The statewide woodcock (timberdoodle) season opens Monday, Oct. 1. Their populations will tend to be more localized and concentrated than grouse (partridge) but, unlike grouse, they are migratory and their current populations are generally low from New Brunswick throughout the entire Northeast, though their numbers seem to be fine in this area.

The exact reasons for this decline are unknown and are currently being studied, but habitat loss seems to be at the heart. Still, enough of them pass through and take up temporary residence in this region to provide a chance at a really classy bird. I was so proud of my first woodcock that I had it mounted. After all those years it still brings back fond memories when I see it on the bookcase in my den.

Look for woodcock in areas where the soil is damp and soft. Though they have a variety of preferred foods such as ants, caterpillars, grasshoppers and other insects, they do have a decided penchant for earthworms, and their long beak is uniquely designed for extracting these tasty morsels from the soil cover.

Thanks to a quick and highly effective digestive system an adult woodcock may eat its own weight in worms and insects each day. Newly hatched woodcock are able to leave the nest within a few hours and can fly short distances a few weeks later. They are fully grown in four to five weeks.

MAJOR FLYWAYS

Woodcock winter in our southern states and spend the warmer months to the north of us, though some will remain here in New York state. Their migration north normally commences in February and their annual trek south begins in early October or thereabouts. We’re fortunate in having a major flyway pass right through the southern part of this region and another to the west of us.

Our prime time for woodcock hunting is generally considered to be the five-week period between the season opener in early October and early November, dependent of course upon weather, population density and other variables. All it takes are the cooler days of autumn, strong northerly winds and cold nights to get this southerly migration going.

SIX-WEEK SEASON

This year’s season runs from Oct. 1 through Nov. 14. Though timberdoodles are considered migratory, you do not need a federal Migratory Bird Stamp; however, you do need a Harvest Information Program number. You can get one by calling 1-888-427-5447, toll-free, or can register online at www.ny-hip.com. Either way, it will take only a few minutes to get your unique number. Be sure you carry it with you when hunting any migratory bird, including woodcock and waterfowl.

No one who has ever experienced can soon forget the sudden and nearly vertical flush of a woodcock almost underfoot. As if this weren’t enough, they can switch to full speed, horizontal flight and then virtually disappear in the blink of an eye.

HARD TO HIT

Expect to miss the vast majority of the timberdoodles you shoot at, assuming you even get a shot at most of those you flush. Considering their diminutive size - about 6.5 to 7.5 ounces - they make a mighty small target and their dramatic and often disconcerting takeoff when flushed makes accurate, fast shooting an absolute necessity.

For the average wingshooter a success rate of about one bird for every 15 flushed is about par for the course. I’ve never hunted them with a dog, so perhaps that explains why my overall success rate is closer to one bird for every box of shells. I prefer my Browning Sweet 16 with 8-1/2 size shotshells, but if you’re exceptionally well coordinated and use a dog, you can go to a 28 or .410 gauge very easily.

Where to hunt woodcock in this area? That’s tough to say because of their localized populations. Remember they are attracted to young, moist forest areas with a good supply of earthworms and other insects. In larger tracts of older thickets and forested areas they will generally gravitate toward the edges rather than the central area. Most of the larger, state-owned tracts contain a mix of conditions and, with a bit of careful exploring, you’re sure to find a few suitable areas that attract these fine birds.

CLARIFICATION

According to the Department of Environmental Conservation, some hunters have been confused by a statement on page 31 of the new 2012-2013 Hunting and Trapping Guide regarding new regulations pertaining to Deer Management Permits. The text refers to “allowing DMPs to be used in all seasons in the Northern Zone.”

That’s a tad ambiguous and needs clarification. What it really means is hunters who obtain a DMP for a wildlife management unit in the Northern Zone may use that tag during any open season for hunting deer in the WMU for which it was issued. The only Northern Zone WMUs with DMPs available this year are 6C, 6G, 6H, 6K and 6R.