Gun Dogs and Beyond – Episode 5: Wildfowling, Woodcock, and the Reality of Modern Shooting
Podcast Overview
In Episode 5 of Gun Dogs and Beyond, host Nick Lambert is joined by Richard Webb to explore the world of wildfowling, rough shooting, and working dogs in today’s changing countryside.
With decades of experience shooting wildfowl, managing land, and working dogs across the UK, Richard offers a grounded and honest perspective on the realities of modern shooting, far removed from the polished image often portrayed online.
From coastal flighting to inland duck, woodcock sport, and the challenges facing habitats and bird numbers, this episode dives deep into what it really means to shoot sustainably and responsibly today.
It’s a conversation built on experience, not theory.
Meet the Guest: A Life in the Field
Richard Webb’s shooting life has been shaped by practical experience rather than formal pathways.
Growing up with access to land and wildlife, his introduction to shooting came naturally, learning through doing, observing, and making mistakes along the way.
Over time, this evolved into a deep involvement in:
- Wildfowling
- Rough shooting
- Habitat awareness
- Dog work across varied terrain
His perspective is refreshingly straightforward, focused less on tradition for tradition’s sake, and more on what actually works in the field.
Wildfowling: More Than Just Shooting
A major theme of the episode is the true nature of wildfowling.
Richard is clear: wildfowling is not just about pulling the trigger.
It’s about:
- Reading weather and tides
- Understanding bird movement
- Knowing when not to go
- Accepting failure as part of the process
Unlike driven shooting, success is never guaranteed.
In fact, many outings result in no shots at all.
But that unpredictability is exactly what draws people in.
The experience, the flight, the anticipation, the environment, is just as important as the result.
The Role of Fieldcraft
Throughout the conversation, one idea comes up repeatedly: fieldcraft matters more than anything else.
Richard emphasises that success in wildfowling and rough shooting comes from:
- Observation over time
- Learning specific pieces of ground
- Understanding seasonal changes
- Adapting to pressure and disturbance
There are no shortcuts.
You cannot rely on equipment alone, and you cannot replicate experience overnight.
As with falconry in the previous episode, the message is clear:
time in the field is the real teacher.
Working Dogs in the Real World
The episode also explores the role of dogs, particularly in less controlled environments.
Unlike driven days, rough shooting and wildfowling demand dogs that can think independently while still remaining under control.
Key traits Richard values include:
- Game-finding ability
- Calmness under pressure
- Adaptability across terrain
- Reliability in water and cover
He highlights that many people over-prioritise obedience drills without exposing dogs to real-world scenarios.
A dog that performs perfectly in training but struggles in wild conditions is of limited use.
Experience, again, is everything.
Woodcock Shooting: A Unique Challenge
Woodcock shooting is another standout topic.
Richard describes it as one of the most testing forms of shooting in the UK.
Why?
Because woodcock are:
- Unpredictable in flight
- Often found in dense cover
- Highly sensitive to pressure
- Seasonal and migratory
Success requires patience, good dog work, and quick reactions.
But more importantly, it requires restraint.
Knowing when to shoot, and when not to, is part of responsible sport.
Changing Landscapes and Declining Opportunities
A more serious thread runs through the episode: the changing face of the countryside.
Richard speaks candidly about the pressures affecting shooting today:
- Habitat loss
- Changing land use
- Increased disturbance
- Declining bird numbers in some areas
Wildfowling, in particular, has become more challenging due to shifting migration patterns and environmental changes.
This makes responsible management and realistic expectations more important than ever.
Social Media vs Reality
One of the more direct parts of the conversation addresses how shooting is portrayed online.
Richard points out that social media often shows only the highlights:
- Big bags
- Perfect retrieves
- Ideal conditions
What it doesn’t show:
- Empty days
- Missed chances
- Difficult conditions
- The learning curve
This creates unrealistic expectations, especially for newcomers.
The reality is far less polished, but far more rewarding for those willing to put in the time.
Advice for Newcomers
For those starting out, Richard offers practical, no-nonsense advice:
- Get out and observe before expecting results
- Learn your ground and conditions
- Focus on fieldcraft over gear
- Work your dog in real situations
- Accept that failure is part of learning
- Seek out experienced people and listen
Above all, be patient.
Progress in shooting and dog work happens over years, not weeks.
Key Takeaways
- Wildfowling is as much about experience as it is about shooting
- Fieldcraft is the most important skill you can develop
- Dogs must be trained for real-world conditions, not just drills
- Woodcock shooting demands patience, restraint, and fast reactions
- The countryside is changing, and opportunities are evolving
- Social media rarely reflects the reality of the sport
- Time, observation, and consistency are what build true skill
This article is adapted from Episode 5 of the Gun Dogs and Beyond podcast and has been edited for clarity, readability, and search visibility.