There are several factors of mortality for woodcock: weather, predation and accident "woodcock flying into utility lines" Also, woodcock who have a pieces of wood stuck in their breast to which I have no explanations
More detail: you may check my web page "woodcock defect" http://www.braquepyrenees.com.
This fall if you kill a deformed woodcock please drops me a line. Describe the deformity and please include picture if you have one. I will add your picture on my web page "woodcock defect". michel.glinas2@sympatico.ca
Thanks for your help.
Michel