Heavy loads and larger gauges are not necessary for woodcock hunting, many hunters use light loads such as size 7 1/2 or 8 shot in a 20-gauge or even 28-gauge. The good news is with the right attitude and dedicated amount of time, dogs of any breed and age can be taught to hunt for woodcock. Or quail. Or pheasants. Target moist areas that hold earthworms such as creek and river bottoms to find woodcock. Also look for shrubby cover, particularly those with berries. More Hunting. A few basic concepts will eventually blossom into more elaborate ideas and theories with more time spent in the woods. Part of my newfound appreciation for the woodcock is that they are migrators, which means I can find them on public land that is mostly a game desert due to hunting pressure. The Best YETI Black Friday Deals: Bargains on Fishing, Hunting… Males and females are similar in appearance, although females generally average a bit heavier than males — 7.6 ounces vs. 6.2 ounces -with the weight of each sex varying depending on the time … The best grouse hunting is found in northeast Minnesota. USGS Releases Western Big-Game Migration Maps. With that out of the way, I will say that woodock hunting has grown on me in recent years. Gear. By Dennis Walrod. The cerebellum of this bird’s brain is said to have moved to a different position than it is located in other bird’s brains as a part of the Woodcock’s evolution into an effective prober. Latest. Woodcock are about the size of robins, and their plumage is an overall mottled russet or brown. September 1, 2004. Woodcock are also found in good numbers in … The woodcock's keen sense to hide in brush rather than an open field combined with his stubbornness to leave the roost will give your hunting dog a new challenge. For those who hunt woodcock, lets keep each other informed of when some flight birds come in. The biggest challenge when making the leap to woodcock hunting is learning about habitat, but this is easily achieved even without advanced degrees in ecology. dbortolani , Oct 6, 2018 Late October through early December is the best time to hunt woodcock in Kentucky. Indeed, the Woodcock is superbly skilled at probing for worms. If I'm being honest, and I am, I'd rather hunt grouse. Timing Woodcock. Woodcock Hunting … The Best Bass Pro Black Friday Deals: Bargains on Fishing, Hunting, and Outdoor Gear. From my experience here north of Central OH it is best late October to first couple weeks of November. Hunt edges along logging roads, streams and other forest openings. Hunting. With grouse and woodcock hunting season openers just around the corner, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources reminds hunters that now is the time to make plans to spend some days in the woods. Look for areas that were clear-cut five to 20 years ago.