I'll be out on the marsh bright and early (Around 3.30-4am) to make sure I get one of the six allocated spots for opening day. Will probably be Mallard, with maybe a chance of the odd early season Greylag or Pink. Then off to a greasy spoon for brekkie, back on the farm for pigeons and then out again for an evening flight on if the same marsh or a different one. Might make the morning flight next day or if not, spot of pigeon/vermin shooting then evening flight.
I love opening day more than anything else, regardless of whether I get the chance to fire the gun. The butterflies have kicked in since the weekend and the beginning of August. Gun, Calls, Shells, Waders all ready. couple of recces the weekend leading up and I'm all set.
Oh to be out and watch the sun rise, mist drift by, the sound of birds stirring on their roosts and the first flight coming in the distance wondering whether you're in the right spot for them to pass close enough.
Can't decide whether to drive down the night before and have abit of a meet up with a mate of mine in the carpark, couple of stubbies, bit of a fry up, start the winding up banter early though. Bet on whose going to miss first, get first duck, get first goose, get the first crow (Normally me as I can't resist shooting the black stuff), get stuck
Mind you, I love it even more in Late december/early january when only the true fowlers are out cracking the ice as we cross the marsh.
May your aim be true and straight and many fowl fall at your feet.
SS