Chukar Partridge.

RUNS, MOSTLY.Sources disagree

Washington's wildlife agency calls chukar "notorious for running out of shooting range before rising," and notes they run uphill while flying downhill. But it's pressure-dependent: Project Upland finds birds run at first, then hold in cover near rock long enough to get into range, and a guide interviewed by Field & Stream says they can be walked right up on. Sources disagree on degree. Practical read: assume runners in pressured country, expect holds in cover late season.

WIND IS EVERYTHING FOR THE NOSE.

Into a canyon wind a good dog winds a covey at long range, one guide reports scent picked up from half a mile. MeatEater's advice is to put the dog above the birds on an up-canyon wind, which is nearly always the prevailing direction. Wind at the dog's back and it's working blind.

TERRAIN: THE HARDEST GROUND A DOG WILL COVER.

Cliffs, talus, canyon walls. Project Upland warns to watch foot pads, which get cut on sharp rock. Boots are standard in basalt country. Measure the day in vertical feet, not miles.

RETRIEVE: HARDER THAN THE SHOT.

Birds fall downhill. Project Upland notes dogs are especially important for finding downed birds, which land in sage, bunchgrass, and bitterbrush. Cripples run into rock and disappear.

Arid West, canyon country and rimrock above cheatgrass and sage. Audubon notes introduced cheatgrass is a key habitat element, and that birds may need access to water unless they can eat plenty of green leaves. Early season, hunt water. Late season, coveys group up and drop lower.