Storm damage this year

[Woodcock]

There's been lots of storm damage this past winter and spring.....plus other damage over the past few years.  I've seen more trees down, openings/sunlight in places I haven't seen it in a decade.  These disturbed areas should benefit wildlife.....perhaps we might even some grouse expansion from the few remaining coverts in Putnam and Dutchess Counties.  The expanded DEC and DEP lands, Young Forest Initiative program, etc. might make a modest change to our habitat.

[Woodcock]

I never had a problem finding them......all season long in good habitat.  Even in marginal cover, though especially during their migration hunting can be good.  There is so much land in Putnam where you can find woodcock and absolutely no other hunters.  For me anyway, an hour or two in "marginal" habitat with three or four woodcock points/flushes was a great time. It's amazing how you'll even find a pheasant ever so often.......far from release sites.  How I miss having my Brittanies.......