Lloyd,
I have been letting the woodcock fly away when we find them for perhaps 2 decades. If the dog handled one superbly, I'd take it, but, the last English Setter never did, and Louie hasn't, as of yet.
I used to see thousands in the course of a season, now I find it rare to see one.
My Gordon Setter was outstanding on woodcock. We took many when he was alive.


Best,
Ted