I know two other dedicated Woodcock guys who hunt Phelps. Both hunt with English Setters and are super nice guys.
Phelps gets a lot of pressure being so close to NoVa/D.C. Once the regular firearms season for deer starts, I stay out until it's over. The good news is it is only two weeks on the WMA. Bad news is it overlaps the first split of the Woodcock season. Most of the deer hunters are out of the woods by noon, but I still stay out until it ends. Just too many out there. Saturdays and holidays the parking lots are full. During most week days I pretty much have it to myself. Opening Day of muzzleloader season (Saturday) is no different than the regular firearms Opening Day, so I wait until the Monday after and hunt during the week.
I don't Woodcock hunt at Highland. There are Grouse there, but I mainly see bear hunters with hounds. Whole different property than Phelps.
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