As you probably know, several countries in the EU are trying to ban Woodcock shooting. The reasons behind this are based on relatively inadequate understanding of the species and the Science is largely left to be done.
In the UK, the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust is sponsoring continuing research by the expert in the field: Dr Andrew Hoodless. I've met him a couple of times at conferences and he really is a first rate Scientist.
G&WCT are trying to raise funds to continue to track Woodcock migrations from Eastern Europe but they need funds. Of course, any donation would help but every £3512 they get will cover the costs of fitting a satellite tag and monitoring the migration route of an individual bird for a year.
They need the money before February 2012.
Check it out on www.gwct.org.uk
Thanks

Dave,

Research into the woodcocks habits seem to be gearing up over the last couple of years.

There have also been rumblings about certain countries that shoot them in the spring time during their migration back to breed in C+E Europe. From what I understand of these hunts they are usually for flighted birds and not big numbers,

As a complete woodcock nut I am pleased that there is quality research being conducted but I'm worried that it gets used as a stick to beat us with.

Rgds,
K

Kiri,
There's always the danger that the Science will work against the shooting sports but equally, it might work for them.
Contrast that with the lead ban which is based more upon Science Fiction than real Science.
The pressure to ban is on within the EU whatever is done so better to have legislation based upon some decent studies than the partial "truths" of a few pressure groups IMO