Welcoming women to wildfowling

Working in the shooting and fieldsports industry brings many privileges. However, I always felt one area remained unexplored.

So, when the chance came to spend two days wildfowling with the Fenland Wildfowlers Association, I said yes immediately. Three other women joined me, all new to the sport.

I had shot wildfowl over ponds before. Yet the washes and foreshore offered something entirely different.

First evenings on the washes

Over two days, we experienced inland shooting and a foreshore morning.
Two outings took place during evening flights across vast washland.

As we drove to the hides, the scale of wildlife was striking. Ducks, geese, swans and lapwings filled the sky. Movement was constant and captivating.

These were moments I knew I would remember.

I was paired with experienced Fenland Wildfowlers Association members. Their Labradors were equally keen. We waded out to the hides, with water well above welly height.

It felt strange at first. Thankfully, the waders held firm.

As light faded, we settled in. The wash came alive with sound. Whistles, quacks and wingbeats merged into a constant rhythm. Watching and listening felt special in itself.

Shots, silence and atmosphere

As the flight built, I took a mallard and then a wigeon. Both were cleanly retrieved by the dogs. These shots were memorable. Yet the real magic lay elsewhere. The moon rose over the water. Bird silhouettes shifted in the half-light. Quiet excitement passed between us. Later shots brought no further success. Still, nothing dulled the sense of awe.

We returned by headtorch. Stories were shared before food and a short sleep.

A dawn on the foreshore

A 3am start felt easy. Anticipation beats tiredness when fowling beckons. We crossed the marsh under headtorches. Once on the foreshore, lights went off. The ground was heavy. Narrow creeks demanded care. With no light pollution, caution was essential.

Eventually, we settled into a gully. The marsh felt completely still. That moment stood out. The sky flushed purple as dawn arrived. A dog curled beside me. It was unforgettable. Then came the sound. Thousands of pink-footed geese rolled across the marsh. They were too far for a shot. Watching was more than enough.

Unforgettable

This experience exceeded every expectation. The warmth shown by the Fenland Wildfowlers Association was genuine. Women were not just welcome. They were wanted.

I would urge any woman considering fowling to give it a try. You may come for the shooting. You will stay for the landscapes, wildlife and camaraderie. The marsh offers moments found nowhere else.

“The sound of thousands of pink-footed geese began to roll across the marsh.”

Sustainable shooting and access

Throughout the trip, BASC’s Sustainable Shooting Code of Practice guided discussions. Find the code here

The BASC wildfowling permit scheme is exclusive to members. Find out more here

Learn more about the Fenland Wildfowlers Association here

bout the author

Lois Pettitt is BASC operations coordinator for the eastern region. She has a passion for all things shooting.

Contact: lois.pettitt@basc.org.uk