After an extremely tough year tackling the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic, BASC has welcomed the wildfowling season with ‘excitement’ and as a ‘thankful return to business’.
The 1 September, highlighted in all wildfowlers’ diaries, pronounces the return of ventures into the most beautiful parts of our countryside.
Shane Robinson, BASC’s wildfowling officer, said: “After all the hardships of 2020, wildfowlers excitement for the start of the season is also mixed with a thankful return to business. The ability to get out onto the foreshore and marshes, and enjoy the sights and noises, will be just as mentally beneficial as it is joyful.
“Early season trips have already been planned, the kit has been cleaned and updated, and the thought of spotting early season geese is really exhilarating.
“Early reports from around the country have reported several Pinkfoot geese arriving in their usual spots of the Wash and North Norfolk having had another good breeding season in Iceland. This tied in with our early Summer weather over lockdown has given our resident breeding ducks a good few broods which will hopefully make for a successful season.”
However, the start of the season does remain clouded for a small proportion of wildfowlers as Natural England continue to hold their consenting process under review.
Shane said: “For those wildfowlers who through no fault of their own aren’t lucky enough to be out wildfowling today, please rest assure we are working tirelessly to remedy the situation.”
For those new to wildfowling and looking to give it a try, check out the BASC permit scheme. The scheme provides opportunities for newcomers to get out and experience it first-hand.
