After what seemed like a long summer, Vic Stull's invitation to chukar hunt was finally realized. The weather threatened to postpone the hunt but like diehard bird hunters, we took the chance that the weatherman would be wrong. With my two Pointers, Sage and Temis, I loaded up and drove the 1½ hours to Vic's home. Besides our brief phone conversation, we had only communicated by emails. Although we have never met, I felt as though I personally knew him. It didn't take long for our conversation to turn to bird dogs and upland bird hunting. After dinner I turned in early in order to get a fresh start in the morning. Before I knew it Vic was knocking on the door, it was still dark outside. We quickly loaded up and started for a restaurant for breakfast and to await more hunting companions. Mike, a coworker of Vic's, was already there finishing his meal. I ordered a large breakfast realizing I would need the energy. Two more of Vic's friends arrived, Neville and his son Jonathan. Afterwards, we all headed out to an area that Vic had previous success hunting chukars.

For sometime we drove the dirt roads always heading in the direction of distance hills. I remember hunting in the Red Mountain area many years ago for chukar and this country looks very similar. We followed a narrow winding road that led to a base of a steep mountain. We unloaded our dogs, Mike's GSP Maulder, Vic's GSP Coffee, Jonathan's female Pointer and my Pointer, Temis. We quietly and quickly fanned out and walked towards the steep slopes, dogs out front. After several minutes of climbing my legs began to thicken and my chest heaved as I took deep heavy breathes. My legs felt heavy as each step promoted a burn sensation deep within my leg muscles. Vic had warned me to get in shape, however, my usual procrastination had won out and now I wished I had started a regular exercise program. I looked across the ridge and saw Vic and Coffee making quick progress. They seemed to be gliding up towards the steepest rocks. They were in great physical shape--chukar hunting shape.

Below are pictures of our hunt. Clicking on an image will enlarge the picture and bring up text. I wish to personally thank Vic Stull, Mike, Neille and Jonathan for their hospitality and for sharing this chukar hunting experience with me.