Woodcock

[Merimac]

What are others seeing in the amount of woodcock this fall.  So far I have seen far less.. and the grouse are about the same.

[thunderpout]

Seeing tons around the north metro where I run/train my dog, but only seen a few up north this spring and summer.  Hoping its just that I havent noticed or been in the good spots to see em....Isnt Woodcock opener this weekend?  Im hitting the brush this weekend, to an area where I usually see some, the most I'll see untill the main flights come thru.  I'll soon find out.  I dont remember what the counts were this spring but last year I think they were down a bit...     -thunderpout 8)

[Merimac]

TP,

I have a young dog that isnt big on timberdoodle yet... So this may be my biggest issue.  I have seen a few but not that many.  A few more weeks and we should see them rolling through.

[thunderpout]

Alot of dogs dont like the scent of Timberdoodles...just as some people wont eat em...I think its an aquired thing for both man and dog.....I didnt see a single woodcock on my last outing...strange.  Im hopin to see some up by the border to the north this weekend, Im sure with the warmer weather they're not in the usual hurry to get down south where the worms are in soft, warm soil.  Need a good cold snap to get the flights a movin.....              -thunderpout 8)

[Merimac]

Word is they are moving ... we should be seeing them here soon.

[tripnchip]

I cann't walk enough for bird hunting anymore but in my wonderings for bow hunting I have noticed fewer sittings of woodcock.

[MulletvilleSprtsmn]

Seem to be a few in the  northern spine county area. Opener i saw 12 grouse and 3 woodcock, walked 5.7 miles total. Glad to say 2 of the grouse are frozen and awaiting me for a dinner date.

[thunderpout]

Just wonderin if any one was lucky enough to hit the Timberdoodle flight that came thru with the full moon this weekend? I unfortunatly wasnt one of em,  but some guys I know from Woodcock MN hit em perfect, saw like 70 or so in one spot,worked em with english setters....was gonna try to get out for a day, but was packing for deer camp and had the start of what turned out to be a hellatious cold.... ::   oh well...next year, next full moon....     -thunderpout 8)

[JackpineRob]

Aw heck Thunderpout - those little monsters with the long beaks and monstrously loud takeoffs don't taste much good anyhow.

I've tried a few different ways of cooking 'em, and pretty much gave up on the thing.

Stick to partridges and pheasants - much tastier, IMHO.