Occurrence of the American Woodcock in Oklahoma

Abstract

No significant research on woodcock was conducted in Oklahoma before 1970. In the spring of that year a breeding population of woodcock was discovered on the Oklahoma State University (OSU) Ecology Preserve, Payne County. This breeding population was monitored yearly by Dr. John S. Barclay and his students. After a chick and brooding hen were discovered in the spring of 1973, a study was initiated to determine the ecology of woodcock in northcentral Oklahoma. During the period of 1970 to 1974, Barclay collected all available records of woodcock sightings in Oklahoma.. His past interest in woodcock, the discovery of a breeding population, the possibility of increased woodcock numbers in Oklahoma, and the general lack of knowledge of the species in the state led to the initiation�of the present study in August, 1974. The objectives of this study are: to determine the breeding status and range of woodcock in Oklahoma; to determine their seasonal abundance along with the chronology and distribution of migrations through the state; to locate and map areas and habitat preferred by them; to evaluate the present importance and potential they have to Oklahoma hunters; and to evaluate their population characteristics in the states on the western periphery of the species range. The ensuing report was prepared using three manuscripts written in formats which would facilitate submission to scientific journals for publication. These manuscripts are presented as chapters in the report and each is complete in itself without additional supporting materials. The manuscript entitled "The status and distribution of American woodcock in Oklahoma" was written according to the style and format of the PROCEEDINGS OF THE OKLAHOMA ACADEMY OF SCIENCE. The manuscripts entitled "Woodcock as a gamebird in Oklahoma" and "Woodcock populations on the western periphery of their range" were written in the format of THE JOURNAL OF WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT.