OK Wilson's snipe Hunting Guide

Also known as: Wilson's snipe, Jacksnipe

Adults are23–28cm (9.1–11.0in)in length with a39–45cm (15–18in)wingspan. Weight ranges from2.8–5.2oz (79–147g).[6]They have short greenish-grey legs and a very long straight dark bill. The body is mottled brown on top and pale underneath. They have a dark stripe through the eye, with light stripes above and below it. The wings are pointed. Breeding And Habits: They breed inmarshes,bogs,tundraand wet meadows inCanadaand the northernUnited Statesand on theChukchi Peninsula, Russia. They are year-round residents on the U.S.Pacific coast. The eastern populationmigratesto the southern United States, theCaribbean, and to northernSouth America. It may be thatclimate changecauses these birds to move to their breeding range earlier and leave later than 100 years ago. InOhiofor example, late April was recorded as an average migration date in 1906, but now most of the local population is present on the breeding grounds by then already.[7][8] They forage in soft mud, probing or picking up food by sight and eatinginsects,earthworms, and plant material. Well-camouflaged, they are usually shy and conceal themselves close to ground vegetation, flushing only when approached closely. They fly off in a series of aerial zig-zags to confuse predators. The male performs "winnowing" display during courtship, flying high in circles and then taking shallow dives to produce adistinctive sound. They have been observed "winnowing" throughout the day and long into the night. The "winnowing" sound is similar to the call of aboreal owl.[2]They nest in a well-hidden location on the ground.[2] Population: Wilson's snipe was reduced near the end of the 19th century by hunting andhabitat destruction. However, this bird remains fairly common and not considered threatened by theIUCN, although local populations are sensitive to large-scale draining of wetland.[2][7]

Hunting Season

Sep 27 – Jan 11

References

• Oklahoma — Wilson's snipe