With the wildfowling season now open, ArdMoor's Managing Director Anthony Stodart shares how he sets up his pond, plans his kit and gets the timing right for an evening of duck flighting.
The season opening on 1st September always brings a familiar problem. Harvest is usually still underway, and the moment you pick an evening to flight a duck, you can guarantee the sun will be out and the combine will be in the field. This year, the weather gave us a little more breathing room, and we managed to pull together a last-minute flight with a couple of friends who live close enough to appear at short notice.
What to Wear for a September Flight
September evenings are still mild, so heavy layering isn't needed. A light fleece kept the chill off, and a cap kept my face slightly hidden without adding any real warmth. Beyond that, the essentials were simple and practical.
- A pair of wellingtons for wet ground around the pond edge
- Ear defenders to protect your hearing once the shooting starts
- A reliable torch for the walk in and out as light fades
- Cartridges loaded with steel shot, alongside your dog's lead
Getting the Timing Right
We've kept records of the time the first shot is fired at every flight since the pond was created thirty four years ago. Remarkably, regardless of the weather, the first duck tend to arrive within a minute or two of the same time, on the same date, year after year. We aim to be down at the pond around ten minutes before they're due, giving everyone time for a quick briefing and to get their bearings before the light drops.
Reading the Pond
We had been feeding barley into the pond since early August, and by checking the feathers left on the water each day, we had a fair idea of what numbers to expect. We weren't disappointed. A strong mix of mallard and teal kept things lively, each with very different flight patterns and behaviour, which keeps you sharp as the light fades.
Knowing When to Stop
We never flight for more than thirty minutes after the first shot or the first bird sighted. It's tempting to carry on, especially under a full moon, but stopping on time means we can clear the area quietly and let the duck settle back in once we've gone. This time was no different. A clean pick, dogs working well, and a dram and late supper waiting at home.
If you’d like to know more then read our introduction to duck flighting guide here.
If you're planning your own evening flight this season, browse our shooting and wildfowling clothing for gear suited to changing light, wet ground and long waits at the pond edge.