scolopax Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 Any of you guys venture further afield on wildfowling holidays ? A group of four of us used to do the Solway for a week through the nineties hard work and you earned every bird. Then we shot an inland farm for a few seasons in Angus (very productive but very boring- deeks on a stubble- yawn), this will be our tenth year come November back on the Scottish foreshore. Now we try and avoid the more popular places with a lot of geese and try to shoot smaller estuaries, bays etc to avoid the crowds whilst still getting a shot or two. Cannot wait, four weeks and we are back again. Time to hunt out the last of my ITM and reload a few shells for the mighty eight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry P Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 I seem to travel more and more, met another fowler about 4 yrs ago and we just hit it off, we head off to scotlands various estuaries a few times a season, I enjoy the local fowling but the sense of adventure and fun had when travelling is very hard to beat. I enjoy meeting and chatting to the local and visiting fowlers most are great and willing to pass on advice once they realise your not some sky busting nutter. I've made some great fowling friends on my travels and hope to add to them this coming season. Daf and I are already hatching plans for next year, gonna visit a couple of new estuaries much further than we've been before, cannot wait, travelling really keeps the fire burning. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yoggy Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 I seem to travel more and more, met another fowler about 4 yrs ago and we just hit it off, we head off to scotlands various estuaries a few times a season, I enjoy the local fowling but the sense of adventure and fun had when travelling is very hard to beat. I enjoy meeting and chatting to the local and visiting fowlers most are great and willing to pass on advice once they realise your not some sky busting nutter. I've made some great fowling friends on my travels and hope to add to them this coming season. Daf and I are already hatching plans for next year, gonna visit a couple of new estuaries much further than we've been before, cannot wait, travelling really keeps the fire burning. Must admit Terry, I agree, it really does keep the fire burning. Now kids are off the hand I have no excuse! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spaniel Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 going to orkney for a trip this season which im looking forward to. I do keep saying that im going to do the odd taster flights via permit book, just to try different venues but i dont expect these will be that far from home at the present time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 Well I have always wanted to shoot the solway but so far have not done it. I do have a flight on Norwich to look forward to with the guy who introduced me to the sport many years ago. I did some work for him in the summer and rather than payment he offered me a gun on his game shoot for the day, but I declined the offer and said I would rather do a flight on the marsh with him. But would love to join anyone if there is a space on the solway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 (edited) Used to go to the Solway in the early 70"s , stopping in Annan with a wildfowling guide Jack Almond ( ex RAF ) , shot Cummertrees/Browell/Powfoot areas then moved to the Wash staying at the famous Bull Hotel in Long Sutton shooting off the sea wall/marshes Gedney Drove End side till early 80"s . Returned to Scotland shooting inland Corsock area New Galloway and the last couple of outings we stayed at the Nith Hotel Glencaple shooting over decoys . We genly went for a week most trips and enjoyed the crack and if we got a goose to go back with we were happy . Edited September 22, 2012 by Zulu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shakin stevens Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 if you don't live near your shooting sometimes you never get to know whats flighting and where, it can be a couple of hrs drive for pot luck! I like my trips away by mid week you know whats going on and how to get under the birds, soon as i land im scouting around, i have had the lip on a few times when the geese are not around. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
washwildfowler Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 we were talking about this on another forum only a few days ago , i have shot all over the uk and some parts of Ireland ,with friends since i was 19 and had some great holidays and some not so good , were heading north again this season with 4 of us, then there is a trip planned for Iceland next year .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reabrook Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 I travel a bit though I have curtailed it a bit the last couple of seasons simply because of the cost of diesel. We make regular forays into Wales and try and get to Scotland at least once a year. Most years I try and visit a new Marsh. As much as I love home ground it always adds a bit of adventure going somewhere new. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oxfordfowler Posted September 22, 2012 Report Share Posted September 22, 2012 Have been travelling up to the Solway almost every year since I was 17. Only missed a couple of years when the Kids were very young. Have shot on so many places over the years I don't think I can remember them all but even so I have enjoyed some fantastic times up there. Will be travelling up again this season with my two younger brothers and Dad if he feels up to it (someone has to carry the flask). I don't have that many photos unfortunately - no digital back then - perhaps I can scan some in?. Started off going up with my Dad and a friend of his (1975) the friend no longer makes the trip, but Dad did manage to knock down a couple of Pinks last year - not bad at 79 and with only one eye. Had permission to shoot the "Grange" (Wigtown) for years when Mr McGee or McKee owned it and shot the fields around the Loch in Castle Douglas (Robert McAdam) until they were sold for housing and to extend the cemetery. As luck would have it both of those excellent farms have been replaced over the years. I already have my Wigtown bay permit for January 2013 but will most likely try to shoot in some of the smaller bays and estuaries before we venture out onto the stake or Creetown as we go through the week all depends on the weather and if Geese are using the foreshore. Can't help but mention how the number of "Barny's" has increased during the time I have been travelling to the Solway. It used to be that we would make a special trip just to look at a few, now the bl++dy things are everywhere and are real nuisance. OXF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nic Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 i have gone up and shot around Browell, but the lack of space between guns and the Ack Ack gunners have put me off. I tend to travel further up and onto the east coast now. less people out and about especially as I shoot mid week normally the crack of the travel, sleeping in my van, parked along from the pub all adds to it for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolopax Posted September 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 Slept in the car on numerous occasions, but ouch does it get cold or what! Now prefer to get a B&B if I can. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry P Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 I hear sooo many bad things about the Solway, I must be lucky as i;ve yet to witness any crazy shooting or crowding, but like Nic I tend to shoot midweek. As for sleeps in a van/car nooo thank you, only 2 must haves B+B and a flask, its bad enough getting dirty under my finger nails, I simlpy could'nt cope without a comfortable bed, what, what Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolopax Posted September 24, 2012 Author Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 The comfortable bed is not so important, but having a hot shower after a cold day on the marsh is a must have. Hot shower then down to the pub for a decent meal and a pint! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zulu Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 The comfortable bed is not so important, but having a hot shower after a cold day on the marsh is a must have. Hot shower then down to the pub for a decent meal and a pint! Even better if you stop in the pub . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nic Posted September 24, 2012 Report Share Posted September 24, 2012 seeing as when I'm not off shooting, I am off at bike rallies and camping, yes even in Jan or Feb, I din't mind the cold and the double fold down bed in the van is toasty with a quilt and gas heater. Luxury....( even my house does not have central heating or double glazing, just a log burner and a range) Shower courtesy of sports centre or truck stop and park outside pub for meal and drinks and a piece of porcelain to use. Who could ask for more (Spot the ex squaddie):-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RossEM Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 Just got back from Orkney, fantastic shooting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry P Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 Just got back from Orkney, fantastic shooting Stick a report up fella, i'm off there next season, it would be nice to see a few photos if you have any Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wildfowler.250 Posted September 26, 2012 Report Share Posted September 26, 2012 might do the dee some time or somewhere different but never really fancied a massive trip for pot luck. would be nice to have a decent chance at pintail/pochard/gadwal/shoveler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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