Woodcock?

B

Bret M

New member
I know this is a pheasant forum, and I know opening weekend for quail and pheasants arrives on Saturday, but have any of you hunted woodcock in SE Kansas? I'm actually thinking of giving it a try during Thanksgiving weekend if I have to go to the in-laws. I was thinking of the Mined Land area.
 
Have to hit a flight to see more than a couple. It's a dry year which doesn't help. But I have shot a few in SEK during quail seasons past. Might check out the woodcock migration report, a link can be found on the Grouse Society web sight. Very informative. While there join and help the cause. Good luck. Like everywhere look in areas of arm diameter thick saplings in wet areas, where there are worms. All the ones I have shot quail hunting were in hedgerows, and accidental discoveries.
 
I have seen 2 in 30 years. Not a target rich woodcock area :)

I would think that quail would be easier to find down there.

If you go after the woodcock let us know if you see any.
 
I've seen 2 in my 31 years as well, but I've never really targeted them either. One was opening day of quail season last year here in Missouri, took me a while to realize what just jumped off the pond bank. The other was while dove hunting in SEK a couple years ago. Again it was 'dad, was that what I think it was?'

My buddy did call me a few weeks ago trying to get me off of work that morning. Said they had some located in his dads pasture and were taking the dogs. I think they ended up with 2.
 
I had a seasonal employee some years back that shot 3 here in a day. I've shot "AT" several. The memorable one over Hawk, but the 30 mph wind he caught stole him from me. I've flushed quite a few, even some in the nesting season.
 
I've flushed one, maybe 5-6 years ago. It was exciting. I was afraid it was the only one in Kansas, so I'm glad to hear that other people have seen them too. It was in the Manhattan area, in a damp transitional area between woods and grass where the trees were about 3-4" in diameter.

I hunt SEK at least once a season, but never seen any down there. I'll have to ask around on my next trip down there.
 
Thanks for the feedback. I assume if we get a real cold snap any migrating will out the door to the south, but if we don't it would be worth a try. If I get the chance to check it out I'll give everyone the rundown.
 
If you go you ight want to check the regulations as I think you need a migratory bird permit. As least you did years ago. We used to see them all the time in the woods near Brookfield and Stewartville Mo. early in the season.

Zeepo
 
Toad said:
I've flushed one, maybe 5-6 years ago. It was exciting. I was afraid it was the only one in Kansas, so I'm glad to hear that other people have seen them too. It was in the Manhattan area, in a damp transitional area between woods and grass where the trees were about 3-4" in diameter.

I hunt SEK at least once a season, but never seen any down there. I'll have to ask around on my next trip down there.
Click to expand...

I've seen 2. One near Manhattan at the edge of a marsh and one by Olpe in the soggy bottom area of a cow pasture. The trees were less than a foot in diameter.
 
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