7298340 09/26/18 06:32 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
J
jchotz Offline
Green Horn
Offline
Green Horn
J
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
I had to search for 5 yrs before I got mine. It was worth the wait - just got my mounts back yesterday. www.gentlemanfarmer.net
I didn't want to try them in the WMA so I just kept asking anyone I met if they knew a farmer in the RGV. They really like the resacas and that's farmland.
Finally found a farmer who had them and would let me hunt them. Happy to share that guy if you still want one.

Headed out for a Snow [censored] tomorrow morning!

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: jchotz] #7298343 09/26/18 06:34 PM
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
J
jchotz Offline
Green Horn
Offline
Green Horn
J
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 2
OK, Snowcock - lets see if this get's censored

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #7298347 09/26/18 06:47 PM
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,451
D
Dalroo Offline
Veteran Tracker
Offline
Veteran Tracker
D
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 2,451
Okay, had to look up. First time I have ever heard the word Chachalaca. If they are invasive pest that raids gardens, seems like there would be lots of folks looking for eradication.


Dalroo
Deep in the Heart of Texas
How about that Brandon!
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: jchotz] #7298636 09/27/18 12:30 AM
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 312
M
mark3 Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
M
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 312
I would love to hear about that experience when you get back.

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #7298922 09/27/18 12:49 PM
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 287
K
kweber Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
K
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 287
https://tpwmagazine.com/archive/2002/feb/ed_2/
have toyed with going down to the valley...
even talked to TPWD

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #7303442 10/02/18 06:36 PM
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 73
S
Schat Offline
Outdoorsman
Offline
Outdoorsman
S
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 73

I done what you are attempting to do, This is the location south of Santa Maria Texas on the river road. These is the Anaucha unit of the los Palomas. I was able to shot Chachalaca, white tipped, white, & morning on the same hunt. was not uncommon to shot a Chachalaca and a few white wing. The Chachalaca and Tipped doves are dense cover birds. I would get there at day light and listen for the Chachalaca ( what the hell! )calling and do your best to crawl to them. do not think that your shots are going to be long, and please do not be a wait till it fly's kinda fella. It may not happen, they can run threw the trees. Good luck

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #8285687 06/05/21 07:36 PM
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
R
RGVshooter Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
R
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
I know this thread is a few yrs old however I also hunt chachalaca. I hunt primarily the Las Paloma's WMA's for rabbit/quail/chachalaca starting in November thru the end of February. Mostly at Ebony and I've seen them over at Anacua. For chachalaca at Ebony what worked for me was to get there right before sunup and sit by the prairie trail that they mow thru the fields and watch for them to cross over towards the Resaca. I use a 20 gauge full choke & #6 lead shot as trying to get close to them is both not fun & unproductive. They spend most of their time either on the ground or in very thick cover and hop away from you. At Anacua I found them over in the NW woody section of the property. By where they store the tractors/etc. You may have to go out in the woods. Forget taking that shot on a rising chachalaca like a pheasant. It's not going to happen. But if the dove are slow & you wanna go home with something, it's better than nothing lol. If anyone wants to tag along, give me a holler.

oh and PS. don't bring your $2000 Beretta 686, they're in very dense cover and you're gonna do some crawling

Last edited by RGVshooter; 06/05/21 07:39 PM. Reason: updated
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: RGVshooter] #8285689 06/05/21 07:50 PM
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
Creekrunner Offline
THF Celebrity
Offline
THF Celebrity
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 25,138
Originally Posted by RGVshooter
I know this thread is a few yrs old however I also hunt chachalaca. I hunt primarily the Las Paloma's WMA's for rabbit/quail/chachalaca starting in November thru the end of February. Mostly at Ebony and I've seen them over at Anacua. For chachalaca at Ebony what worked for me was to get there right before sunup and sit by the prairie trail that they mow thru the fields and watch for them to cross over towards the Resaca. I use a 20 gauge full choke & #6 lead shot as trying to get close to them is both not fun & unproductive. They spend most of their time either on the ground or in very thick cover and hop away from you. At Anacua I found them over in the NW woody section of the property. By where they store the tractors/etc. You may have to go out in the woods. Forget taking that shot on a rising chachalaca like a pheasant. It's not going to happen. But if the dove are slow & you wanna go home with something, it's better than nothing lol. If anyone wants to tag along, give me a holler.

oh and PS. don't bring your $2000 Beretta 686, they're in very dense cover and you're gonna do some crawling


Oh, I wanna tag along. Just PM me.


...and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth. Gen. 1:28
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Creekrunner] #8286412 06/06/21 03:59 PM
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
R
RGVshooter Offline
Light Foot
Offline
Light Foot
R
Joined: Dec 2020
Posts: 46
Originally Posted by Creekrunner
Originally Posted by RGVshooter
I know this thread is a few yrs old however I also hunt chachalaca. I hunt primarily the Las Paloma's WMA's for rabbit/quail/chachalaca starting in November thru the end of February. Mostly at Ebony and I've seen them over at Anacua. For chachalaca at Ebony what worked for me was to get there right before sunup and sit by the prairie trail that they mow thru the fields and watch for them to cross over towards the Resaca. I use a 20 gauge full choke & #6 lead shot as trying to get close to them is both not fun & unproductive. They spend most of their time either on the ground or in very thick cover and hop away from you. At Anacua I found them over in the NW woody section of the property. By where they store the tractors/etc. You may have to go out in the woods. Forget taking that shot on a rising chachalaca like a pheasant. It's not going to happen. But if the dove are slow & you wanna go home with something, it's better than nothing lol. If anyone wants to tag along, give me a holler.

oh and PS. don't bring your $2000 Beretta 686, they're in very dense cover and you're gonna do some crawling


Oh, I wanna tag along. Just PM me.


I'll give ya a hollar in a couple months, lol

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #8330901 07/25/21 04:18 PM
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
T
TEXASLEFTY Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
Online Content
THF Whiskey Sommelier
T
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 19,212
[Linked Image]
[Linked Image]


Here is a couple pics of the mounted birds


Originally Posted by Chunky Monkey
Never been to a camping world. I prefer Dick's to be honest.
Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #8340067 08/03/21 03:45 PM
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
D
Dave Scott Offline
Pro Tracker
Offline
Pro Tracker
D
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,331
How do they taste?

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Daisy8162001752015] #8359537 08/22/21 05:49 PM
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 709
M
MAP Offline
Tracker
Offline
Tracker
M
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 709
We've got some on a place in Jim Wells county, I got pics of them on trail camera, apparently everybody knew about them except me. My uncle said there have been a small group out there for decades. We cant hunt them in that county, but I dont think I would anyway with only having a few out there and they make ugly mounts smile

Re: Wanting to hunt Chachalaca [Re: Dave Scott] #8360697 08/23/21 04:29 PM
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
M
Mundo Offline
Bird Dog
Offline
Bird Dog
M
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 474
Originally Posted by Dave Scott
How do they taste?

Dark meat

Previous Thread
Index
Next Thread

© 2004-2024 OUTDOOR SITES NETWORK all rights reserved USA and Worldwide
Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.3