by Glen Blackwood, RGS & AWS Director of Regional Development – Lower Peninsula/Eastern U.P. of Michigan & Indiana
2024 is the 10th anniversary of the American Woodcock Society. In honor of this diamond event, a discussion of the literary gems within the genre of American woodcock seems appropriate. Much has been written about these interesting and mystifying migrants. Since the 1700s, naturalists and hunters have put pen to paper in honor of the woodcock’s uniqueness. They’ve been described in numerous ways on both the biological and lyrical sides of the aisle, with the common thread being the bird’s peculiar body and behavior. Similar to everyone’s odd uncle’s characteristics and habits, writers have been fascinated with woodcock – with its backwards brain, plump body and oversized bill, embracing this beloved bird with words and passionate passages. Here are a few of my favorite reads, beginning with lyrical books.
“Woodcock Shooting” by Edmund Davis
Originally published in 1908 as a private edition with only 100 copies that were given to friends as gifts, the book offers an historical look at woodcock shooting in the Maritimes, including the practice of summer hunting. While the original edition is scarce and expensive, reading copies are available on the aftermarket in reprints by Premier Press in 1987 and Wilderness Adventures Press in 2001.
“Making Game” by Guy de la Valdene
A small, but bold, volume that’s tremendously lyrical. Blending the romantic nature of this beloved bird in the field, kitchen and life. The book was illustrated by Russell Chatham and was published in two editions: first in 1985 by Willow Creek Press and then reprinted in 1990 by Clark City Press. In my view, the second printing is the more desirable copy as it contains a bibliography and suggested reading list.
“A Fall of Woodcock” by Tom Huggler
This book is a travelogue narrative of the author and his English setter as they follow the woodcock migration from the breeding grounds of Canada through New England and the Great Lakes states, culminating in Louisiana. Huggler blends tales from the road alongside his hunting prose. Originally printed by Countrysport Press in 1996, a paperback reprint was rereleased in 2014 from Skyhorse Press.
“Come October” by Countrysport Press
This is a single themed book and is subtitled “Exclusively Woodcock.” Held between the book’s cover are eight original essays regarding woodcock from the likes of George Bird Evans, Gene Hill, Michael McIntosh, Paul Carlson, Steve Smith and Bryan Bilinski. These essays are only found in this edition along with pen and ink drawings from Bruce Langton. This blend, along with color plates of the 1985 and 1986 RGS stamp prints of woodcock, make this an enjoyable volume. It was published in 1991 in both a trade and limited edition.
“The Woodcock Book” by George Bird Evans
The companion book to the author’s acclaimed book “The Ruffed Grouse,” which was published by Amwell Press in 1977, is an anthology that contains writings pertaining to woodcock from 1788 to 1975. Authors include Frank Forester, Aldo Leopold, Archibald Rutledge, Frank Woolner and more. This tribute displays the historical significance of our russet friend in sporting writing.
On the biological side of the aisle, woodcock have been the topic of much research and writing. While these biological works are more scientific in nature, they demonstrate the long-term interest in woodcock and their curious natural history.
“The American Woodcock” by Olin Pettengill Jr.
This is the first look at American woodcock biology in the United States. Published in 1936 by the Boston Natural History Society, it contains research from the 1800s until the publication date. Also included are black and white photographs that add to the book’s allure.
“Woodcock”by John Alden Knight
This biologically sound work was printed in the midst of World War II by Knopf in 1944. This book contains original research by Dr. Logan Bennett based in Pennsylvania. Dr. Bennett was the first to use pointing dogs for game bird research. The book also contains a call to action to purchase war bonds and stamps to help in the nation’s effort.
“The Ecology and Management of American Woodcock” by Howard L Mendall and Clarence M. Aldous
This is another wartime publication that discusses habitat, distribution, migration and banding of woodcock. It was published in 1943 by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Game in conjunction with the University of Maine and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This work is scientific in tone, yet applicable to readers today.
“The Book of American Woodcock” by William G. Sheldon
Originally published in 1967 by the University of Massachusetts Press, this volume, in my view, is the most complete natural history title of woodcock. The book cites hunter survey information while looking completely at the bird’s biology.
More Modern books in this category include “Woodcock Rising” by Steve Smith, Wilderness Adventure Press, 2016 and Greg Hoch’s “Sky Dance of the American Woodcock,” University of Iowa Press, 2019. Both of these books have merit in a less technical voice, but are based upon the foundations of the aforementioned titles.
I would also be remiss without mentioning Frank Woolner’s classic work “Timberdoodle.” First printed by Crown Publishing in 1974, this was the first woodcock book in my collection as Santa slid it underneath our Christmas tree. This how-to book remains relevant 50 years later. Another instructional book is “Woodcock Shooting” by Steve Smith. Stackpole Books printed this book in 1988 and the author provides insight not only on the bird, but on dogs and guns.
These discussed books are just a few of the numerous that have been printed regarding woodcock and I grant it’s not complete. However, this list can be the starting point of a reading list or more detailed discussion. As the American Woodcock Society heads into our 10th anniversary, we want to – and should – celebrate this whimsical bird. A bird that confounds us. A bird that frustrates us. A bird that nourishes our bellies, soul and dogs’ noses. A bird that has been written about for the past couple of centuries with passion and curiosity, yet a bird that still needs understanding and help. With continued support, AWS will lead the charge so woodcock continue to be written about in both a biological and lyrical voice.
