Woodcock
About woodcock hunting
Woodcock hunting is one of the finest forms of small game hunting. The bird is perfectly camouflaged and sits tight until the dog is almost on top of it, before flushing with a characteristic wing whir.
The hunt is done with a pointing dog in damp forest, typically along streams and in alder groves. The woodcock is most active at dusk and can also be hunted during evening flights between feeding areas.
The best days are during the migration period in October, when woodcock from northern Europe pass through Norwegian coastal areas. One day the woods can be empty, the next suddenly full of birds.
Shotgun with fine shot (6–7) in 20-gauge is ideal in the tight terrain.
Hunting Season
10. sep – 23. des
Jakta er begrenset til Sør- og Midt-Norge. Rugda er en trekkfugl, og de beste mulighetene er under høsttrekket i oktober.
Weight
250–400 g
Distribution
Rugda hekker i fuktig skog i Sør-Norge og langs kysten til Trøndelag. Under trekket kan den finnes i hele landet, men best jaktmuligheter er i kyststrøk.
Terrain
Fuktig løv- og blandingsskog med tykk strøbunn. Rugda stikker det lange nebbet ned i jorda for å finne meitemark. Oren- og bjørkeskog langs bekker er typisk.
Identification
Brunspraglet med mørke tverrbånd. Perfekt kamuflert mot skogbunnen. Langt, rett nebb.
Hunting Tips
Jakt i fuktig skog langs bekker. De beste dagene kommer gjerne etter milde netter med lett regn under trekkperioden i oktober.
Woodcock hunting by county
Find grounds for woodcock hunting
Create a free account and find hunting grounds.
