Wild geese, duck and waders are largely migratory and we have a special  responsibility to safeguard them and their environment.

Others judge the sport by our behaviour.

A responsible shot will have third party liability insurance cover. This is included within BASC membership. Always follow the BASC Shotgun Safety Code.

It is the responsibility of wildfowlers to understand the laws relating to their sport; in particular to be able to recognise their quarry and know when and where they may shoot. The laws governing wildfowling differ between England and Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Consideration for your quarry

Avoid unsporting shooting, ie at poor fliers and at birds which are out of range.

Mark shot quarry and ensure that it is picked up immediately and, if necessary, humanely dispatched.  A sharp knock on the head with a suitably heavy stick or priest is most effective.  Do not leave wounded birds in order to take another shot. 

Carefully note where shot birds fall. If necessary shoot a bird again provided it is safe to do so, to make sure it is dead and retrievable. Use of a dog to find and promptly retrieve shot birds is essential - keep it under control at all times. 'Dogging' the tideline will often recover lost birds.

Allow enough time for the retrieval of shot birds before leaving the marsh.

Seasons

Inland  - 1st  September - 31st  January inclusive.

Below the mean high water mark of ordinary spring tides

England, Wales and Scotland

1st September - 20th February inclusive. (Geese and ducks only after 31st  January.)

Northern Ireland

1st September - 31st January inclusive.

It is illegal to shoot wildfowl on Christmas Day in England, Wales and Scotland. It is also illegal on Sundays in Scotland, Northern Ireland and certain areas in England and Wales. The latter relate to former counties and it is the responsibility of the individual wildfowler to check whether Sunday shooting is allowed in the area they wish to shoot. Your local BASC office can advise if necessary.

Night shooting is prohibited in Northern Ireland.

The Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and Wildlife (Northern Ireland) Order 1985 provide for periods of special protection for all wildfowl (including reared mallard) in emergencies such as prolonged severe weather.  Prior to such statutory protection being introduced the BASC may recommend voluntary restraint.   Details of the suspension of shooting due to severe weather are posted in the national press and sporting magazines. Information and guidance is made available through BASC regional offices.

Guns and cartridges

A double-barrelled twelve bore is a suitable all-round shotgun.  If your fieldcraft is good you can be successful with the standard 65mm (2 1/2") cartridge (correctly loaded).

Traditionally however, wildfowlers prefer a 70mm (23/4") or 76mm ( 3") chambered gun which enables them to shoot heavier shot more effectively.  Big bore guns, ie 10, 8 and 4 bores, are also capable of handling big shot effectively, although they can be cumbersome and a burden.

Choke only alters the density of shotgun patterns and does not necessarily result in more birds in the bag.  Increasing choke requires increased accuracy.  It is no excuse for attempting out-of-range shots.

It is illegal to use an automatic or semi-automatic shotgun in the pursuit of wildfowl (or game) unless it is fitted with a device making it incapable of firing more than 3 cartridges in succession, without reloading.

The use of lead shot for shooting over wetlands is being phased out in the UK.  In England the use of lead shot to shoot all wildfowl wherever they occur, as well as over all foreshore and on specified SSSIs, has been banned.  It is the duty of all shooters to be aware of and comply with further restrictions as and when they may be introduced, either at site level or wider (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

For much wildfowling a 12 bore gun with 32 to 36g (1 1/8 oz - 1 1/4 oz) cartridges, will normally be appropriate.  For large ducks (mallard) pellet size no. 4/5 is widely used, for small ducks (teal) no. 6, and for geese no. 3 or 1, when using high density shot types like bismuth or tungsten.  When using low density types like tin or steel, increasing pellet size by at least two is helpful (i.e. from no. 6 to no. 4).

If you wish to use steel shot you are advised to obtain the information papers from BASC Head Office to help ensure its effective and safe use in your gun.

The correct combination of gun, cartridge and choke is important, and will be influenced by personal preference.  For each person there is a maximum range for each type of quarry at which clean kills are consistently achieved.  Do not shoot beyond that range.

Pattern your chosen gun/cartridge combination before shooting to check your accuracy and that the pattern is adequate for your intended quarry.

Planning

When going wildfowling at a site for the first time either first go in daylight or with someone who knows the area. Make sure you know the safe access and exit egress routes, marsh boundaries and any inherent dangers.

Make sure you know of local rules and restrictions, particularly those that may be operating in a nature reserve shooting area.

Always tell someone where you have gone wildfowling and do not forget to tell them that you have returned safely.

Always plan your exit route particularly when a big tide is expected. Never try to be clever by waiting for the last moment to leave the marsh when the incoming tide is approaching.  Channels fill quickly and in a very short time they become a torrent.  You can easily be cut off by creeks flooding behind you.

Always consult tide tables before going on the marsh. Make any necessary adjustments for location and if British summer time is in operation add one hour to GMT.  Remember that the height of tides is affected by the
prevailing weather conditions both locally and out to sea.

Equipment

Always carry a waterproof wristwatch; it is essential for judging the predicted state of the tide.

If you are out all day carry some food and a thermos containing a hot drink.

Wear comfortable, inconspicuous, warm, waterproof clothing.

Waders are normally recommended.

A large canvas bag is useful to both carry equipment and to sit on.

Make sure you have with you your shotgun certificate, any local permit and, if you intend to shoot woodcock or snipe, a game licence.

Binoculars will enhance the day and be useful for bird identification.

A wading pole will greatly assist walking on the marsh and can be used to sound gutters and crossing places.

Always carry a pocket compass and know how to use it. It could be your only guide off the marsh in fog.

Always carry a jointed cleaning rod as it is all too easy to get mud or snow in the muzzle of your gun. Never fire a shot to try and clear an obstruction in the barrels. 

In an emergency a mobile phone would enable you to summon assistance by dialing 999 and asking for the Coastguard. Torch flashing and firing flare cartridges are other methods of attracting attention.

On the Marsh

Do not disturb local residents near access points by making a noise or banging car doors when arriving early in the morning or leaving late at night.

Never arrive late, or depart early and so disturb the shooting of those who have taken the trouble to get into position in good time.

Do not shoot in the immediate vicinity of houses adjoining the shore; be aware of footpaths and never shoot in a way that endangers people using them.

Avoid disturbing livestock.

Make sure you are well hidden; camouflage yourself to suit your surroundings.

Try to make your dog comfortable - if you sit on your game bag make sure your dog has a dry seat.

Regularly look through your gun barrels to make sure that they are clear of any obstruction.

Range judging when wildfowling is particularly difficult.  Try to identify nearby features that can be used as reference marks so that you do not shoot beyond your own shooting skill distance.

Take care to recognise legal quarry; if in doubt don't shoot.

Never leave cartridge cases, rubbish or unsightly pit holes in the marsh.

On Leaving the Marsh

On leaving the marsh your dog may be cold and wet - attend to its needs before your own.

Take care of your quarry - don't waste it.

Pay special attention to cleaning your gun - sand and saltwater will quickly corrode it.  Check for faults which may need rectifying before the gun is used again.

Keep a record of your day's shooting to help with club or BASC monitoring of wildfowling. This Code of Practice encourages participation in the BASC's long-running Duck Wing Survey.  This survey monitors the breeding success of wigeon and teal. 

Details from BASC Research Department.