Any increase in woodcock numbers with hard weather

J.R.

Out this morning and met two cocks - got one.

Met seven woodcock........couldn't get a safe shot at any........but have never met that number before so early.

Anybody else notice increase in numbers....has the few days hard frosts driven some in?

jwshooter

J.R. wrote: »

Out this morning and met two cocks - got one.

Met seven woodcock........couldn't get a safe shot at any........but have never met that number before so early.

Anybody else notice increase in numbers....has the few days hard frosts driven some in?

you had the same morning as me jr. seen 8 woodcock fired at 2 and shot them had a snap shot at a cock .some amount of pigeons about .but pheasants are a disaster

greenpeter

Seen plenty of woodcock yesterday didn't get a shot. I was told that woodcock come into the country when there is a new moon, if thats the case should be loads in the next few days

pullandbang

I worked a big plantation today and only saw one woodcock. There's usually quite a few in it but not yet. I've only seen about three this year so far.

stevoman

I have shot two and seen about 3 more this year. they seem so have come here in their numbers this year which is great to see. they are as good a days shooting as anything in my opinion and a great filler for the game bag. if i was to shoot a woodcock every sunday id be a happy man.

I am investing in a springer in januray for next year and train it up to keep me busy in the summer. although my setter at the moment will work cover i just find myself leaning towards the spaniel breeds for the excitment of it. i dont think anything can compare to watching a spaniel rise up a woodcock.

terminator2

same as ........went through a small plantation on sunday put up two hens and one woodcock which was only the second woodcock ive put up since the start of the season he will join the other in the freezer.

mallards

Seen 5 on Saturday. Only got a shot a one, He still flies!

Mallards

maigheo

there been a big increase in woodcock around our area in the last week easily as many this time last year which was well above the normal , but they seem to be holding in light cover and light ditches and not the usual heavy cover which could be to do with the frost. I haven't seen that many snipe around yet.

riflehunter77

maigheo wrote: »

there been a big increase in woodcock around our area in the last week easily as many this time last year which was well above the normal , but they seem to be holding in light cover and light ditches and not the usual heavy cover which could be to do with the frost. I haven't seen that many snipe around yet.

Good few down our way so my father says, he has seen plenty of snipe aswell. We still have yet to get a phesant between us not that many down our way at all. All our phesants are wild birds the club has not released any in about 15 + years so they are cute out the ones that are about. Still doe nothing like getting out with the gun and the dog for a few hours of rough shooting :D

smc001

Have seen a few last weekend, including the fattest looking woodcock i have ever seen, even the dog done a double take! Lucky for him i was just walking the dog