There are mornings when the alarm rings early—too early for anyone, except for a hunter. These are the October dawns that need no explanation. You wake up with a single thought, the one that has been with you for days, even weeks.
The scent of the damp forest, the promise of an encounter, the hope of that sudden beat of wings breaking the silence. It is the call of the queen of the woods—the woodcock.
October is a month of transition. Nature slowly sheds its layers, the air takes on a different scent, and the first mists rise gently over the hills. And right there, where the light of dawn struggles to pierce through the bare branches, the hunter once again feels part of something greater.
Woodcock hunting is not for those in a hurry. It is not for those who seek numbers, a full game bag, or the fleeting glory of a lucky day. It is a hunt that demands respect, patience, and a good dose of humility. Because the woodcock is elusive, unpredictable, and, above all, the absolute ruler of its realm. No hunter owns the forest. The woodcock does.
The journey begins long before the hunt
The journey toward the woodcock begins long before the first shot is fired. It starts in the summer months, when the pointing dog—the companion of countless adventures—is trained, prepared, and taken to terrains that simulate the true stage of the season to come. There is something intimate and profound in the bond that forms during those months. A mutual trust that does not come by chance but is cultivated with patience, mile after mile, step by step.
Those who are fortunate enough to experience this symbiosis know that woodcock hunting is a shared journey. The dog is not a tool; it is part of the story, as much—if not more—of a protagonist than the hunter himself. It is the dog that enters the forest first, reading the invisible signs of the queen’s presence, moving lightly where the hunter struggles to advance.
When the dog stops, motionless, eyes fixed in the void, time stands still. The heart races, the breath shortens. In that moment, everything comes down to a single instant: the woodcock is there, hidden among the fallen leaves, silent, ready to outwit you once again.
The magic of waiting: when hunting is about listening and observing
The true beauty of woodcock hunting lies in the waiting. It is a hunt made of silences, glances, and scents that change with every step. In October, the forest is a world of its own. You walk through colors shifting from green to yellow, to orange, and finally to that damp brown that smells of earth and life fading, only to be reborn again.
Every rustle, every shadow is a possible encounter. There is no need to speak, no need to make noise. Just listen, let yourself be guided by your dog and your experience. The old hunters say that you only find the woodcock when it decides to be found. And in the end, it’s true. There are no maps or certainties. There is only the knowledge of the land, the sensitivity to understand when the moment is right.
And it is precisely this unpredictability that makes every outing unique, unrepeatable. There are days when the forest feels empty, where the fatigue is palpable and the woodcock remains just a dream. And then there are those mornings when everything aligns: the dog points, the woodcock takes flight, the shot is clean. But the real emotion, the one that stays with you, is not the shot. It is that perfect moment when you, the dog, and the woodcock are all part of the same scene, sharing the same breath.
The Island, the ridgelines, and the forests of Montefeltro: lands of woodcock
There is a place, between the hills that overlook the sea and the inland forests, where the woodcock finds its natural kingdom. The territory of Montefeltro, with its valleys, ridgelines exposed to the Adriatic winds, and dense forests, has always been land of great encounters.
In these areas, migration offers unique spectacles. The woodcocks arrive, driven by the currents, following ancient routes, and stop where the land provides food and shelter. For the hunter, it feels like stepping into a story written centuries ago, where every corner hides a tale, every oak has witnessed generations of men and dogs in search of the queen.
Hunting in these places is not just a passion, but a form of respect for nature and its history. Here, one learns that the woodcock is never truly conquered. It is encountered, when the forest decides to grant it to you.
Respect for the queen and the value of ethical hunting
The true essence of woodcock hunting is respect. Respect for the animal, which deserves to be approached with honesty, without tricks or shortcuts. Respect for the dog, which works for you and with you, asking only to be understood and valued. Respect for the forest, which must be crossed lightly, leaving no trace but that of your steps.
Hunting the woodcock also means accepting that you don’t always return home with a full game bag. In fact, often you return with empty hands, but with your mind and heart full of images, sounds, and emotions that no trophy could ever replace.
The woodcock, more than any other game, teaches ethical hunting. It confronts you with your limits, forces you to slow down, observe, and not take anything for granted. It teaches you that every encounter is a gift, and the real satisfaction lies not in the quantity, but in the quality of the experience.
The return: when the day doesn’t end with the last shot
The day of woodcock hunting never truly ends with the last shot. It continues on the way home, in the good tiredness you feel in your legs, in the silence of the dog curling up next to you, satisfied. It continues in the recounting of that magical moment, that perfect point, that dawn that made you feel part of the world, and not just a spectator.
There is something ancient and deeply human in woodcock hunting. Something that binds you to the land, to nature, to the history of those who came before you. And every season that begins is a new chapter in this story, always different and yet always the same in its essence.
The woodcock is a promise of beauty
Those who know the woodcock understand that it is not just an animal to be hunted. It is a symbol, a promise of beauty, an invitation to slow down and rediscover the value of time and silence. It is the queen of the forest because no other creature combines elegance and cunning, strength and fragility, quite like it.
So here we are, on the threshold of a new season, with our hearts beating strong and the rifle weighing on our shoulders. Ready to once again experience that magic that only woodcock hunting can provide.
Because, in the end, every dawn that surprises us in the woods is a new beginning. And every woodcock that takes flight in front of our dog is a story worth telling.
Practical tips for making the most of the woodcock season
Facing the woodcock season requires preparation, respect, and a deep knowledge of the land and the game. Here are some useful tips to fully enjoy every outing and appreciate the magic of this fascinating and challenging hunt:
📍 Study the territory before each outing
The woodcock is a shy and unpredictable migrant, capable of changing its area from one day to the next. Knowing the woods, thickets, and ridges most traveled by migration is crucial. Observing the direction of the winds, soil moisture, and the presence of insects can help you predict where the queen might stop.
🐾 Prepare the dog with patience and consistency
The woodcock season is the toughest test for every pointing dog. Training it during the summer and early autumn on challenging terrains will help it better handle the difficulties of the season: dense woods, wet vegetation, and long hours of work.
The harmony between the hunter and the dog will be the winning weapon.
🎯 Choosing the right clothing and equipment
The woodcock is hunted in humid and often rugged forests. Technical, waterproof yet breathable clothing is necessary, protecting from the cold and rain while allowing freedom of movement. Sturdy boots with good grip and a well-organized cartridge belt are essential. Bringing water for both yourself and the dog is always a good habit.
📅 Knowing how to choose the right days
Not all autumn days are the same. The woodcock prefers cool mornings with light humidity and little wind. After a night of light rain or on days when the ground is damp, you often have the best opportunities for encounters. Observing the weather and carefully choosing your hunting days can make a difference.
🔎 Respecting the game and tradition
Always remember that the woodcock is not just any game, but a symbol of traditional hunting and the ethical relationship with nature. Shoot only when the shot is clean and safe, limit the bag, and value each encounter as a gift, not just a number.
🗺 Keep a hunting journal
Taking notes on your outings, the areas you frequent, the weather conditions, and the number of encounters can become a valuable habit. It helps you get to know the territory and the game better, and season after season, it builds a personal memory that enriches the hunting experience.
