Tomo-1 Posted October 25, 2015 Report Share Posted October 25, 2015 Hi all. After joining a wildfowling club in August, going along to the marsh for an initial walk about then going out for a walk with a committee member I finally got to go out on the marsh for the first time alone. I was unable to book the area that I thought I would have a chance on, so ended up further away from the main channel than I had hoped. I got to the marsh an hour before sun up and was greeted by the wonderful sound of the marsh inhabitants, waders etc etc. On my walk about various comments were made such as " just pop into that hole" etc. So I did. The first place I tried was not right as a vantage point onto the water as the tide was out but on the make. The next move was a good one, I could see around well, so made a few practice swings with the gun, then encountered my first problem i.e. footwork! It's not so easy trying to position yourself for a shot when your feet are stuck firmly into the Essex mud! I eventually got myself into position only to find that I was getting deeper. Had to slip out of one of my boots so as to use both hands to pull my boot out.....bleeping heck! I was safe however as my planned escape route was close to the sea wall and if all else failed I could crawl. I then moved along to a grassy area which after a well earned coffee from the flask I used as a place for a recce. An enjoyable morning, not a single duck or goose spotted let alone a shot, however I did hear alot of Wigeon around the corner where I had hopped to be! How do you all manage standing in mud? This is not an experience I want to repeat! the mud bit that is! Is it a case of building a hide on hard areas of marsh and not touching the mud? This area is particularly deep and gloopy......! Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted October 25, 2015 Report Share Posted October 25, 2015 You need to practice your shooting sitting down, on your knees, on one knee, crouched , on your back and every where in between. Its a lucky wildfowler who can place their feet ready for a shot, all part of the enjoyment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hifly Posted October 25, 2015 Report Share Posted October 25, 2015 take a couple of planks off a pallet on stand on them take the nails out, that will help and its bio degradable Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FatFreddysCat Posted October 25, 2015 Report Share Posted October 25, 2015 You need to practice your shooting sitting down, on your knees, on one knee, crouched , on your back and every where in between. Its a lucky wildfowler who can place their feet ready for a shot, all part of the enjoyment. As above, kneel down in it and you won't sink in so far and will be better hidden. Also, take a decent wading pole with you, then you can push it into the mud and you've got something to pull against to get yourself out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barls2-9-12 Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 A decent bit of ply, with a whole and rope tied on so you can drag it along not to big just big enough to stand or kneel on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 (edited) Coastal fowling and mud go hand in hand and is something that you will have to adapt to. Mud, mud, glorious mud, nothing quite like for boiling your blood! Edited October 26, 2015 by Penelope Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Old fashioned shooting stick with a piece of plywood underneath is my solution. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo-1 Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 So I take it from your replies that you all use these mud bottomed holes most of the time? Thanks again by the way. Also....by the time I had got home my gun had started to rust on the barrel rib! That was quick! I needed an excuse for a new one anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landy george Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 And the new one will rust just as quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tomo-1 Posted October 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 Not if its covered in a camo skin! Obviously the inside will.....that's why I need a cheap ish working gun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grandalf Posted October 26, 2015 Report Share Posted October 26, 2015 A rusty tube is the mark of an experienced fowler - wear it with pride. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 always had an inflatable, wait for it>>>>>>> Cushion, Pwheee.. Always had a warm backside, and a bit of canvas for the dog to sit on, think about the dog too.: IT Works.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richie10 Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 Not if its covered in a camo skin! Obviously the inside will.....that's why I need a cheap ish working gun. Don't need cheap, just look after it. Which club can you book an area? Sounds interesting. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fal Posted October 27, 2015 Report Share Posted October 27, 2015 I use a beer crate, it is one of the most important things I take out on the marsh! I have put washing line through it so I can sling it over my back walking out, you can place in in your gutter, it's low enough to keep you hidden, but not so low that you cannot stand up to shoot, which is my preffered way of shooting. Try it, I will never take mine of the van. It will not stop your feet sinking in the mud, but it will allow you some adjustment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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