Open Season!

Dan Beardsmore talks us through the excitement of a night’s sport on the family duck pond – and explains what it takes to make a success of the season.

- Dan Beardsmore

As the days wane, the nights close in and the trees don their vibrant hues, a chill creeps into the air. Not the bite of wintry blusters, but just a nip to let us know a new season is at hand. As autumn approaches, my mind switches from the highs of summer deer stalking to the buzz of getting stuck into our local duck haven.

Before the start of our wildfowling season, there is work to be done. We release around 150-200 mallard (already eight to 10 weeks old) straight onto the pond in early August, which primarily helps to supplement the birds we take from the wild over the course of the season.

The 800-acre farm shoot consists of a stream-fed, 1.5 acre pond, surrounded by arable fields and a further half-dozen or so smaller flight ponds; many wild duck nest in and around the area, so there is a natural restock as well. The farm is part dairy and part arable. Nestled in the heart of rural Staffordshire, edged by the tiny River Blythe, we are fortunate that there is a large ‘raw water’ reservoir within a couple of miles. This attracts and maintains large numbers of wildfowl throughout the year, offering us the opportunity of some great sport with mallard, teal, tufted, widgeon, Canada geese and greylag being our staple. For our guests, friends and family, no matter how experienced a shot, our pond offers an exciting challenge for a winter’s evening.