Toombsy Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 (edited) I used to really enjoy wildfowling with the old man years ago, and I'm seriously thinking about giving it another try here in the Fens. Problem is I don't have a dog for retrieving - and I don't plan on getting one because of all the hours I'm away working. Will not having a dog make a massive impact on a typical application to join a wildfowling club? Could I get by without a dog... or am I going to struggle? Is it frowned on as being 'irresponsible'? Any advice would be greatly welcomed... thanks Edited June 29, 2009 by Toombsy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ratus Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 Toombsy As a wildfowler myself, i could'nt go on the marshes without my hound, you'll be lucky if you pick up all your birds, and any that are unfortuatley 'winged' will head straight for the water, thats where the obvious comes into its own. Maybe stick to pigeon shooting where a dog is not always required bemmy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Psyxologos Posted June 29, 2009 Report Share Posted June 29, 2009 I do not have a dog and got into wildfowling all right. You will be fine. After all, when you join you will meet new people with dogs who will be very happy to take you out. Go for it! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MC Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Much as it pains me to agree with a colchester wildfowler I have to agree with Ratus, I went fowling for a few years without a dog and I lost about 3-4 birds a year because of it. since having a dog I have mot lost a bird on the marsh and only lost one on my pond. So yes you can get away without a dog if you can put up with losing the odd bird, but a dog really should be in your plans in you are planning a long term fowling career. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toombsy Posted June 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Those are the replies I was expecting - thanks for those. Looks like I'll be chasing pigeons, rabbits and crows for quite some time.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Yep either get a dog or get a mate who's got one! You know it makes sense! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
utectok Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I shoot inland geese over deeks never needed a dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starlight32 Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 As far as I am aware there is not a club in the UK that stipulates owning a dog as part of membership-If you donot own a dog it is all about self regulation, knowing when and when not to shoot.... I would not say to anyone to not consider wildfowling becuase they don't own a dog, there are many reasons why people who shoot dont have a dog. However if you do practice self regulation without a secure method of retrieve, as with most wildfowling your opportunities will be restricted. Toomsey, have a go, there is always someone you can go with- most wildfowlers are glad of some company at one point or another, who will have at their disposal a gundog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 I shoot inland geese over deeks never needed a dog. Me too and a good dog has saved immeasurable pain for a couple of pricked birds that have fallen and run ! Try and get in tow with a couple of mentors who have dogs and enjoy company on the marsh, perhaps an older `fowler ? .....MC perhaps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Toombsy Posted June 30, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 Great ideas with the mentoring, but I prefer shooting alone. It's bad enough driving home knowing that I've lost one or two pest pigeon in crops... wigeon, teal and mallard are another thing altogether. Wildfowling can wait until I retire I reckon... only another 26 years, 5 months and 16 days to go.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mikee Posted June 30, 2009 Report Share Posted June 30, 2009 toombsy if you bring me a flask and some sarnies, carry my gun and gear i'll bring my dogs and pick up for you, seriously if you want to go fowling do so, just be selective in what you shoot at, if you think you dont have a very good chance of killing it and being able to pick it just dont shoot at it, i know lots of people without dogs and they all enjoy their fowling mikee Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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