jpshaw- Woodcock are migratory, spending winters in the places you describe. We should be seeing them any time now on their way back north. I always look forward to hearing their "skydance" mating ritual, it signals spring for us!
OldSchoolRanger- Yes, it's dark meat, almost like liver, about a two-bite bird. Wrapped in bacon skillet fried in butter...mmm! Pheasants= 747's...Grouse= jet fighters!
MSP Ret_ Thanks for the story! A Pointer makes the hunting a little easier, at least that's the plan. The flushes are still quite often memorable...
Scott B.