tony51

Frustrating morning as my gun jammed up first shot and then the breach wouldnt completely close,sat with it in pieces as widgeon after widgeon was trying to land into my decoys.More widgeon about than normal on the first with a good smattering of Mallard. My mate shot a widgeon and mallard whilst i could only look on in dismay, at what would have been a great morning. Eventually managed to fix it but of course by now the flight well over well, except for a skein of greys that obviously had been sent by the wildfowling gods to compensate my earlier agonies with one of their number now hanging in my garage ready for plucking.

I do know Alan,we started Wildfowling together some 40 years ago in what was the old KWA.Although moving away from Kent in the late 80s we have kept in touch. When I left Kent the KWA was in a desperate state with some members breaking away and forming a rival club-the shooting rights became fragmented and IMHO had it not been for Alan becoming Chairman much of those shooting rights would be long gone!. Yes the guy is ruthless in his business dealings,but also as people have discovered he is nobodies fool,the fact that he holds a high position in local goverment and continues year on year with increased votes tells me that even the non shooting electorate value his contribution and TRUST him. At a time when we continue to fear more pressure on our ancient sport then give me a chairman who has proved over many years that he has a real passion for wildfowling and will fight tooth and nail to protect it. And yes of course I can understand high feelings from those who feel he has stolen shooting from ,,but just sometimes the bigger picture reflects on the whole wildfowling community,whether that be a large club or like my own small club with few members-we all fear the pressure from the anti shooting factions that continue to gather momentum,BASC is still our best weapon and with a WILDFOWLING chairman who will fight to protect our sport I personally feel content that its in safe hands.

Last flight this morning..didnt expect much with so much water everywhere and pleasantly suprised to finish with two widgeon.Not a lot about but took the two chances that came my way.Mate was unlucky in moving across the other side of the marsh only for two canadas to fly past his vacated spot oh dear lol sorry Tus! Its been a strange season up here in North Wales with a lot of birds around in Sept and October, with like most places I guess, dropping off with the constant rain and birds moving inland. Pretty good season for me just short of last year,but that was more to do with a few purple patches in October than over the last few months.Only raised my gun to one goose this year on the 2nd September which which turned out to be a nice young Canada...geese seemed to have moved over onto Anglesey where I hear reports of some decent bags. The other thing of note is what appears to have been a drop in pintail..we normally have big numbers,but again that could well be due to them moving inland. Another season over and time to give these old bones a few months rest, but will be back looking forward to the 1st with as much enthusiasm that I had way back in 1971 when i shot my first duck. Enjoy the break all regards Tony

Be in good hands with Terry-top guy.

Poor flight this morning...hate full moons before a morning flight! did manage to clip a duck pintail out of a decent size bunch.Only got one shot off as I was aware that the shot bird was heading straight at me! self preservation took over and smart move to avoid being hit by it.In the end it dropped a foot behind me lol.

Hi Andy and Beretta..im a member of the Y Foryd wildfowlers..Caernarfon .Small club but nice.

Hi all...we seemed blessed in North Wales with numerous early widgeon,however yesterday morning the first real big packs put in a very early show with upwards of 500 in several large packs at morning flight. Looking at my diary over the last 3 years the earliest seen was the 28th September in these numbers-can only assume the recent Northerly winds we had have driven them in early?any other areas showing any numbers? Incidently a first for me in over 40 years was a treble..only had a semi this last 3 years(hatson escort) and very impressed with it as a fowling gun. Looking forward to adding to my tally of 10 duck and a Canada thus far this season.

Out this morning...first day in Wales.Lot of mallard about and a suprising amount of Widgeon.First chance was at a lone Greylag 30 yds above me-only to have a misfire! Gutted to say the least.Finished the morning with 3 Mallard and 2 widgeon. Good friend Tus managed 2 nice Drake Mallard and lost one.Great morning to be out and a very nice wind to keep them down was a bonus. Cheers Tony

Very pleased to say the owner John has contacted me this morning and has been brilliant assuring me that my order is now sorted and on its way.Happy with that...he also said check his site tomorrow for some bargains on Jack Pyke gear.

Hi all just wondered if anyone has dealt with this company? ordered gear from them and paid for it on 21st July but nothing from them-no reply to emails and just an answerphone that doesnt even give company name! Have asked bank to reverse payment -certainly wont be dealing with them again.

God bless you Ben..been there mate and I hope you have a simular happy outcome.And like you and a good few of our wildfowling family on this forum ive been a wildfowler for 40 years,and even in the few years that I was unable to go it was in the blood and more special in the heart.

Good luck mate working tonight so cant make the morning.If you can get in the creek to the left of the last log.Most of the widgeon went over that creek. cheers bud

Shooting picked up this month with a pair of widgeon on Monday.Given the sight of mountains covered in snow another morning was called for. Arrived at just before 7am and jeez was that wind cold.Once again the marsh was deserted god knows when our members go as rarely see anyone else. Lot of wigeon calling in the dark as i walked up but once settled very quiet. First chance was at a pair of widgeon that came in behind me with the wind,but dont think i was in a country mile of them. Widgeon started moving as it became dawn and a pair straight at me provided an easy first shot kill,followed by a dreadful miss as the other climbed above me. Next up were three mallard that came steaming in from behind but spotted the pair of decoys I had out and turned ..three shots resulted in a hen and her brightly coloured drake . Then to my joy as we dont see them in big numbers a flight of some 30-40 teal came in and my first shot brought down a handsome cock teal,dont know why i never fired more at them I think just amazed to see that many. That was enough for me an empty flask and fingers numb from the cold.Happy enough that this week has seen 6 duck in the freezer.Now eagerly await the promised snow and whatever that may send out to the foreshore. Tony

Thought about a solution to this after to many cups of tea these cold mornings.I reckon if the velcro straps were longer and joined down at the waist then the waders could be pulled down far enough and the straps wont disapear down your back!gonna get the wife on extensions to test my brilliant theory lol. BTW my Jack Pike purchased this season hasnt let a drop in...brilliant jacket and warm.

Fantastic write up mate,flight to remember.Was hoping that the freeze in North Wales would last until I get out on Monday,but more heavy rain flooding everywhere again!!