American Woodcock Population Status, 2021

The American woodcock is a popular game bird throughout eastern North America. The management objective of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to stabilize woodcock populations, while ultimately returning the population to a level that occurred in the early 1970s (Kelley et al. 2008). Reliable annual population estimates, harvest estimates, and information on recruitment and distribution are essential for comprehensive woodcock management. Unfortunately, this information is difficult and often impractical to obtain. Woodcock are difficult to find and count because of their cryptic coloration, small size, and preference for areas with dense vegetation. The Singing-ground Survey (SGS) was developed to provide indices to changes in abundance. The Parts-collection Survey (PCS) provides annual indices of woodcock recruitment. The Harvest Information Program (HIP) utilizes a sampling frame of woodcock hunters to estimate harvest and hunter days spent afield. This report summarizes the results of these surveys and presents an assessment of the population status of woodcock as of early June 2021. The report is intended to assist managers in regulating the sport harvest of woodcock and to draw attention to areas where management actions are needed. Historical woodcock hunting regulations are summarized in Appendix A.