I've shot at Wachapreague actually, that's all clapper rails. There was one group of pushers left down there, a black family named Stranton. All were well along in years, the oldest brother was over 80. I've not hunted with them in several years and I wonder if they're still at it.
As far as booking a shoot in Jersey, you really can't do it. I called every September for about 6 years and never could get them to make a day with me. They've got a group of multi generational clients and pretty well all the days of huntable tides are taken up long in advance. I got lucky and Don got me in with a group he goes with who have been hunting with the Camp family for three generations.
Booking with the Stanton family wasn't too hard, you just had to catch a good tide. It's not nearly as much of a tradition in that area and most of the locals don't do it. It's not nearly as classic as the Jersey shooting, they pole you around in Carolina style skiffs.
You don't really need a cooler and lunch, a couple hours is about the longest you'll ever hunt. Once the tide peaks and turns, it's over. The birds stop flushing and you head back to the dock.
DLH
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I was as virtuously given as a gentleman need to be; virtuous enough; swore little; diced not above seven times a week; went to a bawdy-house once in a quarter--of an hour; paid money that I borrowed, three of four times; lived well and in good compass: and now I live out of all order, out of all compass. Falstaff - Henry IV
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