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Woodcock

  • 22-01-2015 9:14pm
    #1
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735
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    Anyone out today it was a lovely day for after woodcock i put out 19 shot 7 a great days shooting.


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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 30 PDAhunter


    Was out today put up 24 and shot 8


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 252 shotie
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    i was out monday put up 7 in a area shot 2. hard get shots in with trees and that but that was a great number for that area i hunted .


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,204 dodderangler
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    7 really?
    Bit much isn't it?
    If be grateful for 2 woodcock and wouldn't bother shooting anymore. Just enjoy the dog working.
    Each to their own I suppose.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 616 allan450
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    shot 15 in the last 3 days.finding it hit and miss with the weather ect ect. nearly over now.iv a fair few wings to go back to NRAGC now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 213 Snakezilla
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    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p

    Where are u shooting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p

    Where are u shooting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p

    Where are u shooting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p

    Where are u shooting.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    Haha lads I havent even put up 1 this year :p

    Where are u shooting.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 213 Snakezilla
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    snipe49 wrote: »
    Where are u shooting.

    North Co. Dublin ! Last year I dont think I went out once without flushing a woodcock, this year Ive yet to flush one.. Out every weekend of the season so far !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Snakezilla wrote: »
    North Co. Dublin ! Last year I dont think I went out once without flushing a woodcock, this year Ive yet to flush one.. Out every weekend of the season so far !

    Thats a shame there plenty here in the west now it was patchy up to now the weather wss to blame i,d say.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,658 kermitpwee
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    allan450 wrote: »
    shot 15 in the last 3 days.finding it hit and miss with the weather ect ect. nearly over now.iv a fair few wings to go back to NRAGC now.

    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 396 useurowname
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    Was out this morning (midlands), bagged a pair of Mallard off the river Brosna, rose a couple of Woodcock but no shot presented. I saw 2 foxes, plenty of weary Snipe also a few hen pheasants. Typical hit and miss end of season outing.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 103 SureHowBad
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them

    Could you elaborate please!?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 616 allan450
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them
    i was told the opposite but if you say so i wont


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,204 dodderangler
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them

    Ban it?
    No they won't but perhaps they will put a bag limit on woodcock which I'd fully support.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,868 djflawless
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    If there was a bag limit how many would actually stick to it?
    Not trying to argue either I'd fully support a bag limit for all season species


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,204 dodderangler
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    djflawless wrote: »
    If there was a bag limit how many would actually stick to it?
    Not trying to argue either I'd fully support a bag limit for all season species

    Well maybe gun clubs could enforce fines or loss of membership should someone go over the limit. As for lads like myself who aren't in clubs it's be a lot harder to be enforced.
    I would be happy with two a day and wouldn't bother with the rest. Just be happy to see the dog work.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,506 Dawggone
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    I live and shoot in France. There is a bag limit on Woodcock of two per day and a maximum of six per season.
    Game wardens enforce this. The first offence is €600 and second offence is €3000.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,204 dodderangler
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    Dawggone wrote: »
    I live and shoot in France. There is a bag limit on Woodcock of two per day and a maximum of six per season.
    Game wardens enforce this. The first offence is €600 and second offence is €3000.

    Woah! That's some fine for that.
    Over here first offence would end up as a strike out.
    I've seen about 6 this season and all of which were at night while lamping foxes


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 65 Woodcock shot
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    I'd have no problem with a sensible bag limit but six per season, sure you might as well ban it at that rate


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 268 ESB Spaniel
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    Put up 6 today, missed 1 shot 4 and the other fella was lighting quick(thats my story and I am sticking to it):cool::cool:....Didn't even fire...


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 blackpearl
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    Please return wings, the last 3 years in my area has been the best ever.spoke to a old timer who is 77 and still hunting he says he has never seen as many,all across Europe where the counts are been done they say the woodcock is on the increase it is the birdwatchers who say they are in danger so their should be a big increase in the number of wings handed in.their will be no bag limites or a ban on woodcock shooting but if birdwatch Ireland or the likes had their way their would be none of us shooting .


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,077 Capercaille
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them

    Nargc trying to get accurate figures on population dynamics and use the information to try and help the species and at the same time ensure a sustainable harvest.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,077 Capercaille
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    blackpearl wrote: »
    Please return wings, the last 3 years in my area has been the best ever.spoke to a old timer who is 77 and still hunting he says he has never seen as many,all across Europe where the counts are been done they say the woodcock is on the increase it is the birdwatchers who say they are in danger so their should be a big increase in the number of wings handed in.their will be no bag limites or a ban on woodcock shooting but if birdwatch Ireland or the likes had their way their would be none of us shooting .

    What are the causes of this apparent increase? Any research or links which show increases?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,807 Birdnuts
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    Nice fall of woodcock here the last week. Flushed several while out for a few duck today.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 blackpearl
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    The rest of Europe is way ahead of us and the uk on woodcock research, counting birds at dusk as they flight to their feeding grounds and when they are roading at mating time, their is big money pumped into research in france spain, Italy and some eastern European countries and in the last few years their is a marked increase in the number of woodcock ,the difference is these people no where to look for the birds,some of the other surveys are run by bird watching clubs and are totally wrong in the numbers they are recording.so it is very important that all hunters return their wings,even if you shoot 1 or 2 in a season please send them off you o it to the woodcock.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    Dawggone wrote: »
    I live and shoot in France. There is a bag limit on Woodcock of two per day and a maximum of six per season.
    Game wardens enforce this. The first offence is €600 and second offence is €3000.
    Is that why the French shooters all come over here and shoot what they want even out poor black birds .


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,506 Dawggone
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    snipe49 wrote: »
    Is that why the French shooters all come over here and shoot what they want even out poor black birds .

    Never seen a Frenchman to shoot songbirds.
    Seen Italians do it though.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 323 Tikka391
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them

    I totally agree with this post.
    If there is a small number of wings returned they will limit the wc shooting for reasons of low bird population.
    Also I think if there is to many wings sent in they will come the crack that there is to many being shot and limit the shooting for this reason.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 blackpearl
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    have to agree shot in france never seen this song bird shooting in fact they are very sporting and by god do they like cooking the game they shoot.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,506 Dawggone
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    blackpearl wrote: »
    have to agree shot in france never seen this song bird shooting in fact they are very sporting and by god do they like cooking the game they shoot.

    Yes agree. The respect they have for game is impressive and shows with the pomp and ceremony involved.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 616 allan450
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    whats the numbers lads have shot this year.im up on the last few years shooting the same places.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,524 grassroot1
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    I wouldn't send those wings. We are been conned. The more data they get the better chance they will ban the sport. Don't help them
    The wings sent into the NARGC wing survey are the only piece of research into woodcock age ratios that there is. This research is the best defence we as shooters have against any ban. To write such a comment is indicating how little you know about the wing count. If someone decides not to send in wings that is their choice but don't use your ignorance to influence anyone who may see the value in it.
    Why would the NARGC call for a ban on woodcock shooting when they invest so much time in protecting game shooting.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 616 allan450
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    i was told at a NRAGC that the reasons for the wings is to prove that we have enough juvenile woodcock on over shores to sustain the shooting of woodcock in this country.I let on i didnt know any thing about it to see others views on it.The end of the wings[juveniles] are more rounded.i for one will be sending them back.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 396 useurowname
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    allan450 wrote: »
    whats the numbersarrow-10x10.png lads have shot this year.im up on the last few years shooting the same places.

    Speaking from my experience the ground I hunt, Woodcock numbers have remained steady in the last 10-15 years (whereas Snipe and Widgeon sadly declined). Personally I bag between 5 - 10 Woodcock a season, I love hunting them, but for the most part find them a relatively easy bird to shoot and leave a good few go. I've never got this 'mystical' aura b'llsh*t the UK Shooting Mags tend to go on about with Woodcock.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,658 kermitpwee
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    Ok lads I stand corrected. I'm the guy who said not to send them. I personally won't be sending mine as I don't trust the research. They can't ban woodcock shooting if they don't have information. Yee guys are happy to give them the data because yee feel the data will fall the way yee expect. How do they calculate what percentage of birds are been shot? Typical irishman in shower of sheep. If they told yee to jump of a cliff yee would do it!!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 1,077 Capercaille
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    kermitpwee wrote: »
    Ok lads I stand corrected. I'm the guy who said not to send them. I personally won't be sending mine as I don't trust the research. They can't ban woodcock shooting if they don't have information. Yee guys are happy to give them the data because yee feel the data will fall the way yee expect. How do they calculate what percentage of birds are been shot? Typical irishman in shower of sheep. If they told yee to jump of a cliff yee would do it!!

    Research has helped save the irish grey partridge and the corncrake hopefully. Ignorance leads to extinction. Research the data yourself and maybe you might change your mind.


  • Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 3,072 OpenYourEyes
    Mod ✭✭✭✭


    kermitpwee wrote: »
    They can't ban woodcock shooting if they don't have information.

    'They' would just have to rely on poorer information. Surely the best thing is for decisions to be made on as much evidence and information as is possible?

    kermitpwee wrote: »
    Yee guys are happy to give them the data because yee feel the data will fall the way yee expect. !!

    I think most people are happy to give them the data so that an informed decision can be made, or even so that if a problem is noticed then something can be done about it before it gets to a stage where woodcock shooting is stopped. Knowledge is power. I'm sure nobody wants a situation where a) numbers decline to a level where shooting has to be limited, or b) in 10/20/30 years time there are too few woodcock for their kids, grandkids, nieces and nephews to shoot.

    What you're advocating is a situation where woodcock numbers might drop, but everyone pretends everything is ok until they become too scarce for anyone to shoot! That does nobody any favours!


    As an aside, I met a few guys out shooting recently and they reckoned Woodcock numbers in that area this winter were as good as previous years!


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 87 nowwerehurlin
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    Speaking from my experience the ground I hunt, Woodcock numbers have remained steady in the last 10-15 years (whereas Snipe and Widgeon sadly declined). Personally I bag between 5 - 10 Woodcock a season, I love hunting them, but for the most part find them a relatively easy bird to shoot and leave a good few go. I've never got this 'mystical' aura b'llsh*t the UK Shooting Mags tend to go on about with Woodcock.

    Id be the opposite to this. Woodcock shooting is the best sport you can get in my opinion. Better test of a dog and shooter. I might rise 20 woodcock in a day without getting a shot hunting glens and plantations but the sheer buzz of meeting them where many men and dogs wouldn't bother to go is unrivalled. They're craftier than pheasants too. I often hunt glens from higher ground where you can see down into them. Many days you can see the bird hopping and skipping along in front of the dog or doubling back over his head without the dog getting a chance to flush him. They have every chance over the dog and shooter in cover like this. Id be very quick to defend it as ''bull****''... Many fellas can quarter beet or hunt ditches of stubbles for pheasants (I do my fair share of this also) but to connect with a woodcock in the middle of a plantation having only a 2 foot window to fire (look at some of allan450s videos it is possible!) flushed and retrieved by a dog who is hunting hard will trump ten cock pheasants off ditches for me. That to me, without giving a lecture, is what's mystical about woodcock shooting. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it as bull****! :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 6,506 Dawggone
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    Id be the opposite to this. Woodcock shooting is the best sport you can get in my opinion. Better test of a dog and shooter. I might rise 20 woodcock in a day without getting a shot hunting glens and plantations but the sheer buzz of meeting them where many men and dogs wouldn't bother to go is unrivalled. They're craftier than pheasants too. I often hunt glens from higher ground where you can see down into them. Many days you can see the bird hopping and skipping along in front of the dog or doubling back over his head without the dog getting a chance to flush him. They have every chance over the dog and shooter in cover like this. Id be very quick to defend it as ''bull****''... Many fellas can quarter beet or hunt ditches of stubbles for pheasants (I do my fair share of this also) but to connect with a woodcock in the middle of a plantation having only a 2 foot window to fire (look at some of allan450s videos it is possible!) flushed and retrieved by a dog who is hunting hard will trump ten cock pheasants off ditches for me. That to me, without giving a lecture, is what's mystical about woodcock shooting. I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss it as bull****! :D

    +1. Well said.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 616 allan450
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    +1 to that also.Their is something magical about them in flight also i think anyway.walking the timber shooting woodcock is the best shooting to me.everything has to be right dogs hunting close,your waiting listening for the flutter and shooting has to be top drawer. hesitate at all the bird is gone.next year il have a .410 for it make it even harder.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 735 snipe49
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    allan450 wrote: »
    +1 to that also.Their is something magical about them in flight also i think anyway.walking the timber shooting woodcock is the best shooting to me.everything has to be right dogs hunting close,your waiting listening for the flutter and shooting has to be top drawer. hesitate at all the bird is gone.next year il have a .410 for it make it even harder.
    One thing i will add is when you have been out for a days woodcock shooting u will feel it knocks and thorns but the best shooting this country has to offer.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,524 grassroot1
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    The wing count doesn't measure the number of birds shot, it measures the % of juveniles in the population. A higher % of juveniles indicates a growing population.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 668 blackpearl
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    well said lads ,now anyone reading this all the more reason to hand in wings.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,524 grassroot1
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    Please don't forget to send in any snipe wings you have either, they are as important.


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