rapid basher Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 Finely got an email today for bridgewater bay wild fowling club Just wanted a few tips before I dive in What do I need I have a hide ! Do I need waders ? Dog ? Duck decoys oveisly What time to shoot dusk or dawn? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chad63 Posted September 3, 2013 Report Share Posted September 3, 2013 My advice is to be straight from the start and tell them you're a complete novice. I have many friends in BBWA, they're a good club and I'm sure you'll get all the help and advice you'll need. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anser2 Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 (edited) As Chad says try and get a fellow club member to take you out to show you the ropes. But to answer your questions. What do I needI have a hide ! A hide may or not be needed , it depends on the cover on your marsh. If possible try to get by without one , You may walk long distances and the less weight the better. Do I need waders ? Yes , idealy cheast waders . Its noit so much the depth of the water you may wade through , its so useful to be able to sit down anywhere on the marsh without getting your cloths getting muddy. Dog ? Yes , pretty vital. But if you are only just starting to shoot it will be a year before your dog will be much good. Wildfowling is hard for a dog and it will need a lot of experiance before it is much use. Go for a lab they are the most simple to train , have a water proof coat and the temperment to wait for hours in the wet and cold without complaining. Duck decoys oveisly Perhaps , but I would wait until you know the marsh and the habbits of its ducks before worrying too much about decoys. I would think the majority of coastal wildfowlers rarely use decoys. It will depend on your marsh , the hight of the tides and the habbits of your birds. Personaly I use decoys on most of my tide flights. but rarely otherwise. What time to shoot dusk or dawn?Dawn and dusk are the main times , but do not forget tide flights can be very good on some marshes. Also moon flighting can be eciting later on in the season, but its rarely worthwhile at this time of the year. I would add use a gun that you can shoot well with idealy with at least 3 inch steel proofed chambers. Get a sizable game bag , in part to carry a flash and shells , but also useful to sit on and you never know you might want to put a bird in it one day. Use quality steel shells , you will not go far wrong with Gamebore 3 inch Mammoths , 3s for duck and BB for geese. Beware there some pretty poor steel shells out there. If you use a semi auto shotgun a push through rod is useful. S\As can jam in mud and sand and without a rod if your gun jams you have only one option , to go home. Finaly make sure you know what youncan and cannot shoot at. Edited September 4, 2013 by anser2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Varminator Posted September 4, 2013 Report Share Posted September 4, 2013 Accurate tide tables, accurate tide tables, accurate tide tables, a wading stick, a guide until you have several visits under your belt and accurate tide tables. Last year I mis-read the tide tables and that was nearly the end to my fowling, oh and my life!!! Enjoy yourself but be safe. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barls2-9-12 Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 Accurate tide tables, accurate tide tables, accurate tide tables, a wading stick, a guide until you have several visits under your belt and accurate tide tables. Last year I mis-read the tide tables and that was nearly the end to my fowling, oh and my life!!! Enjoy yourself but be safe. Rich Also take the weather conditions into account as well as these can have an impact on the size of the tide. Be mindful at all times Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sitty tree Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 hello fella. take your time learn all you can from the people who take you out . but remember some fowlers have there own way of doing things speaking from experience some take risks and some will not . remember fella tidal estuarys take no prisoners be safe at all times. could add loads more but it would end up a book . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harrycatcat1 Posted September 6, 2013 Report Share Posted September 6, 2013 I found this interesting http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xbasc+wildfowling+book&_nkw=basc+wildfowling+book&_sacat=0&_from=R40 I would have lent you mine but I lent it out and never got it back. Regards Hcc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kent Posted September 8, 2013 Report Share Posted September 8, 2013 Some binos, watch were the duck and geese want to be at different times and the highways they use to commute. Then hook up with a mentor to pick up the rest (few will take you to their best spots so the watching is essential) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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