finsfurfeathers upland hunting thread

[huntervinni]

I agree with you. Should see if we could start a petition to move the control week ahead.

It is somewhat later this year as it starts on the 6th so we might have a chance if the weather cooperates as well. I remember back in 2015, I was still shooting woodcock on Nov.14!!!

[finsfurfeathers]

So got an invite to poke around Haldimand for some woodcock today. Skies cleared as the sun came up as we set off. Kicked up a good number of woodcock and a grouse. Managed to knock down 9 before my partner had to go. Was still early so decided to make a run west to Norfolk to check out some old haunts and look at some new locations. As I pulled into the first location a grouse flushed across the road. Kicked up a couple of woodcock however wasn't able to connect. Cut short the old haunts as really was curious about another spot however didn't pan out. Sorry no pic as was to much on the run today. Maybe my partner might add one if he sees the post.
This mild weather really doesn't seem to have them stacking up in any one location yet.

[finsfurfeathers]

Today had all the makings for a great hunt however think the woodcock didn't get the email. Found some jumpy birds knock down 2. Had a couple of chances at a grouse to no joy. Going to try and squeeze out 1 more hunt Friday but I think the party is over

[finsfurfeathers]

So the Sunday before the control hunt has me hitting up Hullet and this year was no exception. The adventure started on the drive up. Passed a pickup/deer collision just pass the truck stop on the 401 worst part was the deer was turned into hamberger so the poor guy couldn't salvage a couple of back straps to sooth his misery. Just north of Kitchener hwy 8 was close due to what appeared to be a tanker fire. Detour kind of took me through Timmies so grabbed a Coffee and carried on. Got to Hullet and the plan was simple a leisurely stroll around hitting the fence rows and fields as the dogs deserved an easy day after a good season of chasing woodcock and grouse. Put out a couple of birds and released Nova. The first bird dropped into a valley where to my surprise found what look like the the telltale sign of a missed woodcock flight. Recovered the bird than Nova went to work digging around the willow bottom. All the beaver slides and deer trails had splash some still looking fresh. After a while got hard keeping track of contacts but between the two must of had atleast a dozen woodcock contacts, 4 grouse contacts, and most surprising 2 roosters and a hen. By the time I got back to my plant the hen was gone so theres at least 1 more hen out there. Pretty much had the place to myself though did see a group with a golden, talked to a guy with Munsterlander just heading out. The only other guy I talked to had an 8 month old short hair learning the ropes and to his dismay had found and caught 2 pheasants. Said they seemed like young birds and never tried to get off the ground.

[Frank16]

Its been a really crappy year for woodcock. I hit 3 spots Saturday and only put two birds! I'm convinced they changed migration patterns! I have been hearing guys getting into birds in SW Onatrio. Otherwise its been a quiet season.

[vom Dufenshmirtz]

Its been a really crappy year for woodcock. I hit 3 spots Saturday and only put two birds! I'm convinced they changed migration patterns! I have been hearing guys getting into birds in SW Onatrio. Otherwise its been a quiet season.

We've had good, but short season. It was insanely hot at the start and very dry throughout. We found fewer birds in the usual spots. I pretty much hunted one location every few days.

[finsfurfeathers]

I'd say it was an average season leaning on the good side. It was a long season never hit a "flight" but had consistent contacts from beginning to end. In the usual areas found less but more towards different spots within the primary location. Found birds in random new to me spots and found birds when I didn't expect them. Found early birds held tight however towards the end tended to move more. Really enjoyed carrying the 28g this year. Now if the snow holds off and after the control hunts over looking forward to a grouse hunt or two.

[ninepointer]

Who says it’s over ?

[BDH]

Who says it’s over ?

Right,,, still putting up birds...... the difficult part is the deer hunters that believe they own every woodlot regardless of permission or ownership.......

[Marker]

Right,,, still putting up birds...... the difficult part is the deer hunters that believe they own every woodlot regardless of permission or ownership.......

I like it when I am deer hunting and the dogs come through, it gets the deer on their feet and concentrates them in areas where the dogs don't go.