SALTWATER, WEBBED FEET AND BLACKPOWDER: Tracing the history of wildfowling afloat on tidal waters, including Sir Ralph Payne-Gallwey's wildfowling diary. Researched and written by John Richards and Julian Novorol. De Luxe Edition.

2018 1st edition. 4to (195 x 266mm). Pp293. Colour and b/w photographs, paintings by Julian Novorol, maps, bibliography, pictorial end-papers. Half grey leather over light grey cloth, contrasting spine labels titled in gilt, marbled end-papers. Limitation page numbered and signed by both authors.

Beyond the seawall around our coast lie the inter-tidal saltings, mudflats and creeks which create the wonderful wilderness where, in the winter months, generations of wildfowlers have hunted wild ducks, geese and waders. This book is specifically about the history and traditions of fowlers who have chosen to use shooting yachts, steam launches and all manner of gunning punts to pursue their quarry. Beginning in 1814 with the writing of Colonel Peter Hawker, his book, 'Instructions to Young Sportsmen in All that Relates to Guns and Shooting' we are able to trace unprecedented changes that have taken place in rural communities where once fishermen / fowlers obtained, in winter, a meagre living from wildfowling. With the introduction of the railways fowling pressure on the coast increased. We find also that a remarkable number of wildfowl were trapped in decoys and sold in the markets at home and abroad. Legislation became necessary to give protection to birds and chapters are devoted to this subject. Access to the wildfowling diary of Sir Ralph Payne Gallwey, Bart. has given us a vivid insight into the life of a Victorian gentleman who from 1874 until his death in 1916 spent much of his time in the winter months punt gunning in different parts of Southern Ireland, England and Wales, whilst also making frequent visits to the German and Dutch coast with his close friend Captain George Gould. There are details of the punt guns they owned and the way they have since been restored. One example, a double Holland and Holland punt gun, can now be seen on display at The British Association for Shooting and Conservation's Headquarters in North Wales. Tributes are paid to the staff and Executive members of The Wildfowlers' Association of Great Britain and Ireland (formed in 1908) who assiduously worked to modify legislation that might have otherwise affected the traditional sport of wildfowling. Through their foresight conservation has become a byword and today wildfowlers contribute to the management of wildfowl and waders in their habitat ensuring that shooting is managed in a responsible and sustainable way.