Woodcock flights

[SXS OHIO]

Dean....pup did not have any lasting issues. That trap was set in National forest land on the edge of the walking trail not far from the cabin we stay in. The trap had no name on it, my friend took the trap and left a note for the person who owned it. My setter Ruby has been in two leg holds in Potter county P.A. Both times I was the one bleeding not the dog. The first time Ruby latched on to my left hand and would not let go. I got both hands in her mouth to keep her from really hearting me while my friend un-trapped her. Soon as her paw was free she stopped chomping on me. The second time I was alone, I put my hunting vest over her head and used one hand to press the one lever and my knee to press the other, it opened just a little and she got free. Just in the nick of time as her head got out through the arm opening right next to my face. I had one small cut from something? I also found a big conibear trap in Kansas in a fence row on dry land, it was re-least when I found it but my whole boot fit in that one. It took some work but its now in my shed. We found out later that a nabor boy had set it, but it was not on his land. Nothing was ever said about the issue to avoid conflict. A dog could be killed outright by a trap like that. I have made ropes to open them but its still really hard job that can't be done fast or easy. Stay away from beaver ponds and buckets that have them type of traps. Don't let your dog wade in the water. I bought a 4 1/2" cordless grinder to cut the steel hoops, they are about 3/8 spring steel and even a grinder takes time that the dog does not have! Its heavy to carry but the rope deal is too slow, dog will be dead. I wish we knew if traps were in a area so we could avoid them. SXS Ohio

[Louis Rotelli]

I am also planning on going to VT this weekend. I'll report back on the woodcock numbers encountered as well as the grouse.