First and most importantly you need a current shotgun certificate which if you already hunt/shoot you will have one.  You should then ask yourself this question “Do I really want to be out on a bleak foreshore or estuary in the coldest months of the year, in all weathers trying to shoot ducks and geese?” If the answer is yes you’re already halfway there. Wildfowlers come from all walks of life but be warned it’s not a branch of shooting suited to those who like the comfort of a nice warm, dry, clean place. The sport of wildfowling is carried out mostly in the winter months and so often in bad weather when you will experience  some of the filthiest conditions you can imagine. You’ll often get cold, wet, muddy and sometimes even be in danger of injuring yourself or worse, especially if you fail to take the necessary safety precautions. Having said all that it’s not all bad, the rewards at the end of a successful outing make up for all the discomfort you may suffer. Nothing compares in the opinion of wildfowlers to the feeling of being part of nature and an added bonus is a nice tasty meal for your efforts. There is no substitute for experience so if at all possible get to know an experienced wildfowler and go out on the foreshore with him or her, yes some of the fairer sex do wildfowl, you will benefit a lot from their experience.  If possible join a club where you will usually get some insurance cover as well.  Once you have your shotgun and cartridges you will need a hide, some decoys, waders, warm waterproof clothing and then the most important item any wildfowler needs……his trusty gundog, which is essential for retrieving the quarry from water.  I have always like Labrador/Retriever bitches for their obedience and temperament.   Although not a legal requirement for wildfowling, a well trained retriever can add immensely to your sport. Having a dog allows you the opportunity to take shots that any self and quarry respecting wildfowler would not take if they were dogless. Providing however that you can pick your shots and take only those which you know you can retrieve without a dog, a dog is not essential. Personally I would recommend, that if at all possible, you should try to get a dog or failing that accompany someone who has a trained dog. Wildfowlers are fully aware that not everyone lives under circumstances that allows the ownership of a dog and as such will be only too willing to help out when they can. Do not however expect a fellow wildfowler to spend their time chasing around for your benefit. Use your discretion when taking your shots unless you own a dog. Remember an untaken shot is better than an injured or dead bird which you cannot possibly retrieve.  In conclusion, if you feel that wildfowling is the sport for you then I’d like to be the first to wish you good luck in finding some wildfowling and welcome you to our branch of shooting. Who knows perhaps one day we may meet out on the riverside or foreshore. If not then I wish you good luck with whatever branch of shooting you follow but please try wildfowling, it’s not to everyone’s liking but you’ll never know unless you try it.