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Conditions & Cover
Weather
Rain years make big coveys; storms push them into brush canyons
Wind
Runs uphill and ratholes in cover when it blows
Temp
Cool mornings feed longer; heat sends them to shade by 9
Cover
Brushy canyon bottoms, sage draws, creek willows
The Daily Clock
How to Hunt It — Hour by Hour
1
Covey Roost
Night
Roosts up in brush and low trees, chattering — listen for the "chi-ca-go" assembly call.
Run It
Locate coveys by call at dawn
Approach from above when you can
2
Morning Feed
First 3 hours
Feeds downhill through seed draws, running ahead of pressure.
Run It
Push coveys uphill to make them hold
Flush the covey, then hunt singles
3
Midday Brush Loaf
Midday
Shades up in impenetrable brush; sentries watch from perches.
Run It
Work the shady canyon edges
A flushing dog earns its keep here
4
Evening Water & Feed
Last 2 hours
Works toward water and evening seed, regrouping loudly.
Run It
Sit a spring or guzzler trail
Mark the roost brush for tomorrow
Cross-Reference
Where This Bird Lives
≋ Waterlands · Upland data blends NOAA weather, state season books & brood-survey reports
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