Woodcocks...Manitoba 2012

Crappieguy

Crappieguy

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I've been out hunting steadily since opening day for grouse and sharptails but still haven't stumbled across any of these birds (grouse).
I've actually only seen one in two years...and it was out of season in 2011.
I thought with the large bag limits there must be a lot of them...educate me if you know??? Where do I look for these birds? I hunt grouse in all the ares that thy're supposed to be in and I find grouse.....but I must be missing something with these Timberdoodles.
 
You won't stumble across them unless you actually "stumble" across them. One of my dogs had no idea they were on the menu until I shot one for him. They must smell funny to them.
 
When I lived closer to central Ont, I hunted Woodcock in combination with Ruffies. The Timberdoodles were invariably found in the thick alders alongside creekbeds or wet marshy areas. You could spot the little holes in the black earth where they were pulling out worms. Great fun to hunt. They would burst straight up untill they were just above the trees and then go horizontal. Look in the alders by the creeks. Good luck.
 
I used to hunt them in Ontario when I lived there. They do migrate through and if you hit that then you can get into some action. Woodcock do not always fly straight up then level out, they will flush and dip behind cover like grouse and if hunted alot will walk as well.

Some dogs do not like to retrieve wooodcock so if you get one encourage the dog to bring the bird back.

Good luck.
 
Not sure if it's the same in Manitoba... but in NB, I'd go hang out in old gravel pits around dusk. esp. if there is any young deciduous forest or alder in or near the gravel pit. A buddy of mine tipped me off to this years ago. I thought he was nuts, but it's true! Around dusk you'll see or hear them flying by; generally fairly low. It's the best way to bag a few if you don't have a dog... and bring your shotgun, not a sack and flashlight... it's not BS!
 
I've been stomping after partridge here in Manitoba since 1973, and I have seen a total of one timberdoodle in all that time......
 
rojogrande said:
I've been stomping after partridge here in Manitoba since 1973, and I have seen a total of one timberdoodle in all that time......
Click to expand...

I think they are more of an "eastern" bird. I've never seen one in Western NW Ont. Not saying they aren't here, just that I haven't seen any in over 30 yrs. By the way, in Ontario you need a migratory
bird stamp to hunt them, not just your small game permit.
 
I've seen a few, but there was never a season here in Manitoba.

The regs said that there would be an ammendment confirming the season, but I've never been able to confirm it. Does anyone know where to find it?
 
I have been out a fair amount for grouse in Eastern Manitoba and have yet to see one. Maybe just not as plentiful in my area. Also I hear they don't taste the greatest, anyone care to confirm or deny this?
 
CTS said:
Also I hear they don't taste the greatest, anyone care to confirm or deny this?
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It's one of those love it or hate it things. Definitely not to be overcooked. Some people are gaga over arugula and cilantro, to me that stuff smells like last week's garbage.
 
This year's guide says:
"Note: ** The Woodcock Season and bag and possession limits are pending approval from Environment Canada and are expected after the publication of this guide. Please checkMigratory Game Bird hunting regulation summaries to confirm season dates and bag limits; these are available when you purchase your Canada Migratory Game Bird Permit and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Stamp."

Did anyone get this "summary" when they purchased their migratory stamp? All the vendors that I've found that sell stamps have looked at me like I grew another head when I asked about this...

Is the season open this year? Was the bag limit confirmed?

I know a place that is teeming with them, but don't want to take any until it is confirmed that the season is open...

**EDIT**
Looked it up on the Government of Canada site, season is valid. Might have to take a couple next week...
migratory summary
 
horseshoe said:
I've seen a few, but there was never a season here in Manitoba.

The regs said that there would be an ammendment confirming the season, but I've never been able to confirm it. Does anyone know where to find it?
Click to expand...

We shoot one here and there while duck hunting. They are edible, but you get less meat than a teal and what you do get is quite dark. I just throw them into mystery game gumbo usually.
 
rojogrande said:
I've been stomping after partridge here in Manitoba since 1973, and I have seen a total of one timberdoodle in all that time......
Click to expand...

Saw all kinds of 'em two wknds ago just north of the US/CDA border by Cartwright while duck/goose hunting. Didn't even try to go after 'em, maybe next year if there's still an abundance!!
 
woodcock eh.....i got a few living in the forest behind me.. didnt know they were edible.. do they taste like pheasant/partridge??
 
Some folks consider them the finest wild fowl ..... one recipe I want to try is basically plucking the bird, leaving it ungutted, wrapping in bacon and broiling.

Last one I had was a long time ago, but it was fine .. better than ruffed grouse, at least in my estimation.

They are tiny, though ......
 
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