by RuffedGrouse.com staff
The American woodcock, also known as the timberdoodle, is a prized migratory game bird found in forested areas across the eastern and central United States. Woodcock hunting is a favorite pastime for upland bird hunters, requiring sharp shooting and a good bird dog to navigate dense cover.
With woodcock populations thriving in specific habitats, some states stand out as prime locations for hunters. Below, we list all states with woodcock hunting seasons and rank the top 20 states based on bird populations, habitat quality, public land access, and hunter success rates.
States With Woodcock Hunting Seasons
Woodcock hunting is regulated under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, with federal frameworks guiding state-specific season dates and bag limits. The following states have open woodcock seasons:
- Northeastern U.S.: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey
- Midwestern U.S.: Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa
- Southern U.S.: Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee
- Central U.S.: Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas
Top 20 States for Woodcock Hunting
These states are ranked based on woodcock abundance, habitat quality, public hunting land, and overall hunter success rates.
1. Minnesota
Minnesota’s northern forests, with abundant young aspen stands and river-bottom cover, provide ideal woodcock habitat. The state leads in bird numbers and hunting success.
2. Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s managed forests and alder thickets make it one of the most productive woodcock states. The state also boasts excellent public land opportunities.
3. Michigan
Both the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Peninsula hold excellent woodcock populations, with vast amounts of accessible land. Michigan is a key state for migratory woodcock during their seasonal flights.
4. Maine
Maine’s thick forests provide top-tier habitat with minimal hunting pressure, making it a go-to destination for serious woodcock hunters.
5. New Hampshire
Early successional forests in New Hampshire support strong woodcock numbers. The White Mountain region is a particularly good spot.
6. Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers solid woodcock hunting in the northern and central parts of the state, with plenty of public game lands.
7. Louisiana
One of the best southern states for woodcock hunting, Louisiana’s pine savannas and bottomlands attract large numbers of migrating birds. Kisatchie National Forest is a hotspot.
8. Vermont
Vermont’s regenerating forests create excellent woodcock cover, and the state provides great access to public lands.
9. North Carolina
Woodcock migrate to eastern North Carolina in good numbers, with prime habitat found in lowland swamps and pine forests.
10. West Virginia
West Virginia offers excellent woodcock hunting in its national forests, particularly in areas with young timber growth.
11. Ohio
Ohio’s river corridors and managed early successional forests provide strong woodcock habitat, especially in the northern and central regions.
12. Indiana
Indiana may not be the first state that comes to mind for woodcock hunting, but it has solid numbers in areas with well-managed forest lands.
13. Tennessee
The Volunteer State offers woodcock hunting in the Cumberland Plateau and other regions with ample bottomland cover.
14. Kentucky
Kentucky’s early successional habitats and streamside corridors provide a great mix of resident and migrating woodcock.
15. Mississippi
With good wintering habitat in pine forests and river bottoms, Mississippi attracts woodcock during migration season.
16. South Carolina
Eastern South Carolina provides solid woodcock hunting opportunities, particularly in well-managed timberlands.
17. New York
The Adirondacks and northern regions of New York hold steady woodcock populations, though hunting pressure can be higher than in some other states.
18. Arkansas
Arkansas is an underrated state for woodcock hunting, with good wintering habitat in bottomland forests.
19. North Dakota
Woodcock hunting in North Dakota is overshadowed by upland species like pheasants, but the state’s river corridors provide opportunities for those willing to search.
20. Missouri
Missouri’s river-bottom forests and managed habitat areas provide fair woodcock hunting opportunities, particularly in the northern part of the state.
Final Thoughts
Woodcock hunting is a rewarding challenge for wingshooters, requiring patience, knowledge of habitat, and quick reflexes. Whether you’re hunting the thick forests of the Northwoods or the wintering grounds in the South, these 20 states offer some of the best opportunities for a successful and enjoyable hunt.
Before heading out, always check state regulations for season dates and bag limits, as they can vary from year to year. Good luck, and happy hunting!
