Woodcock

Woodcock are wading birds that inhabit damp woodland with open rides.

Often found in pheasant woods, they feed nocturnally around streams, pasture fields and on boggy ground, but prefer dense cover during the day. The resident population in Britain is increased by a large over-wintering migrant population. It is thought by some that the bulk of this migration coincides with the first full moon in November. Swooping, erratic flight makes it a prized quarry, particularly on walked-up shoots. Due to this erratic flight extra care should be taken by the sportsperson to ensure a safe shot.

Season Dates

  • 1 October – 31 January (England, Wales, and NI)
  • 1 September – 31 January (Scotland)

For more information on woodcock shooting and advise on how to exercise appropriate restraint please refer to the GWCT guidance found here.

Providers and Agents offering this sport

There is a wide range of providers offering Woodcock shooting, below are a few of these.

Ossian Sporting Lets

The very best sporting opportunities - accommodation, salmon fishing, red deer stalking, grouse shooting, woodcock etc. Ossian Sporting Lets has ...

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South Ayrshire Stalking

Experience an iconic Scottish tradition: stalking wild deer amongst stunning scenery, with South Ayrshire Stalking. Run by business partners Steve ...

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West Highland Hunting Ltd

West Highland Hunting Ltd provides premium hunting experiences in a number of the most sought-after areas in Scotland.  Our specialism ...

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South Uist Estate – Grogarry Lodge

In December 2006, the local community of 3,000 people bought the South Uist Estate from a syndicate of owners, covering ...

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Gordon Castle Estate

Gordon Castle Estate is located in Moray / Speyside in the wild and dramatic North East of Scotland.  The estate ...

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South Ayrshire Stalking

Experience an iconic Scottish tradition: stalking wild deer amongst stunning scenery, with South Ayrshire Stalking. Run by Chris Dalton, the ...

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Buccleuch Arms

The ideal base for your sporting holiday in the Scottish Borders. Award-winning 4 star coaching Inn near Melrose in the ...

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MacIntyre & Thomson

MacIntyre & Thomson : The traditional sporting agency. Fishing - Stalking - Shooting - Hawking. We specialise in the sales ...

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Lude Estate

Lude Estate, Blair Atholl, is situated in stunning Highland Perthshire and on the edge of the Cairngorms National Park.  With ...

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International Hunting Scotland

  Welcome to International Hunting Scotland. “A long-established and reliable agency that provides a wide range of unique hunting, shooting, ...

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Dougarie Estate

Dougarie is a traditional family estate on the beautiful north-west coast of the Isle of Arran. It dates back to ...

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Country Sport Scotland
Scottish Country Sport, hunting, shooting & fishing

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