The teal deal
Sporting Gun|October 2021
Tom Sykes relives a memorable flight chasing this fast and agile duck on the foreshore
Tom Sykes
The teal deal

I often find myself pondering over my tide table, satellite maps, drone footage, and the weather forecast to plan expeditions onto the foreshore throughout the season. I am always looking for those little pockets where I can set an ambush in the hope of catching a duck or two off guard. The early season can be a little hit and miss, but as we roll into October the opportunities can often become more fruitful.

So, with a dull, breezy overcast day forecast and a late morning tide predicted, I thought to head out in search of resident mallard or any early migratory wigeon.

Leisurely start

Late morning tides are leisurely compared with the early morning ones associated with most wildfowling. My alarm was set for a respectable 7 am, as opposed to the typical 3.30 am to 4 am needed for a first-light ambush. I pottered around the house gathering decoys and another essential kit before heading off. I donned my gear, saddled the decoy bag on my back, and set off with Goose to my chosen spot.

After a gentle march along the sea wall and a last dart across the marsh top, we reached the empty gutter with ample time to set up. I picked the location because there is a large sandbar to walk on when setting the decoys and the banking sticks out like a small peninsula into the large creek that creates a natural funnel with ample cover.

Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av Sporting Gun.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2021-utgaven av Sporting Gun.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA SPORTING GUNSe alt
Thermal spectrum
Sporting Gun

Thermal spectrum

Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared

time-read
6 mins  |
August 2023
Roe, rucks and new ground
Sporting Gun

Roe, rucks and new ground

Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Sporting Gun

Tales from a lifetime of foxing

Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Fox rot about Charlie
Sporting Gun

Fox rot about Charlie

Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
The sniff of success
Sporting Gun

The sniff of success

Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Adventures of Nick & Ted
Sporting Gun

Adventures of Nick & Ted

A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Sporting Gun

The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system

Vet's advice

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Gundogs Q&A
Sporting Gun

Gundogs Q&A

No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts

time-read
4 mins  |
August 2023
Stop-start!
Sporting Gun

Stop-start!

Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do

time-read
3 mins  |
August 2023
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Sporting Gun

Gundogs at the Game Fair

Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice

time-read
2 mins  |
August 2023