Wild duck management

[iano]

We have a couple of ponds and a reed bed, which gets some duck popping in / out of (also gets herons).

 

Now that I have the shotgun, I'd like to take a couple for the fridge.

 

closer to the season, should we do something to bring in more? Or just leave as is? Very new to this.

[kennett]

I would start feeding around the end of this month with what ever grain you can get hold of. Wheat, barley, peas, rape, potatoes and beans will all be eaten by ducks. Spread a little, like a bucket full, around the edges in shallow water and repeat every other day or so. When it gets to the end of August or beginning of September just spend a few evenings watching getting a feel for what is coming in and when. Then when you are happy that you have a decent flight get stuck in, don't shoot too often as you will easily push them away, one or two flights a month is plenty.

[iano]

I would start feeding around the end of this month with what ever grain you can get hold of. Wheat, barley, peas, rape, potatoes and beans will all be eaten by ducks. Spread a little, like a bucket full, around the edges in shallow water and repeat every other day or so. When it gets to the end of August or beginning of September just spend a few evenings watching getting a feel for what is coming in and when. Then when you are happy that you have a decent flight get stuck in, don't shoot too often as you will easily push them away, one or two flights a month is plenty.

 

Maize? Have a lot of that.

 

That's all we plan to shoot, and basically, if we don't get them cold bore, we go home.