Wildfowling is a form of hunting that involves the shooting of wild ducks, geese, and other waterfowl. It is typically carried out in coastal areas, where these birds migrate to during the winter months. Wildfowling is a popular activity in many countries, including the United Kingdom, the United States, and parts of Europe.

Like other forms of hunting, wildfowling can be beneficial for the environment in several ways. It can help to manage animal populations and prevent overgrazing, which can damage ecosystems and lead to habitat loss. Hunting can also help to reduce the spread of diseases that can be harmful to wildlife and humans. In addition, hunting can provide an economic incentive for conservation by generating revenue from the sale of hunting licenses, permits, and other related items. This can help to fund conservation efforts and support the protection of natural habitats.

It’s important to note, however, that wildfowling, like all forms of hunting, must be carefully managed and regulated to ensure that it is conducted in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes setting limits on the number of animals that can be hunted, enforcing hunting regulations, and enforcing laws against poaching.

Equipment

1. Shotgun: A shotgun is a firearm that fires shells filled with shot, or small pellets, at a target. It is the primary weapon used for wildfowling.
2. Waders: Waders are waterproof boots that allow you to walk through wet or marshy areas without getting your feet wet. They are useful for getting to and from your hunting blind or hide.
3. Camouflage clothing: Camouflage clothing helps you blend in with your surroundings, making it more difficult for waterfowl to spot you.
4. Decoys: Decoys are fake birds that are used to lure real waterfowl closer to the hunter. They can be made of wood, plastic, or other materials, and are often used in conjunction with calls or other lures.
5. Calls: Calls are devices that mimic the sounds of waterfowl and are used to attract them to the hunter. They can be made of wood, plastic, or other materials and come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
6. Blind or hide: A blind or hide is a shelter that provides cover for the hunter and helps to conceal their presence from the waterfowl. It can be a portable pop-up blind, a boat, or a natural structure like a tree or bush.
7. Cartridges: Cartridges are the shells that are loaded into the shotgun and fired at the target. Different types of cartridges are used for different types of waterfowl hunting, depending on the size and range of the target. DONT LEAVE THESE AT HOME

Dogs

Dogs can be a valuable asset for wildfowling, as they can help locate and retrieve birds that have been shot. Some popular breeds for wildfowling include:

1. Retrievers: Retrievers, such as Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers, are known for their strong retrieving instincts and are often used for hunting waterfowl.
2. Spaniels: Spaniels, such as English Springer Spaniels and Welsh Springer Spaniels, are smaller and more agile than retrievers and are often used for hunting in thick cover.

It’s important to remember that wildfowling with dogs requires training and discipline, both for the hunter and the dog. Dogs should be trained to retrieve on command and to stay within a safe distance of the hunter.

The Labrador Retrievers are often the most popular due to their thick coats and strong build.

Fresh food on the table

One of the best things about wildfowling is going out in the morning before the sun has risen, getting to see the sun rise and the wildlife wake up. Then taking a couple of ducks home for the table later that day or week.

Here is a simple recipe for roast duck:

Ingredients:

• 1 whole duck (Mallard is one of the best)
• salt and pepper
• 1 onion, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 1 orange, quartered
• 1 apple, quartered
• 1 head of garlic, halved
• a few sprigs of fresh thyme

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 230°C.
2. Rinse the duck inside and out and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the duck generously with salt and pepper, both inside and out.
3. Place the onion, lemon, orange, apple, garlic, and thyme inside the cavity of the duck.
4. Place the duck on a roasting rack in a roasting pan and roast it in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
5. Reduce the oven temperature to 180°C and continue to roast the duck for another 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the skin is crispy and the internal temperature of the duck reaches 74°C.
6. Let the duck rest for 10-15 minutes before carving and serving.