Hello Gregg. The snow and cold temperatures have had a major impact over here, with Scotland now in the midst of a cold-weather wildfowling/wader shooting ban and England not far off it if things continue. There are quite prescriptive rules here, primarily designed to ease shooting pressure on vulnerable species, although the wildfowling forum I am on has generally positive reports on wildfowl condition presently from around the UK. And of course, a wildfowling ban does not in any way prevent disturbance from others (dog walkers being a notable issue in some areas here).
However, an sportsman worth his salt will exercise volumtary restraint in these conditions and as soon as signs indicate birds are struggling, should hang up their guns.
So it could be several weeks before I get a chance to take the Paton on the marshes!
