Wildfowling on the Blackwater

The tradition of wildfowling on the Blackwater estuary in Essex is centuries old. Local people have long hunted or trapped migratory birds there for food or for sport, and at one time the district supported many professional wildfowlers who shot ducks and geese in the winter for the market.

In the 1950s growing problems with poaching led to the setting up of wildfowling clubs, and the Blackwater Wildfowlers Association was formed in 1960. Today’s wildfowlers hunt purely for the enjoyment provided by a challenging and difficult sport, conducted in wild and remote surroundings. They enjoy the full support of local farmers, landowners and nature conservation agencies.

The Blackwater Wildfowlers Association accepts membership applications from all who wish to enjoy wildfowling on the marshes and foreshore it controls. Newcomers may join as Associate (non-shooting) or Probationary Members. Before progressing to full membership they are required to pass a club proficiency test and to demonstrate their safety with a shotgun. Members must book-in with the club booking-in officer before shooting, and must file monthly bag returns.