When I was a boy we lived in Liberty and I saw quite a few off the Anauac Hwy just south of Hwy 90 a few miles down by Meacoms
Ranch..back in the 50's..finally killed one and my Dad had to tell me what it was..Wish I had some in the Hill Country to use
my young Gordon on..DD

Not sure exactly where Mecom Ranch is/was; but I've had many great woodcock hunts south of Liberty; especially near Hankamer, until the particular property that held the big numbers of birds was sold, and we lost access to the best portion of it.

Just for grins and to close out the season, I took my dog yesterday and made a pass through an area on a small bird lease I have in Jefferson Cnty, that holds woodcock during good years, but didn't have any finds. I've made the observation that when the birds are there, then they are plentiful in just about all of the other usual spots. But when I don't find any there, then it's pretty tough everywhere else ... not that there's 0 birds everywhere else, just fewer or none. Anyway, good thread. Here's to next season.

Just an FYI-Went back to the farm Thursday (2/7) to do some errands and the woodcock were back like I have never seen them before. At dark they were literally coming out of the woods in droves! Did a little poking around after dark with the flashlight and they were everywhere-any place it was wet/boggy and all along the roads. I imagine the wet ground and mild weather is the reason.

I could walk within about 10 feet of them with the flashlight. They make a sort of high-pitched "croaking" sound I had heard before but always thought was frogs. Of course, with the season closed Jenny was not with me but I wish I would have brought her just for the work.

Yep. They will hang out, breed and nest.