Decoying Woodies?

[andyhawkx3]

If you are planning a trip out to shoot pigeons in the rain look out for tall trees on the edge of a rapeseed field. That's where they are likely to be.

Put the kettle on as you leave home because after the first shot you'll never see the again until after the rain stops. Might as well go back home.

Very rare rapeseed is planted in my shooting area, other that a little section for game cover, mostly winter wheat, my preferred shooting spot this time of the year, is a dingle with four separate fields around it, the dingle has a stream running through it, pigeons like a drink when there feeding ...so he kettle is cold when I get back.

[adam f]

Thanks for the advice.

I popped them out yesterday and watched from my office window - they got buzzed by woodies a few times - perfect for a 12g, but not an air rifle - as wash suggested.

I'll stick to stalking them roosting, and the rabbits and keep the deeks for the rape fields and 12g.

[greg]

Define pest for you, if a pigeon is being a pest, its damaging crops then you can lawfully shoot it, so if you are putting food out for it, its not a pest...

Here you go, read about pests BASC - Wood Pigeon Code of Practice

Well thankyou professor, believe me i know what a pest is.
When shooting from the side of a field and the woodies are landing within the crop or out range i will try something outside the crop and in range either deeks or bait, thus stoppng them from destroying the crop.
I would never shoot quary unless its deemed a pest by the landowner and myself

[greg]

just read the web site and from what i can see im not doing anything i shouldnt. also these methods have been mentioned in shooting mags.

[andyhawkx3]

just read the web site and from what i can see im not doing anything i shouldnt. also these methods have been mentioned in shooting mags.

Well we all have views on the airgun comics.

[andyhawkx3]

I have bird feeders in my garden and a bird bath, and you will be surprised that I have shot a pigeon, that didn't want my free offerings but was very persistent in eating my garden peas, even though I had tried different ways of deterring him form eating my peas, used wind mills nets you name it, I tried it.

[Poacher]

Very rare rapeseed is planted in my shooting area, other that a little section for game cover, mostly winter wheat, my preferred shooting spot this time of the year, is a dingle with four separate fields around it, the dingle has a stream running through it, pigeons like a drink when there feeding ...so he kettle is cold when I get back.

Andy, I'm talking about when it's raining and the pigeons are huddled up in the trees like a row of old men with their coats pulled round them. They ain't in the mood for feeding and just drop down to grab some food and get back in the trees. When they are like this they won't fly around like they do in dry weather so once you've spooked them - that's it! They go, and none come back.

I agree about the stream though. My shoot has a small river and in summer I spend hours sitting on an old pack horse bridge picking off woodies and squizzers that are dropping in for a drink, especially around midday. It's got trout in it too

[andyhawkx3]

Andy, I'm talking about when it's raining and the pigeons are huddled up in the trees like a row of old men with their coats pulled round them. They ain't in the mood for feeding and just drop down to grab some food and get back in the trees. When they are like this they won't fly around like they do in dry weather so once you've spooked them - that's it! They go, and none come back.

I agree about the stream though. My shoot has a small river and in summer I spend hours sitting on an old pack horse bridge picking off woodies and squizzers that are dropping in for a drink, especially around midday. It's got trout in it too

I'll bring the rods yes our has got trout in it two, but there only wild brookies about as long as you finger

[Poacher]

Ours are 'takers'. I always have a telescopic rod in the car and there are worms in the muckheap. Sometimes on a summer's evening, usually Wednesdays when little wife is at aerobics, I'll catch my supper and have a BBQ on the Kelly Kettle. Bliss!

[andyhawkx3]

Ours are 'takers'. I always have a telescopic rod in the car and there are worms in the muckheap. Sometimes on a summer's evening, usually Wednesdays when little wife is at aerobics, I'll catch my supper and have a BBQ on the Kelly Kettle. Bliss!

stop it your making my mouth water