[JRTJH]

If you've never been to Natchitoches for the Christmas Lights, it's something you should try to do. It's not a "3 or 4 day thing" but definitely worth spending an evening at the WalMart campground and walking the Cane River from the lower bridge up to the end. As for woodcock hunting, it, like quail, is a "later in the morning" kind of "civilized hunting". The birds don't come off the roost until the frost is gone, then it's a quick feed, water and fly back to the area they feel safe. You'd do your best "sightings" around 9 or 10 AM and then again just before dusk. Be careful in Kisatchie in the late afternoon. Once the sun goes down, that place is unforgiving and it's real easy to get turned around. While you're in Natchitoches, walking the river road, looking at the lights, take your pick of food stands for hot chocolate and meat pies.... They're the authentic ones, unlike the "touristy things" you'll find across the street in the restaurants for double the price.....