Distribution And Breeding Chronology Of Woodcock In Tennessee

Woodcock (Philohela minor) singing grounds were located in 39 counties in Tennessee. Harvest records indicated that the Great Valley and the Central Basin were the most productive hunting areas during 1966-1976. During 1977 and 1978 February hunting seasons, western Tennessee hunters, contributed about one-third of all woodcock. Spring migration through Tennessee occurred from mid February to mid March both years of the study. Testes of males shot during February averaged 9.2 mm in length both years (n =20, 1977, n =46, 1978). Follicle measurements offemales collected during February showed a wide variation in degree of sexual maturation. Clutch and brood observations in 1978 indicated that peak nesting occurred during the second and third wks. in March.

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8
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16
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37550