I now know first-hand why some people call them whistledoodles. On my first-ever woodcock hunt in the East Texas pineywoods I was skunked. Since I was hunting solo and no canine friend I was fairly convinced that it was like trying to find a needle in the haystack. After a little encouragement I went out again this past Friday, the last day of the season, just by myself and no dog. After walking quite a bit through the woods I came upon an area where my first woodcock flushed. I could hear it but not see it. Hunting some more I was very surprised to flush many woodcocks in the same area, probably over 10. They were getting up about 10-15 yards in front of me. Some flushes were probably re-flushes of the same bird. I got off a couple of shots but missed. I am still baffled as to why so many flushed as just about everything I have read on woodcock say they hold very tight. But certainly not complaining. Any thoughts from the woodcock hunters on this forum?

Tried a new area several miles away in the afternoon and after a few more flushes I was able to shoot my first woodcock. What a great moment that was! If I could shoot my scattergun worth a darn I would have limited out. Thanks to many of you for your tips and tactics, especially "Nogalus Prairie." Can't wait until next year. Here is the pic:

Congratulations. Your hooked now. When I have birds flushing close in thick cover like that I like to have on hand some spreader loads and an open choke like Cyl to IC. I prefer Fiocchi Spreader loads usually in 8 1/2, but Able ammo also had some Italian 7 1/2 12ga "Dispersante" loads for sale last fall that were spreader loads designed for Woodcock hunting in woods. Having some spreader loads on hand might help with your bird to shot ratio next year if you find birds in the same conditions.

Beautiful bird and awesome story

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I'm encouraged to hear of the numbers folks flushed this season. Here's hoping the survivors pull off a great hatch.

Did you notice any patterns or cover characteristics that might've concentrated birds?

As far as accuracy, shooting a few rounds of skeet and trap might be fun and helpful across the off-season.

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I am so glad you finally found some! I know you definitely put your time in. Congratulations!

I remember my first

I forgot to mention that this article also helped a beginner like me with pinpointing areas to hunt:

Woodcock article

Congrats on the woodcock, and nice pic. From what I've been reading and hearing, this was a good season down south, not only in Texas and Louisiana, but in the SE, over to South Carolina as well. They're a great game bird.
By the way, w/regard to them holding good ... I agree that typically they do. But this season our experience was that they didn't hold as well as I've seen in the past; and they were running as well. One bird held very well on my last hunt of this season, though. I was standing still, watching the dog work, 60 or 70 yards away and disapearing into the brush, when suddenly a woodcock flushed literally right at my feet. Apparently he was there "holding" the entire time while I had it "pointed". I normally don't like to shoot birds not pointed by the dog, but I took that one.

Most of the time they hold beautifully. I have seen some run and flush well in front of the dog though-even seen some days where hardly any were holding well. I have no idea as to why that is.

One of my favorite things is to try and spot tight holding birds before I walk in and flush them. Sometimes I can and sometimes I can't.

If that link don't work, try this one
Woodcock article

Woodcock is one bird that I have not hunted. I always say I am going to do it next year, but don't. When I use to hunt some Corps land a lot 15-20 years ago, we would see them every year.

Good job on your first. Someday I will get one.

Practicing shooting with skeet would definitely benefit me for next yearn. The other difficulty I faced was getting used to shooting deep in the woods with lots of "things" in the way. And also there unpredictability in flight. Sometimes couldn't even get a shot off. After seeing a bunch rise I was feeling a bit more confident.

I am used to shooting at pheasant and dove in pretty open spaces, so this was a new venture for me.

Looking forward to next season.

I did not get one this year, but I will be hard after them next year. I was surprised out how many I had on my place. Never thought about them before, but reading NG's stuff and a chance encounter while sitting waiting on my son to come out of the woods has me excited.

Congratulations!
I live and guide in Minnesota, this year we did Awesome on woodcock! The population is definitely up. Ruffed Grouse are Down
Love chasing Birds with my brittany!