Gun Dog Forum

Hi Folks,

I thought I'd just check in with folks on the woodcock numbers this year. I have seen more woodcock in two hunts this year, then I have seen in the last 5 years total. I saw one my first hunt (I had no dog then) and had 5 contacts yesterday (as well as 5 grouse contacts). I know it all depends on the flights, but we seem to be overrun with them this year (I'm not complaining ) as it has been great for my dogs.

So, how are the numbers in other areas (in your opinion)? I'm just being curious!

Just got back from N. WI and easily moved 200+ in 3 days of hunting.

Flushed 3 in NE Pa on Sat 10/23. I will be hunting my best woodcock cover Wed afternoon so I will post an update Wed night.

Have hit two good flights here in central NY, all other contacts have been small groups of resident birds in the usual coverts.

i would agree with setter

from the southern tier region of Ny.

Where in Northern Wisconsin were you? I just scoured the southern portion near Fond du lac in the rain Sunday and did not move one bird. They must still be up north.

We hunted a couple of hours above Green Bay last week. We moved 11 birds from Mon to Thurs then we moved 11 Friday. The weather is still in the 60's there and very dry.

BRIAN

This has been our best year ever in Northern Ohio. The season opened 17 days ago & we've moved more birds than any other year, and they are still here.

tnbndr wrote:Where in Northern Wisconsin were you? I just scoured the southern portion near Fond du lac in the rain Sunday and did not move one bird. They must still be up north.

North of Phillips, very wet up there yet. Tough hunting but worth it.

I am further south on the migration flight ( Central Missouri), but so far i have not found nearly as many birds as last year. Maybe the birds just have not made it here yet, but last year I would see several birds each time out. This year I only have 5 flushes in several days in the woods. Hopefully the recent cold weather will change things for the better. Also it has not really rained here for about a month, so the ground is very dry. i think that is why the birds that have come through have not stayed long.

Will keep trying though

I am way up north in ashland wisconsin. They are still up here. Ran into a dozen woodcock last night in one hour of hunting.

OhioVizsla,
The numbers have been decent here on the northen tier of Pa also, however we have now had two hard frost and the major flight has not touched down.
Over in the Erie area things are different with many more birds on the ground, if we have another hard frost I believe the birds are going to move south and we will get skipped on the usual big flight numbers here in Potter/Tioga. The weather is just not cooperating this year, we have had great Grouse hunting this year however.
RGD/Dave