Transactions of the Western Section of the Wildlife Society

1984, Volume 20


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Year1984
Volume20
TitleHimalayan Snowcocks - Nevada's Newest Upland Game
Author(s)San J. Stiver
ArticleLink to PDF

Abstract:
The Himalayan snowcock was stocked both from wild trapped birds from Hunza and game farm birds in Nevada from 1963 through 1979. During this period 2,025 birds were released in 5 mountain ranges in the state. The major release efforts were centered in the Ruby and East Humboldt mountains of Northeastern Nevada, where the bird has become established in an alpine niche that is typically glacial and topographically steep and diverse. The first three hunts for snowcocks were 9 days long for resident hunters with limits of one bird daily and one in possession. The 1983 season allowed nonresident hunters and extended the season to one month. To date, 91 hunters have participated in the hunt and have harvested 12 birds. Hunting for the species has been very difficult because the bird is extremely wary and the preferred habitat is very precipitous. Hunter interest has been growing annually and the species is expected to attain the status of a trophy upland game bird in the near future.


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