Woodcock · State-by-state

Woodcock hunting regulations.

American woodcock are migratory shorebirds (in the same family as snipe) that hunters pursue as upland gamebirds. They breed across the Northeast and Upper Midwest and migrate through the Mid-Atlantic and Mississippi flyway to wintering grounds in the Gulf states. They feed almost exclusively on earthworms and concentrate in young, wet hardwood thickets.

Huntable in 33 US states

Federal frameworks under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act allow most range states to run woodcock seasons with daily bag limits typically 3 birds. Pointing dogs are nearly required — woodcock hold tight under cover and flush in twisting, fluttering flight that's notoriously hard to hit.

State-by-state legal status

50 states + DC

Tap a state to view woodcock regulations and other species huntable there. Bield Hunt does not yet publish specific season dates or bag limits — verify with your state F&W agency before hunting.

Status legend

  • YGeneral season
  • DDraw / limited entry
  • PPrivate land / specific zones
  • SSpecial permit / depredation
  • RRestricted (subspecies / units)
  • -Not huntable

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