Anyone getting into the woodcock good down towards Lacrosse or PDC? Some of you who post on “upland journal” know of my addiction to woodcock hunting! 
I got into a few last weeked here in Iowa, not too far from home. On Friday, I am blowing off work and heading to Decorah/Lansing area and see if I get into any up that way.
Regards,
Joe
I used to get a couple woodcock every year while grouse hunting but I’ve never concentrated soley on woodcock. Tough critters to hit. Not because they are fast or anything but because they weave all over once they get up. Grouse are much more rewarding and you have to be a fast and good wingshot to get them. Plus grouse are extremely good tablefare. I like them better than pheasant. Woodcock have a livery taste not unlike that of a Hungarian Partridge. Yuk. I thought always thought the woodcock migration was pretty much over for this part of the country by now. I think the latest I have seen or shot one is mid-October. Good luck hunting but don’t pass up the grouse.
Eyehunter
I used to get a couple woodcock every year while grouse hunting but I’ve never concentrated soley on woodcock. Tough critters to hit. Not because they are fast or anything but because they weave all over once they get up. Grouse are much more rewarding and you have to be a fast and good wingshot to get them. Plus grouse are extremely good tablefare. I like them better than pheasant. Woodcock have a livery taste not unlike that of a Hungarian Partridge. Yuk. I thought always thought the woodcock migration was pretty much over for this part of the country by now. I think the latest I have seen or shot one is mid-October. Good luck hunting but don’t pass up the grouse.
Eyehunter
We ran into a few birds will pheasant hunt south central Minnesota. So there are still birds in the area.
Ron
We ran into a few birds will pheasant hunt south central Minnesota. So there are still birds in the area.
Ron
‘Eye:
No need to extol the virtues of a roasted and stuffed grouse. We hunt them as much as we can, especially up in New England and PA (when I lived back east) and most recently, northern Wisconsin. Lately, I have heard from some native Eastern Iowa hunters that the numbers are way below what they used to be. Best counties are in the extreme NE, north of US20.
As for the woodock, I hunted them back east; and out there where I grew up, they were really the only dependable wild game bird (other than waterfowl and turkeys) we had left. So I became a specialist.
I shot woodcock here in Iowa last year up to the last day of the season in early/mid November. Their migration is a strong function of the weather in their home grounds. They will stay as long the ground is warm and they can get at their favorite foods, which are the various types of earthworms in the moist soil along creek and river bottom brush. If its a cold October, they would probably migrate earlier than otherwise. This year, it has been the opposite.
Another reason I like to hunt them is because most of the hunting for them can occur on public land, so I don’t need to waste time getting turned down knocking on doors for permission.
As for the liver thing, yes, if you overcook them, they will taste like liver-which I like. However, the best way to cook them is fast and hot, over a charcoal fire-no more than 4 minutes to each side of breast. You want the juices to still run pink. Cooked like this, the meast tastes like the tenderest, juicest morsel of filet mignon you have ever eaten. A little marinade (overnight in the fridge) enhances the flavor.
It is all timing thing though. They are usually around in a given area during the migration for no more than a few weeks, in season, unless you find local birds.
Regards,
Joe
‘Eye:
No need to extol the virtues of a roasted and stuffed grouse. We hunt them as much as we can, especially up in New England and PA (when I lived back east) and most recently, northern Wisconsin. Lately, I have heard from some native Eastern Iowa hunters that the numbers are way below what they used to be. Best counties are in the extreme NE, north of US20.
As for the woodock, I hunted them back east; and out there where I grew up, they were really the only dependable wild game bird (other than waterfowl and turkeys) we had left. So I became a specialist.
I shot woodcock here in Iowa last year up to the last day of the season in early/mid November. Their migration is a strong function of the weather in their home grounds. They will stay as long the ground is warm and they can get at their favorite foods, which are the various types of earthworms in the moist soil along creek and river bottom brush. If its a cold October, they would probably migrate earlier than otherwise. This year, it has been the opposite.
Another reason I like to hunt them is because most of the hunting for them can occur on public land, so I don’t need to waste time getting turned down knocking on doors for permission.
As for the liver thing, yes, if you overcook them, they will taste like liver-which I like. However, the best way to cook them is fast and hot, over a charcoal fire-no more than 4 minutes to each side of breast. You want the juices to still run pink. Cooked like this, the meast tastes like the tenderest, juicest morsel of filet mignon you have ever eaten. A little marinade (overnight in the fridge) enhances the flavor.
It is all timing thing though. They are usually around in a given area during the migration for no more than a few weeks, in season, unless you find local birds.
Regards,
Joe
KornKing,
I grew up hunting the steep bluffs of NE Iowa for grouse. Grouse season used to open 3 or 4 weeks before pheasant season so it was great practice for pheasants. I haven’t shot a grouse for several years now but I still see them when I’m sitting in my treestand so I know they are still around. I hear them drumming in the spring as well. Iowa used to have a grouse hunting area that included only NE Iowa from Hwy 20 north and Hwy 63 east. I don’t know if this area still exists. We always hunted in the Monona area where I grew up. In the 70’s there were lots of grouse to be had. My Dad is one of the fastest wingshots I have ever seen and he would get his limit of 3 birds on a regular basis. I’d be happy to shoot one bird. I understand that grouse have a 3-year cycle as far as population goes where one out of every 3 years the population is up. Maybe there is someone out there that can shed more light on the subject. The Iowa DNR does have a ruffed grouse project area in White Pine Hollow at Luxemburg which is just west of DBQ.
Eyehunter
KornKing,
I grew up hunting the steep bluffs of NE Iowa for grouse. Grouse season used to open 3 or 4 weeks before pheasant season so it was great practice for pheasants. I haven’t shot a grouse for several years now but I still see them when I’m sitting in my treestand so I know they are still around. I hear them drumming in the spring as well. Iowa used to have a grouse hunting area that included only NE Iowa from Hwy 20 north and Hwy 63 east. I don’t know if this area still exists. We always hunted in the Monona area where I grew up. In the 70’s there were lots of grouse to be had. My Dad is one of the fastest wingshots I have ever seen and he would get his limit of 3 birds on a regular basis. I’d be happy to shoot one bird. I understand that grouse have a 3-year cycle as far as population goes where one out of every 3 years the population is up. Maybe there is someone out there that can shed more light on the subject. The Iowa DNR does have a ruffed grouse project area in White Pine Hollow at Luxemburg which is just west of DBQ.
Eyehunter
My friend said that they flushed 20+ up near McGregor. This was last weekend, so I am sure there are still plenty of birds around.
My friend said that they flushed 20+ up near McGregor. This was last weekend, so I am sure there are still plenty of birds around.
Back in the 70’s and 80’s we had down years but still managed to find plenty of birds. Part of the problem is how rugged the country is that you have to hunt. Not many people enjoy walking 30 degree plus rocky bluffs with cover so thick your legs are bloodied after the first 100 yards of walking. It is sometimes all you can do to walk through some of this stuff let alone get a good shot off at a bird that takes off so fast that sometimes all you do is hear them. Some of the best country I have hunted for grouse is on the bluffs above Bloody Run creek, Yellow River and Hickory Creek right along northern Clayton/southern Allamakee counties. I would highly recommend that anyone planning on hunting this kind of land invest in a good pair of brush pants.
Eyehunter
Back in the 70’s and 80’s we had down years but still managed to find plenty of birds. Part of the problem is how rugged the country is that you have to hunt. Not many people enjoy walking 30 degree plus rocky bluffs with cover so thick your legs are bloodied after the first 100 yards of walking. It is sometimes all you can do to walk through some of this stuff let alone get a good shot off at a bird that takes off so fast that sometimes all you do is hear them. Some of the best country I have hunted for grouse is on the bluffs above Bloody Run creek, Yellow River and Hickory Creek right along northern Clayton/southern Allamakee counties. I would highly recommend that anyone planning on hunting this kind of land invest in a good pair of brush pants.
Eyehunter
‘Big:
Was that woodcock or grouse, you were refering to? I wonder if one “wave” of woodcock has already flown through? I hunted all day yesterday in NE Iowa with my setter (who is pretty good-not just bragging) and we didn’t find a single bird. We hunted along Coon Creek and the Upper Iowa in Winnieshiek county til lunchtime and then over at the Lansing WMA in Allamakee county. There were spots with good cover, but most of it was too old-not brushy enough. That Lansing WMA looked to be tops for the grouse, lots of wild fruit and aspen, plus rugged, remote terrain. Didn’t see any grouse either. 
Regards,
Joe
‘Big:
Was that woodcock or grouse, you were refering to? I wonder if one “wave” of woodcock has already flown through? I hunted all day yesterday in NE Iowa with my setter (who is pretty good-not just bragging) and we didn’t find a single bird. We hunted along Coon Creek and the Upper Iowa in Winnieshiek county til lunchtime and then over at the Lansing WMA in Allamakee county. There were spots with good cover, but most of it was too old-not brushy enough. That Lansing WMA looked to be tops for the grouse, lots of wild fruit and aspen, plus rugged, remote terrain. Didn’t see any grouse either.
Regards,
Joe
‘Eye:
Its good to hear someone is still seeing a few grouse around in Iowa. 
You are one of the few I know of that has even seen one, in a really long time. Last year, when I had more time, I used to go the Iowa Ruffed Grouse Society meetings over in Manchester. The mood regarding Iowa grouse prospects was generally pretty grim; most hunters (myself included) got their grouse fix up north, in either WI, MN, or MI. Do you think there are less today than there used to be? I wonder if its a habitat issue, like some guys think or if its just that less guys are willing to work hard to get a shot at one, so its partially a perception thing (less guys hunting them-therefore less guys seeing them)? Another good buddy of mine at work, a little older than me who is from Elkader, used to hunt grouse in Clayton and Allamakee counties as well. I think this was back in the 70’s, but he used to get into them pretty regularly. Another buddy, from Farmersburg, used to also hunt them.
I forget exactly what the ruffed grouse zone is, but I think it essentially comprises Dubuque, Delaware, Winnieshiek, Clayton and Allamakee counties. The season opened in early October, so you are correct, its about 3-4 weeks before the pheasant opener.
The main grouse cycle that is often talked about in the literature is an 8-11 year cycle that is most prevalent in the Lake states north of us, between highs and lows. I wouldn’t doubt there are other places with cyles as well.
You are not kidding about the 30 degree slopes and nasty briars. I wish I had a picture to post of my torn up hands and my dog from yesterday. All slashed and cut up for the thorns. Covered in ticks, too. We’re used to it though. The NE Iowa bluff country is very similar to the mountainous areas in PA, WV, and western MD were I hunted back east. Brush pants (shirt or vest/coat too) are a must.
I’d love to just get a chance at shooting one, let alone bag one.
Regards,
Joe
‘Eye:
Its good to hear someone is still seeing a few grouse around in Iowa. You are one of the few I know of that has even seen one, in a really long time. Last year, when I had more time, I used to go the Iowa Ruffed Grouse Society meetings over in Manchester. The mood regarding Iowa grouse prospects was generally pretty grim; most hunters (myself included) got their grouse fix up north, in either WI, MN, or MI. Do you think there are less today than there used to be? I wonder if its a habitat issue, like some guys think or if its just that less guys are willing to work hard to get a shot at one, so its partially a perception thing (less guys hunting them-therefore less guys seeing them)? Another good buddy of mine at work, a little older than me who is from Elkader, used to hunt grouse in Clayton and Allamakee counties as well. I think this was back in the 70’s, but he used to get into them pretty regularly. Another buddy, from Farmersburg, used to also hunt them.
I forget exactly what the ruffed grouse zone is, but I think it essentially comprises Dubuque, Delaware, Winnieshiek, Clayton and Allamakee counties. The season opened in early October, so you are correct, its about 3-4 weeks before the pheasant opener.
The main grouse cycle that is often talked about in the literature is an 8-11 year cycle that is most prevalent in the Lake states north of us, between highs and lows. I wouldn’t doubt there are other places with cyles as well.
You are not kidding about the 30 degree slopes and nasty briars. I wish I had a picture to post of my torn up hands and my dog from yesterday. All slashed and cut up for the thorns. Covered in ticks, too. We’re used to it though. The NE Iowa bluff country is very similar to the mountainous areas in PA, WV, and western MD were I hunted back east. Brush pants (shirt or vest/coat too) are a must.
I’d love to just get a chance at shooting one, let alone bag one.
Regards,
Joe
I guess woodcock is what I was referring to. He keeps telling me about the grouse and woodcock flushes that they have. I guess they saw less woodcock, a few more grouse, and some woodies last time out. Bagged two woodcock, a grouse, and 3 woodies. How long do woodcock usually stick around?
I guess woodcock is what I was referring to. He keeps telling me about the grouse and woodcock flushes that they have. I guess they saw less woodcock, a few more grouse, and some woodies last time out. Bagged two woodcock, a grouse, and 3 woodies. How long do woodcock usually stick around?
‘Fife:
Here in Iowa, I don’t know; but the accepted rule of thumb is that frozen ground or snow cover drives them south to their wintering grounds along the Gulf fast. This is just my third year hunting them out here (moved to Iowa in 2003), and I have been able to find them until the season closes, sometime around the second week of November.
There are local pockets of woodcock in Iowa (born here) versus the influx of migrants streaming in from Minnesota, Canada, and Wisconsin during the fall migration. I suppose they stop over for a few days, feed and rest, then keep truckin’ south. Its been said that they follow the “freeze line” southward.
Sounds like your friend is getting into birds, that’s good to hear. I must have been in the wrong spots up in Winnieshiek and Allamakee counties, yesterday.
Regards,
Joe
‘Fife:
Here in Iowa, I don’t know; but the accepted rule of thumb is that frozen ground or snow cover drives them south to their wintering grounds along the Gulf fast. This is just my third year hunting them out here (moved to Iowa in 2003), and I have been able to find them until the season closes, sometime around the second week of November.
There are local pockets of woodcock in Iowa (born here) versus the influx of migrants streaming in from Minnesota, Canada, and Wisconsin during the fall migration. I suppose they stop over for a few days, feed and rest, then keep truckin’ south. Its been said that they follow the “freeze line” southward.
Sounds like your friend is getting into birds, that’s good to hear. I must have been in the wrong spots up in Winnieshiek and Allamakee counties, yesterday.
Regards,
Joe
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