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WILDFOWLING - DUCK
As with the geese, Scotland is used by large populations of wintering ducks which breed further north in Europe, as well as having a substantial population of native species and these can provide excellent shooting opportunities.
Due to their mainly nocturnal feeding habits, ducks are traditionally shot near or on their way to the wetlands or ponds on which they feed during the night, and much of the shooting is done just as darkness falls - generating huge excitement and needing sharp eyes and quick reactions to detect the birds against the ever-darkening sky, before it becomes too dark to see properly and the night is over.
Many estates actually breed and release ducks - usually mallard - to enhance the shooting on their land, and excellent sport is available in most areas of the country at a modest cost. These reared birds are released early in the summer and allowed to naturalise, and by the time the shooting season begins, they are indistinguishable from their truly wild counterparts.
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