Woodcock Hunting

[Lloyd90 509]

Right I know some land I have permission on has woodcock coming in, what is the best way to hunt them ? Just walk up with a dog?

Also what is the best time to go after them as I hear they are most active at night.

 

Going to ask my mate to come out with his springer, mine a bit too young. Also what are the best areas to try ? near water ? or just amongst the bracken ?

 

Thanks for any tips

[doddsy1970 9]

Walked up. I find it dosent matter what time you do it. Let the dog work all bits of cover and be ready because they come out very quickly, alot of the time quite low.

[SNAP SHOT 194]

ideally here, beside water, and in through the gorse bushes, in patches of long grasses, with good shelter,

 

the best shooting one could wish for, and non stop excitment..

 

Snap.

[ratattack 111]

Flight them as they leave the wood at dusk as they head to their feeding grounds, superb test of shooting skill! Really good over snow. Shot my first one this way years ago.

 

If not then just walk them up as you would pheasants letting the dogs work the cover.

[bagzi 0]

Went out at the weekend with a mate walked a few acres of boggy woodland in the morning saw four got a shot at one through the Trees, it was a good shot if I say so Myself and a very tasty Sunday lunch.

[doddsy1970 9]

Went out at the weekend with a mate walked a few acres of boggy woodland in the morning saw four got a shot at one through the Trees, it was a good shot if I say so Myself and a very tasty Sunday lunch.

 

 

Did you spread the intestines on a bit of toast after cooking the bird???

[dunc 7]

yes walk up is best i always get them at soakaways and boggy areas in the broadleaf woods any time of the day, i think woodcock are very easy shot, all the best any way.

[david901 162]

Another good way is to use a HPR. My Brittany is quite good at pointing them for my Goshawk. I just let him work into the wind until he freezes on point.

It would be just as good if not better using the gun.

David