Woodcock; what a wonderful bird!

I'd shot woodcock before, but I'd never hunted them. They were funny little birds, too small to be truly worthwhile, that occasionally found their way into my game pouch during a grouse or rabbit hunt. Never cared to eat them really; they tasted like tough, dry liver.

Then I got a bird dog or, rather, my wife got one; a yellow lab. At least it wasn't a poodle, it was a hunting breed, something I could work with, even though I'd always been and still am a beagle guy. And when the young lab was ready to graduate from drills to the field, it was woodcock that provided much needed plentiful opportunities close to home where grouse were harder to come by and pheasant farms were an infrequent luxury.

There's no need to get into exactly how many woodcock we flushed, were fired at or ended up in the bag this past fall, but let's just say those numbers could just as well be used to describe baitcaster reel ratios.

My dog won't win any titles, but to see her “get birdy”, flush and retrieve birds to my hand is priceless. We wouldn't have got there yet without those funny looking little birds.

By the way, they're delicious too! Now that I know you're not supposed to cook them like a bird!

They are an interesting bird and great fun to hunt. Hold well for a dog, flush within gun range, found in good numbers, good on the table. Whats not to love :thumbup:

Great bird and up until this year (my first with a bird dog) I had never flushed one. Can't wait till the day I actually hit one LOL

God's gift to birddog owners. Locally found and fairly plentiful and large bag limits.

It's been years since I've shot one, but from what I remember, they fly extremely fast, are hard to hit, but are great eating and well worth the effort when you bag some. The very first one I shot was with a 20 gauge side x side Beretta.

Roe+

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Originally Posted by Roe+

The very first one I shot was with a 20 gauge side x side Beretta.

Roe+

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I believe they taste best when shot with a 20 ga. SxS :)

Yup, can't wait for them to return!! Last season turned out to be a great one ... numbers seemed higher than usual for me personally ... (and I was hunting with a 6-7 month old puppy). As stated, great birds for a young dog and when you hit a good flight you could go through a box of shells pretty fast!!!

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

I believe they taste best when shot with a 20 ga. SxS :)

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Should taste them when they are seasoned with a .410



This day found them sitting too tight for a lone hunter and a 12 so thought I'd get cocky and try the .410 must say it was a hoot but the batting average was really low that day.

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Originally Posted by Lor79

Last season turned out to be a great one ... numbers seemed higher than usual for me personally ...

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It was intense while it lasted! The dog had her best numbers yet this fall although my shooting didn't keep up. It's the new gun, doesn't fit right ... yeah ... that's it.

Probably my favourite bird to hunt. Strange little ghosts: this past season the dog flushed one back towards me and it popped out of the cover too close to shoot and flew directly over my head with that long bill hanging down, close enough that I could have grabbed it (or so it seemed). I'll never forget that sight.

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Originally Posted by welsh

Strange little ghosts: this past season the dog flushed one back towards me and it popped out of the cover too close to shoot and flew directly over my head with that long bill hanging down, close enough that I could have grabbed it (or so it seemed). I'll never forget that sight.

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Great sight!

One that sticks in my mind is the woodcock, flushed by my partner, that hovered in mid-air like a hummingbird right in front of me for a good 4-5 seconds. I should have had a butterfly net.

My strangest woodcock encounter was last year. My dog pinned one and I walked up to it from the other direction. The crazy litte bugger ran around in circles between me and the dog and wouldn't flush. Both the the dog and myself were baffled and when it did finally flush the little bugger went straight above the dog by inches and I couldn't take the shot. Gotta love woodcock.

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

Great sight!

One that sticks in my mind is the woodcock, flushed by my partner, that hovered in mid-air like a hummingbird right in front of me for a good 4-5 seconds. I should have had a butterfly net.

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They are a funny bird. This year while out with a buddy we were walking along a trail that had a bank on the one side of it. The dog started getting birdy and began running up and down the hill. When my friend and I walked over to watch him, the dog came up and flushed the bird 3 feet from my buddy's foot! It flew up between the 2 of us and almost hit me in the face. I could've caught it in the air with my hat if wasn't in complete shock. They are one crazy little bird.

I must say that to some extent guys like me have been misled by the woodcock hunting establishment. I was partly lulled by images of finely dressed hunters looking very distinguished as they swing in perfect form on woodcock rising from beside a field stone wall along the edge of a postcard-like meadow.

My reality is leaky rubber boots (they didn't leak when I left the truck) as I skirt swamps and force my way (sometimes backwards) through alder jungles, only to have woodcock flush while I am: (A) standing on one leg as a I clamber over some tangle; (B) bent over trying to crawl under a deadfall; (C) blinking as my face stings from the branch that just slapped it; or (D) all of the above.

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

I must say that to some extent guys like me have been misled by the woodcock hunting establishment. I was partly lulled by images of finely dressed hunters looking very distinguished as they swing in perfect form on woodcock rising from beside a field stone wall along the edge of a postcard-like meadow.

My reality is leaky rubber boots (they didn't leak when I left the truck) as I skirt swamps and force my way (sometimes backwards) through alder jungles, only to have woodcock flush while I am: (A) standing on one leg as a I clamber over some tangle; (B) bent over trying to crawl under a deadfall; (C) blinking as my face stings from the branch that just slapped it; or (D) all of the above.

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Yeah I don't know too many who wear the tweeds while woodcock hunting. If you're not bleeding and scratched up after crawling through the damned jungle like cover they love then you didn't try enough.....:thumbup:

I have 8 in the freezer, all seasoned with a 20 ga. sxs, just waiting for their date with the stove or oven.

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Originally Posted by mark_t1012001

I have 8 in the freezer, all seasoned with a 20 ga. sxs, just waiting for their date with the stove or oven.

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Nice little gun that Sxs of yours. If you want another there is a used one at Accuracy Plus in Pereborough.

I have hunted these great birds in Ontario, Michigan, Minnesota and Louisiana. They have provided many fine memories of fall foliage, amazing dogwork, and adrenalin filled flushes.

Attachment 24011Attachment 24012

Guys your wasting your time chasing these little birds....there is hardly any meat on them. You have to buy shotgun shells by the cases just to hunt them. No boots or hunting clothing usually hold up when busting through wet brush.

Trust me not worth the effort!:silly:

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Originally Posted by ninepointer

I must say that to some extent guys like me have been misled by the woodcock hunting establishment. I was partly lulled by images of finely dressed hunters looking very distinguished as they swing in perfect form on woodcock rising from beside a field stone wall along the edge of a postcard-like meadow.

My reality is leaky rubber boots (they didn't leak when I left the truck) as I skirt swamps and force my way (sometimes backwards) through alder jungles, only to have woodcock flush while I am: (A) standing on one leg as a I clamber over some tangle; (B) bent over trying to crawl under a deadfall; (C) blinking as my face stings from the branch that just slapped it; or (D) all of the above.

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Ahhh Ninepointer...you know how to get me out of Hibernation...I owe you an Apology and maybe a PM or 2....sorry but there have been some personal S**** going on......you can have all that in your post above, you just need the right Dog:silly: I promise you this upcomming fall to get you out with me....this past one came and went too fast and I always try to get out with as many folks as I can but Life usually throws slight curve balls at you and sometimes you swing and Miss!! My Signature says it all about this fascinating Creature.....Ninepointer, the Pic below is the description of your post...oh and if you want good Rubber Boots for chasing "Doodles" get a pair of le Chameux....and for a Dog...A Pointer or a Setter would be Bliss...just kidding! Great Post:)
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...1008-00240.jpg

PR, Any longer before you took the bait and we would have really started to worry about you! A truly great pic, but those dogs are obviously on some dry land sub-species of woodcock. The ones I'd been hunting will probably soon evolve to have webbed feet.

Thanks for all your tips and encouragement. October for me used to be all about deer; now I'm already day dreaming about next October's flights! I've posted this pic before, but it all started with this one...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...psbad171e2.jpg

Hahaha...dry land Sub-species.......you gotta stop reading all the American Authors on Woodcock......most if not all my spots are NOT in wet swampy areas...they may prefer that habitat where they go for Wintering grounds or maybe when the grounds here freeze a little....as long as the right Flora is there and rich Dark soil is below you and most important of all...the Forest floor your chasing them in needs be clear i:e.....no tangle mass of Grass....they prefer to walk/run so they need the floor clear for doing that....they hit the wet spots upon their arival in Spring but see where they make their nests and raise their young.....a young forest with mature forest behind it surrounded by pastures is ideal!! Take a walk at night in a Field/pasture and Dusk or predawn...let me know how many you flush.

PR has an alarm on his computer that goes off everytime someone types the word "woodcock". Then he wakes up.

Attachment 24022 Note the light shirt and the dry footwear. Woodcock hunting with a good dog need not be an ordeal.

If you get a chance and can find the book you should read "A Fall of Woodcock" by Tom Huggler. He puts you in the woods with your dog and the birds.


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we need to shut this post down before other people realize how awesome woodcock hunting is lol

Good luck next season ninepointer! P.S. the best dog combo i have ever hunted with in my short hunting career has been when a lab joins our hunts. I am blessed to have a few buddies with great hunting labs. They work great with my pointer/setter:)

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Originally Posted by Pigeoneater5000

we need to shut this post down before other people realize how awesome woodcock hunting is lol

Good luck next season ninepointer! P.S. the best dog combo i have ever hunted with in my short hunting career has been when a lab joins our hunts. I am blessed to have a few buddies with great hunting labs. They work great with my pointer/setter:)

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You got a pointer/setter too?

Great bird to hunt. No two flushes are the same. Some get up and flutter around like drunken butterflies and others get out of Dodge fast like a grouse. I had one this fall that that did two complete circles above me a meter from my muzzle I tracked it with the gun waiting for it to get out 20 yards before I shot. By the time it stopped circling and flew away I was too dizzy to shoot straight. Tricky bird or what?

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Originally Posted by terrym

PR has an alarm on his computer that goes off everytime someone types the word "woodcock". Then he wakes up.

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LOL - :D That is exactly what I was thinking!!! :joker:

BTW... I am absolutely loving every picture posted here so far. Thanks for that. :)
Hopefully my new GSP can point a bird or two for me next fall...

Well, here's an old one for ya.


http://i1106.photobucket.com/albums/...1117-00054.jpg

Amazing how camouflaged they are!

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Love playing where's Waldoe.

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Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers

Love playing where's Waldoe.

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For your enjoyment FFF

The Find
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...6/DSC05317.jpg

The Prize as it just flushed (Springtime Doodling')
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...6/DSC05315.jpg
What the heck is he Pointing?
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...t232010007.jpg
Look to the right of the Chalk/Scat
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...t232010008.jpg

Are you guys snowed in? ;)

Ah, what the hell, I'll play :)

The best way to cook wc is as described in Orvis cookbook (check other recipies too).
The key is to cook it barely warm (try it with duck if you haven't).
And try to pluck them. I pull most feather in the field. Cut wings, feet and heads at home and freeze them after 3-4 days of aging in the fridge (unless cooking right away). Defrost, pluck, sear in the open flame if you have small feathers, draw (unless you're going to cook whole) and cook.

http://www.orvis.co.uk/intro.aspx?subject=646

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Roasting: Place in a preheated 450° oven for 12 to 14 minutes. Test with the Meat Thermicator. It should be from 130° to 150° internal temperature, de-pending on preference for doneness.

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http://www.munsterlander.ca/uploads/...80574_orig.jpg

To each his own when cooking certain wild game.
My favorite way to enjoy Woodcock was to remove the wings and skin the birds.
Stuff their breasts with stovetop stuffing and apply garlic powder and pepper on the outside. Then wrap birds with lean smoked bacon and roast in the oven at 325F until tender. Served with scallop potatoes and buttered asparagus if available.

When done this way it made the effort of acquiring Woodcock worthwhile for me.


Ed

It was hunting those birds that I realized my dogs calling. Uplands... We got hooked on the thrill of woodcock hunting and cant wait for the season to be here again.



http://i785.photobucket.com/albums/y...ps69193090.jpg

Photo from over 20 years ago. Typical woodcock habitat. Follow the line of sight along the gun barrel to the bird.



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In what seems like another lifetime, I used to play a bit with paints. When we moved this summer I found this watercolour from 30 years ago. I guess I had woodcock on the brain then too :whacked:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps63da3cea.jpg

Great painting ninepointer!

Ahhh what this Bird does to us eh? Ok so now we are on the Artistic and Collectable part of the thread.....I must admit, I scour Antique shops, Garage sales etc etc to seek out anything Woodcock-Bird Dog/ Upland related.....when this LC Smith crossed my path.....the Hand Engraved Woodcock pretty much sealed the deal....its an 1898 Grade 3 with nice Dimascuss Barrels, gorgeous old growth Figured Walnut and its an Ejector Gun too....all for a little Bird....lets see some of your Collectables/ Artworrk etc....nice Painting Ninepointer!!
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...CSideplate.jpg

That is a really cool painting. Very Nice!!

Yup, they are great birds ... can't wait for them to return. Love all the pics by the way!!!
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"A Chance for Both Barrels" has been oft reproduced, but is still a favourite of mine...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...ps21b10cb0.jpg

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Originally Posted by Pointersrule

Ahhh what this Bird does to us eh? Ok so now we are on the Artistic and Collectable part of the thread.....I must admit, I scour Antique shops, Garage sales etc etc to seek out anything Woodcock-Bird Dog/ Upland related.....when this LC Smith crossed my path.....the Hand Engraved Woodcock pretty much sealed the deal....its an 1898 Grade 3 with nice Dimascuss Barrels, gorgeous old growth Figured Walnut and its an Ejector Gun too....all for a little Bird....lets see some of your Collectables/ Artworrk etc....nice Painting Ninepointer!!
http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n...CSideplate.jpg

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Great find PR! I don't think I've ever seen woodcock before; its a duck dominated art form.

Attachment 24105
I've been playing around with some photos that I've taken during a woodcock hunt. Let's see if I can download it.

Attachment 24106 Here is the second one

I've only encountered a couple, having bumped them while chasing grouse. They do have an interesting flight pattern, and don't flush nearly as fast or far as grouse , in my limited experience. I've put two in the bag in total. They were both flavoured with a 16ga. (one M12, one SXS), which also gives most feathered game that little......Je ne sais quoi!

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http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/01/21/pubahy9e.jpg]

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Originally Posted by zoli 16ga.

They do have an interesting flight pattern, and don't flush nearly as fast or far as grouse , in my limited experience.

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Woodcock have a reputation of being hard to hit, but I find grouse on the wing to be a harder target. Like you said, grouse launch themselves faster. They also usually manage to put a tree in the way and they tend to fly directly into cover.

My limited experience with woodcock has shown that they first tend to fly towards daylight, before they pick a direction that takes them into cover.

Woodcock don't actually fly very fast -- it just seems that way because the cover gives you a limited window. I agree, grouse are tougher to hit.

Ninepointer......I think the time has come to change your Signature.....heres what I came up with......you just have to edit yours a bit...whaddya think?

What calm Woodcock hunter’s heart has not skipped a beat when the silence of a cold October morning afield is broken by the echoes of a Dogs Bell going silent.

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Originally Posted by Pointersrule

Ninepointer......I think the time has come to change your Signature.....heres what I came up with......you just have to edit yours a bit...whaddya think?

What calm Woodcock hunter’s heart has not skipped a beat when the silence of a cold October morning afield is broken by the echoes of a Dogs Bell going silent.

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LOL! If the bell went silent I'd think, "What's wrong with my lab?!"

Not even the princely and aristocratic woodcock could subvert my love of good ol' fashioned deer hunting. Hours of boredom occasionally interrupted a few seconds of sheer panic! How can that be topped? ;)

I just acquired permission for a new property this year. Its a young tree farm and I cant wait for the Woodcock flights to hit next year. My little Brittany will get a whole lot of work! I am so thankful to the property owner already!

I seen a hen last year, almost hit her with the atv and then 4-5 little fluff balls were following her.
Cute little things. didn't get a picture though.

Near the back of Baxter's Game Book is a chapter titled "Minor Game Birds: Capercaillie, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan and Woodcock", which goes on to say, "But of all the minor game birds most sportsmen would probably put the woodcock in pride of place. A 'right and left' at woodcock is to the shooter what a hat-trick is to a cricketer of a hole in one to a golfer."

I guess that's a compliment! :whacked:

I just consider the woodcock to be the Prince among game birds. As for the King of game birds, that all depends where in the country you hunt....in Ontario - its the grouse!

Is there a season for hunting Woodcock? I believe it is under the Migratory Birds but as I don't hunt them I was just curious.

Yes there is. And yes it is classified as a migratory bird. season is in the fall.

Love to hunt these little birds. Close working dog is a must. Hard to find a downed bird without a dog. Remember to buy your migratory license (some guys think they fall under small game tag).
Have fun, and hunt hard.

Amazing picture. Thanks for sharing.

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My dog won't win any titles, but to see her “get birdy”, flush and retrieve birds to my hand is priceless. We wouldn't have got there yet without those funny looking little birds.

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That is what l love to read/hear from fellow hunters, it is my definition of a great hunt! Cheers to you both.