In Louisiana and Mississippi collaborator Russell T. Norris made 
detailed studies in the heart of the wintering grounds during December 
1941 and January and February 1942 but found no material change from 
the conditions of 1940-41. In summing up the studies of the year Norris 
states that in Louisiana the woodcock has been seriously reduced during the 
last 10 years, and some oualified observers insist that the decrease has 
been at least 25 percent. The woodcock was once a common winter resident 
in nearly every Louisiana parish except along the gulf coast, but its numbers 
have continually dwindled, until at present it is common in only a few 
parishes, and in most of these only in widely scattered areas, An unusual 
concentration in the general vicinity of Houston, Tex., was reported in 
January 1942. 
Woodcock observations during the spring migration of 1942 showed a 
rather surprising but gratifying improvement. This was later confirmed 
from parts of the breeding grounds, but it continues to be apparent that 
only by good management will the numerical strength of this important game 
bird be again satisfactory. 
Wilson's Snipe 
Reasons for the decline of the Wilson's snipe are somewhat obscure, 
but it is the studied judgment of the Service that if this species is to 
be retained on the list of American migratory game birds it will be nec- 
essary, as with the woodcock, to conduct exhaustive investigations to 
provide a basis for sound management. Such research must be done on all 
parts of the ranges if the various factors inimical to the best interest 
of the bird are to be discovered. This has been listed as a "must job" 
when funds and personnel become available. 
During the fall migration of 1941 about 240 reports were received on 
the status of this snipe. Whereas, in 1940, the percentage of decrease 
was only 26, in 1941 it rose to 34, despite the fact that in that season 
the bird was accorded complete protection. Analysis of about 215 reports 
covering the 1942 spring migration affords little reason for more optimism, 
the percentage reporting a decrease being 26 as compared with 21 for the 
previous spring migration. 
Rails and Coots 
In Virginia, the only State particularly concerned with the shooting 
of the sora, there appeared to be a satisfactory increase in this species 
during the fall migration. It could not be determined, however, whether 
this represented an actual increase or merely a concentration brought 
about by unfavorable conditions elsewhere. 
There is some evidence of a slight decrease in the abundance of the 
coot which, if substantiated will indicate a desirable condition, since 
in recent years this snecies has been over-abundant both for its own wel- 
fare or for that of associated species. 
Mourning Dove 
The mourning dove situation has continued to be a matter of grave 
concern particularly as it affects the eastern subspecies. During the 
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