woodcock episode on Angler and hunter

Thanks

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Saw the episode yesterday. The host said he was using 3 inch 20 gauge shells with 1.25oz #5's. No mention of choke other than the gun had interchangeable chokes. Different strokes, for different folks.

I just re-watched that episode. Its got to be my favourite one yet. My dogs liked it too; they got excited when they heard the bells :)
Great WC hunting footage (not something you see everyday). Three generations of hunters and you could almost smell the cooking at that gathering. I want to be at that table! I've still a got a few WC in my freezer; got to look up some pâté recipes.

The comments about habitat were bang on. In southern Ontario we have fields, mature woodlots and hard edges. What we severely lack is young emergent forest. Where some see "scrub" or "slash", those in the know see habitat, habitat, habitat.

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

I just re-watched that episode. Its got to be my favourite one yet. My dogs liked it too; they got excited when they heard the bells :)
Great WC hunting footage (not something you see everyday). Three generations of hunters and you could almost smell the cooking at that gathering. I want to be at that table! I've still a got a few WC in my freezer; got to look up some pâté recipes.

The comments about habitat were bang on. In southern Ontario we have fields, mature woodlots and hard edges. What we severely lack is young emergent forest. Where some see "scrub" or "slash", those in the know see habitat, habitat, habitat.

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Sounding like a kindred spirit. Gives you an idea why I do what I do and wonder why it has almost become a solitary sport.

Reminder: woodcock habitat does not require simply young forest.

For reproduction, we need young forest adjacent to suitable singing fields, and we need lots of singing fields, because male woodcock are territorial.

Both of these things are in critically low supply throughout much of southern Ontario.

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Originally Posted by welsh

Reminder: woodcock habitat does not require simply young forest.

For reproduction, we need young forest adjacent to suitable singing fields, and we need lots of singing fields, because male woodcock are territorial.

Both of these things are in critically low supply throughout much of southern Ontario.

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Good point Welsh!

Bird Studies Canada actually seeks volunteers to conduct woodcock singing ground surveys in the spring: https://oodmag.com/hunting/upland/su...nging-grounds/

I had contact them about participating, but there were no routes available in my area. I would encourage anyone to look into it; its not a lot of work but it helps assess WC populations.

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Originally Posted by welsh

Reminder: woodcock habitat does not require simply young forest.

For reproduction, we need young forest adjacent to suitable singing fields, and we need lots of singing fields, because male woodcock are territorial.

Both of these things are in critically low supply throughout much of southern Ontario.

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Very interesting; I didn't realize that. My best spot though is damp ground under a large young aspen growth surrounded by very large fields so what you are saying is spot on in my case.

The episode was well done. I happen to be friends with guys in that hunt. Those guys are hardcore bird hunters. I am also honored to have been part of that dinner that was mentioned in episode. Mike Miller was at the dinner and was a class act! Gave me a lot of great tips to finding a guide for a bear hunt. My friend hosts that dinner every year, and it brings together both hunters and non hunters, young and old. A great time each year!