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Doesn't look like anyone has started the annual woodcock report. Too early to report flights but thought the group might share their woodcock sightings.
I was out yesterday in the afternoon heat. Hunted for 1.5 hours with two dogs. Focused hunting along river bottoms. we put up 3 woodcock and took home 1. I was just north of London. No fat on the bird.
Put up a couple at Hullet on the 26th gave 'em a pass though. Friday though looks like it'll be go time.
Can't shoot anymore , but like to get the dogs out. We've put up several along the Thames in London.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigeoneater5000
Put up 3 on Sunday, took 1 home north of Barrie. Local birds still.
Still waiting on a picture of your girl. How's the bird looking pinfeathers?Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Tried up in wmu 42. All my producing spots were dry. Not a bird lifted at all. Strange.
Curious do you mean dry as not wet or dry as in no birds? If ground isn't at least moist you most likely wouldn't find woodcock. My bush is prime when we get enough rain to form little puddles in the forest.Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdbuff
Dry as in, no birds. We usually put up a good amount but couldn’t believe we didn’t lift one.
Moved a few today in Hullett
Haven't seen one yet but only out a couple of times. Extremely dry. I have a fairly deep creek behind the house and it's completely dried up. No birds to be found.
Went 1-3 at Hullett today. Reports from friends moose hunting up north say there’s snow on the ground up there. So I’m Sure there’s more on there way.
any pheasant encounters?Quote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
Dirty hunt today, lost count of the birds flushed maybe a dozen? only 1 for the board. Hopefully calling for frost tonight may get the canopy to fall.
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Looks like you had a fun hunt FFF. One pheasant at Hullett today.
Thinking of heading out to a spot tomorrow/Sunday to kick up some covers around Norfolk county on the conservation Canada lands....anyone interested in a walk in the bush tomorrow with an odd chance of woodcock/nice day out let me know...btw you can get permission on their website to hunt those locations.
You got a dog? Bit early for woodcock I find Norfolk gets better as the weather gets cold. Up your post count so you can take advantage of the PM system. Also keep in mind they have a decent pheasant program you need to buy a municipal license all info available on their website.Quote:
Originally Posted by Ali1k1
Lastly tick prevention and awareness is important.
Thanks..that's exactly what I was thinking....don't have a dog....last year was able to flush a few without a dog..but that was later in the month...on second thought I'll skip it for a couple of weeks..I've read about the tick issues in the area. Once again thanks for the heads up and confirming my doubts about going early!...i skip the pheasant permit... without a dog i would consider that impossible in the release sites.
I flushed 5 woodcock on Saturday morning in the Niagara region.
We worked the same bush 2 weeks ago and didn't flush anything... would that make these birds flight birds?
[QUOTE=Jburl;1093780 We worked the same bush 2 weeks ago and didn't flush anything... would that make these birds flight birds?[/QUOTE]
Thanksgiving used to be the end of the flights. Lately its the beginning. Wouldn't be surprised if they are migrants. Should start to see a steady trickle pushing through. Doesn't look like any major system to push them along. Looking forward to an extended time with them.
Not necessarily, local birds start moving around in Sep and Oct before leavingQuote:
Originally Posted by Jburl
had a double flush on Saturday near woodstock. Typically find a handful in this bush. We had 3 guys and 3 dogs working. Hope for better luck on the weekend.
Stir up lots of woodcock driving across cut wheat fields in the dark setting up for waterfowl. They seem to be hunkered down in the windrows and flush up in the headlights. I bet I seen 4 in one 10 acre field in about 5 minutes last weekend. Maybe a good place to try if you aren't having much luck.
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Have dogs will travelQuote:
Originally Posted by SongDog
4 less flying south. No great influx of birds and with no weather forecasted think its going to be another year where the birds trickle through on the upside will be a "longer" season
Slow start for me. First time out was Saturday and we didn't see any before the dog met the porcupine :(
Hit a spot that's usually good for them just north of Belleville. None yet.
We need some nasty weather systems up North to trigger the migration. Looks like it won’t happen for the next few days.
and a lot of rain down here to hold 'em. Bush is unusually dry finding most birds sitting as close as possible to what ever water available.Quote:
Originally Posted by terrym
Flushed an incidental woodcock today lost interest after Stella put up a rooster followed by a hen.
I lucked into more birds yesterday at a different spot.
We flushed about 8 birds, had 3 really nice points, shot at 1 bird, missed, and did 4 face-plants climbing through the brush.
So much fun!
Barrie: 2 hours today, saw zero WC. Flushed 3 grouse, no birds were harmed, one tree pruned.
Bruce county today, 4-7 on woodcock.
Moved only one this morning ( North if Barrie) and made a really embarrassing shot. Even the dog looked pizzed.
2 of us hunting Beaverton area on Friday, Moved a total 8 WC. I missed two. Partner got one. Ground was very dry
Went 1 for 5 yesterday north of Barrie.
I think some birds are starting to make their way south.
Flushed our first of the season today right as we started our hunt. Flushed towards the road so no shot but looked like a large female.
Moved 2 today north of Barrie. No numbers yet.
Snuck out early this morning for a grouse hunt while a full house slept off last nights gluttony. bruce county Lake Huron shoreline. 3 grouse flushed offered up one shot and I connected. Woodcock were abundant and the dog flushed 8-10 in two hours I wasn’t shooting them this morning.
Birds on the move be it a trickle though. Suspect they are moving through but not holding long as the bush (at least mine ) is bone dry. Doesn't look like they stacking up. Oddly enough found most birds in the driest spot. When the dust cleared ended with 4 in the bag.
Spent a couple of hours in the bush this afternoon. Beaverton area also.Quote:
Originally Posted by verno316
Made the dog very happy! :)
No birds, and no chalk anywhere...
ummmmm you did you loose a leash?Quote:
Originally Posted by Hawkman
Attachment 39034
Hunted 2.5 hours yesterday morning, nice and cool. Flushed about 20 birds. Had 14 points, shot 8, missed a few. 2 of us, 1 old dog and 1 youngster. Leaves are still really thick. Some birds were starting to fatten up a little.
South of 45 degrees latitude.
Nope!Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Didn't loose or lose or use a leash!
Dog didn't roam too far and almost always within sight. Had he pointed anything at all, I would have seen it.
After moose, and before deer we should try.
Looks like the winds brought in some birds. Flushed 11 birds, got 5 ... north of Barrie.
Lorenzo Attachment 39042
Yup however most of the birds I encountered were tight sitting short hopping low fliers. 3 came up nice for a decent shot. Also had to snipe come up however with no nontoxic had to give 'em a pass.
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Same place today for 2 hrs. Only moved 3 WC, partner shot one. Flushed 2 grouse. Birds were very few and far between today and they were not holding at all.
Moved zero birds grey county area yesterday during a short lunch time hunt.
Got my dad out for a quick hunt this morning, he's 83. Put up 3 birds in about 45min and called it a morning. Pup tracked a couple cripples down, thank god her nose is better than my shooting lol.
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RB
Niagara: moved 3 this morning. All singles widely separated.
2-5 today a little north of London.
Moved 17 today. 2 guys 2 dogs. Covered 3.8 miles bruce county.
Attachment 39058
Flushed 3 more in a different Niagara bush today. Shot at 1, missed.
Moved 2 woodcock and 3 grouse in the Kawartha's.
Moved atleast a dozen in the Owen Sound area, this past weekend.
Moved two at Hullet.
Moose hunting near Bancroft.
Saturday + Sunday.
Drove the ATV a lot, and walked quite a bit also.
Zero woodcock flushed or seen.
Four grouse flushed.
This stiff north wind has the birds coming down. Was only out 45 minutes today. Put up 3, shot at 1, got 1. I could have hunted way more but woodcock for me is mostly a thing for the dog and she was content. Hard to hear in the bush with so much wind. I don't know how she manages to scent birds in those winds!!!
Put up 8 this pm in Sarnia area.
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Good to hear you're getting into birds bad for me they've made it down your way already. Going to poke around the northeast a bit more but by the end of next week will be heading south west.Quote:
Originally Posted by Eddy22
They were pretty concentrated in small area.
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Still good numbers in the north east
enough opportunities too put 7 on the board
Put up around 15 today north of Barrie.
Only dropped 4, combination of a few bad shots and the others seemed to have flushed in the best possible manner to avoid a decent shot, second gunner would have been handy today. Great day in the field regardless ... really enjoyed the dog work.
Lorenzo
North of Barrie: We worked hard but only moved 7 today, got 2.
Huron county, lots of birds around.
3 guys, 3 dogs covered 3.4 miles bruce county. Moved 18. Took home 7.
wringed 5 out of the bush today definitely more leaving the coming down. Times quickly running out.
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Saturday north of Barrie, 3 hunters, 1 dog. We moved 8 and got 1 after a day of thoroughly working 3 different locations. Have yet to run into any concentration of birds in my area this season.
didn't have the weather pattern this year that would be conducive to hit a big concentration. at the peak found at most several together however have found birds on all the regular spots on the milk run route that I do. Mostly it was one or two than on to the next spot.Quote:
Originally Posted by ninepointer
That's exactly what were are finding. One thing has been certain; if you see chalk, get ready!Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
I hunted public patch around Newmarket today and saw 1 bird and one other hunter :)
Private land in the same area produced around 10 wc in about one hour and a thoroughly soaked hunter and dogs.
My prediction is the birds will move fast through central ON in the next few days.
As usual it's the best just before the deer season.
I flushed a few birds on Friday at one spot, but saw nothing at a second spot yesterday. Niagara
My daughter just south of Huntsville had a flight land in her back yard yesterday evening. My dog's been laid up with a cut that needs to heal for the last several days. Deer season will give it time to heal.
Flushed 4 today and the hunting partner got one. No dog just some motivated hunters.
Don't tell me so. Figured with this weather birds would of pushed on. Ran south west today found enough for a good hunt.Quote:
Originally Posted by mark_t1012001
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I went for a grouse hunt this morning, flushed my first woodcock. Managed 4 Woodcock flushes total, not sure how many birds or if it was the same one? I sure didn't hit any. Simcoe county.
Hunted north bay area on sunday. 19 up and 5 down. 2 guys. 2 dogs. 4.5 miles of ground covered.
Hit it right yesterday. Perfect weather and the birds were "in". Forecast looks like a lot will be moving out :(
Attachment 39198
Attachment 39199
Nice work be2man!
Would of been out too if it wasn't for the control hunt. I too believe they are on the move and won't be around for Tuesday.Quote:
Originally Posted by be2man
Looks like 7 is the new limit :thumbup:. Been hung up on number 7 a couple times now did you stop early or ran out of steam?
We hunted about 4 hours, moved 40 plus birds. 14 was what we ended up with when we got back to the truck. If we had been out just to gas a limit we could have been done in an hour. We only shot birds the dog handled well and didn't shoot any we put up ourselves. When we got back to the truck the dog had had enough and we were happy with the day we had. Didn't feel the need to keep grinding it out. It wouldn't have added anything to our enjoyment of a perfect day to be in the uplands. Quitting 2 short almost felt appropriate. I wish them well on their journey south.....Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Also picked up a sample for the WNV survey.
Looks like you guys had a great time be2man. Hoping the birds stick around a little longer.
We took about 50:50 hens to cocks, so should still be some trickling through for the next week or so, barring a deep cold snapQuote:
Originally Posted by fishhawk
Good job be2man, it’s always nice to put up so many birds in one shot! What general area were you hunting?
Thanks
Lorenzo
Generally? Southern Ontario
Is that near Lost Lake ? Fished there once.Quote:
Originally Posted by be2man
Does the 50:50 ratio mean something?Quote:
Originally Posted by be2man
too me if its mostly males than the migration is pretty much over.Quote:
Originally Posted by Jburl
Saw a few nice groups flying early this am when in the stand.
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Just about stepped on one last Wednesday when I was deer hunting. My dog is finally healed up so I'm hoping they're still trickling through next Wednesday when I can get out again.
Let me know how u make out. Me thinks the fat lady has sung for this year. Will be out Friday however at this point thinking woodcock is a lost cause https://emojipedia-us.s3.dualstack.u...face_1f622.png.Quote:
Originally Posted by Cass
goose time buddy!Quote:
Originally Posted by finsfurfeathers
Not too sure about that either, stashed the decoys and trailer yesterday. If you got a field let me know.Quote:
Originally Posted by punkrockerpj
Figure if the snow doesn't get to deep there are a couple of grouse I got to get after and always a canned pheasant hunt if I can find a couple hundred acres of corn stubble and/or grass.
This has been an awful year for me in regards to getting out hunting. The dog being down for a couple of weeks didn't help. I still haven't shot my first woodcock and with all this snow I probably won't get an opportunity after deer season. I've been wanting to shoot one just so I have a training bird for the dog. I have always kept multiple ducks in the freezer and a grouse as well although I don't use it much - he's a grouse finder through and through. I'd just like to be able to have an intact woodcock so he knows those are just as important even though I haven't shot any over him yet.
Put up two woodcock on pelee island during the clean up hunt. Lots of robins and doves around there too this week.
Nice ! I found around 6-7 on the last main hunt , mainly in the hedgerows on Stewart Road ... did you find them in the thick brush or also along fences/hedgerows?Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigeoneater5000
Thanks
Lorenzo
We have about a foot of snow but the robins have been in huge numbers while I've been deer hunting the past week. Which makes me hopeful I'll still get a poke at some stragglers.
I flushed one while moving the BBQ at the cottage we rented LOL. Scared the crap out of me. It was on the south side near Curry RD. The only one was also on the south end of the island on South Shore Road.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lor79
LOL yeah they'll make you jump especially when you don't expect a flush! Same, I mainly found them near the south end of the island, so they were probably getting ready for the trek south across Erie into Ohio.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pigeoneater5000
It was definitely nice to flush a few while there as a bonus bird on Pelee!
Lorenzo
I flushed 2 yesterday when heading out to my deer stand (Niagara).
I'll hopefully get out with the dog for a last try.