I've shot driven woodcock in the UK and it wasn't expensive. This was with a small syndicate that had a block of land leased. They shot it once a week during the season. A visitor could shoot with them for a nominal fee.
It was a shoot one drive one type setup meaning you got to shoot every other drive and worked as a beater when you weren't shooting. We did, I believe, three drives in the morning and three in the afternoon then made stands for flighted birds right at sunset.
I managed two and missed another, I was pleased needless to say. I still have some contact with the shoot captain but don't know if they still have the club or not. Will check with him if I get a chance.
It was in Oakhampton, I have one of their club badges on my shooting hat. Don't know how far that is from Manchester.
Destry
P.S. You're exactly right John Roberts, the woodcock in the UK are about twice as large as ours.
