Earith Wash

[Ciganka762]

Morning all,

I’m new to wildfowling with just two outings on The Wash with other club members so far. I don’t have a dog yet so I’m dependent on others to call me when they’re able to take me out.

I’m looking to build experience and do some wildfowling inland where I can go on my own without needing a dog.

Is anyone able to tell me - is a dog essential at Earith? (My club paperwork said I’m able to book there) Or can you position yourself so you can retrieve just by wading? I’ve tried the support email address but no reply so far.

Thanks

 

[Ferretlurcher70]

Just out of interest which wash clubs are you in?

 

[Ciganka762]

Just South Lincs at the moment but was considering Spalding too as I’m in that area and it seems that Wildfowlers are often members of a number of clubs.

 

[Dunwaters]

Yes, a dog is essential for wildfowling.
It doesn’t have to be your dog and the breeding is optional, but you definitely need one.

 

[Basil H]

The washes can be just dry fields (dog not essential) or there can be boating conditions with a nasty short chop. The transition is quite impressive when the water comes on and they need stock off. You need to chat to folk who use the area regularly (may be S.L., or Spalding or Tony at H.D.W.A.). to understand more the place fully and how to check out conditions. I actually shot the areas you refer to some 40 years back but don't know the washes well. Stalkerboydy may be along on here to help.
Do get a dog organised for net season though as it will add so much to your shooting and indeed to your life.

 

[shakey jake]

you wont regret having a good dog, you WILL regret not having one.
i grew up in earith. dead ducks and geese no prob, chasing wounded ones will be a nightmare

 

[Ciganka762]

Thanks, Shakey Jake - that’s a good point that I hadn’t considered.

 

[Ciganka762]

Thanks Basil H. A dog for next season may be a possibility, pending negotiations at home!

Now I’ve been out on the wash I can certainly see it’s essential to have a dog as even with a thermal the ground is just too uneven to stand a chance of retrieving. Would never consider shooting there alone at this point. Plus I’m still learning the tides!

I think once I’ve bumped into a few more people it will all start to unlock itself. Perhaps joining Spalding / Holbeach too would be a good idea. So far I think it’s the most open and friendly shooting related discipline I’ve found. People seem very understanding and patient with beginners.

 

[shakey jake]

you shouldnt have an issue with tides at earith, the tides seem to hold up the river. it wont change much think few inch not feet

 

[Ferretlurcher70]

If you join holbeach the ranges come along with it, as do if you join gedney drove end. Fenland definitely worth a look at. Am up next weekend for a long weekend, hoping the temperature will drop. Can up a few weeks ago mosquito where awful.

 

[Ciganka762]

! Yes my first couple of trips out have been a bit of an eye opener with the mosquitos! Guy who took me out got hammered - possibly as his dog was sat with him. Ordered some bug juice as soon as I got home first evening!

Edit - presume you mean the RAF ranges Ferretlurcher70?

 

[shakey jake]

im only about 5 miles from the earith end of the washes, if you want a coffee drop me a text

 

[stalkerboydy]

Thanks Basil H , as Jake i live very close to Earith end of the washes and shot the washes for many years. In my experience slightly flood water/splashes are best as opposed to bank to bank when you need a boat. Yes a dog is a big advantage but with care eg keep away from dyke's you can't cross - water you can't wade and obviously the Delf and Ouse river's. If you shoot any Duck or Goose and it shows any signs of life shoot again quickly and safely on land or water. If you shoot the washes i believe you do I've had many fantastic flights on it. Not sure about Ducks but plenty of Geese was flighting over that area early on. Don't hesitate to ask if you would like any other advice.

 

[Ferretlurcher70]

Yes RAF holbeach

 

[Ciganka762]

Thank you for your very helpful responses. Position seems to be key and a recce is certainly going to be in order. Shakey Jake, I’ve got a few days off work in a couple of weeks so will message nearer the time I can make it down. Much appreciated

 

[Robj84]

I live so close to this and didn’t know that wildfowling took place on the river.
Shakey Jake, stalkerboy dy can anyone shoot on there or do you have to be part of a club/association?

 

[sir-lamp-alot]

I lost my spaniel years ago to him having a seziure and drowning on a shoot day,at the time due to trying for a baby with the wife it wasnt right to replace him and for years I pushed on shooting ducks, pheasants, snipe ect walking them up marking them well when dead or running them down or shooting them again if pricked, it worked to a point but truth is it was hard so hard infact that earlier this year I replaced him and whilst hes been very easy to train its still very time consuming, relentless and at times mentally distressing to get him to where he is now but worth the effort as hes entering his 1st season of work

 

[shakey jake]

I live so close to this and didn’t know that wildfowling took place on the river.
Shakey Jake, stalkerboy dy can anyone shoot on there or do you have to be part of a club/association?

you will need permission from land owner, may only be possible through clubs now.
loads of widgeon in winter

 

[Ciganka762]

I live so close to this and didn’t know that wildfowling took place on the river.
Shakey Jake, stalkerboy dy can anyone shoot on there or do you have to be part of a club/association?

It may be worth contacting Leicester Wildfowling Association in the first instance. If not them, a club more local to you that has a day ticket arrangement in place with them. Only limited numbers of people are permitted per day according to what I have read - so you will need to be a club member and have booked and paid in advance. At least as I understand it.

 

[3red dogs]

Get some experience and a dog.
I have access to a wash around earith that we haven’t shot for 10 years.
Maybe somebody should come up with some views/ offers.