Wildfowling Etiquette

A few reminders as to what is considered good etiquette among wildfowlers.

High birds
After a long close season the “First” can be an exciting time. Please remember that shooting at high birds and other intemperate behaviour will not make the day more enjoyable for anyone. It is inadvisable to shoot at birds which are at the extremity of your range. (remember with non toxic shot - this 'effective' range may well be reduced).

Remember birds that fly high overhead will usually settle somewhere on the marsh and you may well have the chance to shoot at them again later in the day, at a reasonable range.

Decoying
When shooting marshes with decoys - such as the four Stoke areas and various islands on the south side of the Medway - please be patient and let duck into the marsh so that everyone has a chance of a good shot. Birds coming to decoys are far more likely to be shot than those flighting high overhead.

If you are not lucky today with your decoying you will probably benefit on another occasion. Other club members will also benefit from increased restraint, as less wild shooting will encourage birds to come in with increased confidence.

Cartridge cases
Please take your empty cartridge cases home with you. Empty cases littered
about seawalls and islands are unsightly, and give a bad impression to members
of the walking public.

Dogs
It is strongly advised that members shooting tidal marshes have access to a
dog. Retrieving under such circumstances can sometimes be difficult and a
working dog is considered by most wildfowlers to be essential.
It is the duty of all wildfowlers to ensure that any quarry shot are picked, and if necessary humanely dispatched.