Seasonal variation in the sex and age composition of the woodcock bag in Denmark

摘要: The Eurasian woodcock is a highly valued game bird in Western Europe from which c. 2.7 million individuals are harvested annually an estimated population of 20–26 birds. size and status remains uncertain due to the cryptic behaviour widespread solitary occurrence woodcock, on breeding wintering areas, making reliable surveys difficult. Hunting bag records provide age ratios amongst bagged birds, but sex remain poorly known because sexually monomorphic nature this species. We used DNA analysis determine 327 shot woodcocks two hunting seasons Denmark (1 October–31 January, 2012/13 2013/14). Based totals, ratios, juvenile females constituted 37%, males 27%, adult 16% 20% annual bag. female bias was related significant deviation parity ratio birds October, although no such found at other times or adults. Compared limited data European countries, our suggest that autumn migration involves initial wave followed by adults, perhaps stay further north than during winter. This migratory pattern would postponing opening season could reduce reproductively valuable polygamous