Wilson's Snipe (aka Common Snipe)

Idaho Wingshooter · 02-21-2007, 08:09 AM

I'm an avid upland bird hunter but one of the few species I haven't chased is the snipe. We have a season here in Idaho and I'm determined to chase a few of these next season. So, I'm starting my research now. Anyone have any tips, tricks and/or suggestions about habitat or behavior that can only be learned from hunting these birds? Yes, I already know about the pillow case and flashlight...

2006HighSierra · 02-21-2007, 07:52 PM

i know next to nothing about them myself but i always see them in a thick brushy area usually near a water source. similar grouse habitat. never actually targeted them but i know when scouting out deer season i saw them all over the place on my way to stand.

daleh · 02-21-2007, 08:16 PM

I hunt them in the duck impoundments after they have been drained.
You can also find them along swamps or creeks.
They are sporty and a great hunt

Phil from Maine · 02-23-2007, 08:42 AM

I do not hunt for snipe myself, but, hunt woodcock. While hunting for woodcock we always see a few snipe. Woodcock and snipe up here seem to like the alder swails and young hardwood cover in the fall. Always close to swampy areas though.

Rebel Hog · 02-23-2007, 09:36 AM

FLORIDA

Snipe season is Nov. 1 "“ Feb. 15 statewide. The daily bag limit is eight, and shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.
Woodcock are legal to take statewide Dec. 17 "“ Jan. 15. The daily bag limit is three, and shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset.

I shot Snipe for many years here on my place around the ponds, but quit when the laws changed.

I have no special tricks to give you. All I can tell you is that they are very Erratic and ZigZaging in flight. Your Gun should fit you and Swing easley cause they are different than shooting Dove and Quail and especially with other shooters around.

porknbeans · 02-23-2007, 10:02 AM

I have never openly hunted them, but have tended to find them near a water source in thick cover. Very similar to everything else that has been stated here.

Rebel has also brought up a great point on their flight pattern.

uplandchessies · 02-24-2007, 05:16 PM

I've taken snipe in Nebraska and North Dakota in thick cover (switchgrass, bulrush, etc.) close to lake edges. Other areas to concentrate on would be sloughs. They are very erratic in flight, but fun to hunt. My dogs have even "pointed" a few.