henry_o Posted December 30, 2015 Report Share Posted December 30, 2015 Hi folks, Does anyone on the forum have a shoot on HLS covered ground? I'm in the HLS and having limited success when using just the bird seed crops in drives. Thinking about putting a couple blocks of maize in to help some main drives. What's the smallest/biggest block that you guys have? What performs best for you? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted December 30, 2015 Report Share Posted December 30, 2015 On an estate I control the fox population on it has varied areas of maize, the biggest being around 10 acres and then some just 50 yards deep and maybe 200 yards long. They also leave weat stubble on to hold the birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David BASC Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Morning, If you are a BASC member then call our conservation and land management team, they will be able to give you advice on crops you can plant under HLS Speaking from experience, having helped look after a 1000 acre shoot for many years, out of all the crops we have panted, maize has proven to be one of the best overall as a holding / drive crops, mustard has been good too David Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 The only problem with maize, especially in a windy season like this, is that it does soon fall over into a tangled draughty mess. Seen a lot of maize that in August looked brilliant but is now trashed, even more so if you have badgers, deer and or rook helping it! A friend of mine uses a sorghum strip around it to keep the wind out at ground level. Some of the best cover I have on my shootm is dwarf sorghum and millet, with wild fat hen and also my roughly broadcast rescue mix which went in first week in August and is now 2-3ft tall, thick and still growing and holding birds well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry_o Posted January 2, 2016 Author Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 The area we plan to use maize are quite sheltered. I'm hoping to hold pheasant abd partridge there until Xmas. Although the HLS areas hold no end of song birds (which we love) they don't seem to be consistent at holding game through the season. Out of interest, what do shoots pay the farmer per acre of maize? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennett Posted January 2, 2016 Report Share Posted January 2, 2016 Not too sure on pricing, ours is all done in return for shooting. You could have a look on kings or brights websites to give you an idea of what could go in under hls, as the maize won't be covered you may find a better mix than you already have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southwest_colonel Posted January 6, 2016 Report Share Posted January 6, 2016 Out of interest, what do shoots pay the farmer per acre of maize? Unfortunately, the answer to that is 'how long is a piece of string'? Some will do it in return for shooting (as per kennett's example). On the other hand, I have one keeper who is paying £500 /acre. That shoot is over a dairy farm, so it's almost understandable that they're maximising their diversified income given how unprofitable their main operation is. I'm also involved in a shoot where it's £250 (£150 /acre 'rent' and £100 for establishment). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tiny tim Posted January 6, 2016 Report Share Posted January 6, 2016 we use maize but it only last till December then it is open and drafty we pay £180 an acre for the rent .we have three blocks 2 x 1 acre and one 2 acre Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobbieWilbo Posted January 6, 2016 Report Share Posted January 6, 2016 we have the HLS crops and find on dry 'nice' days there's lots of birds in there but on wet rainy days its empty and after all the rain and winds we had in November most of it was down as was most of our maize. it also holds louds of little birds which is nice to see. it depends on your drive and position and where you will place guns whether a block of maize would help. we like the crop great for wildlife and game birds. hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scolopax Posted January 6, 2016 Report Share Posted January 6, 2016 On an estate I beat on one of the farmers was extremely insistent, almost to the point of being aggressive, that no maize was to be planted on any land that he rented to the shoot for game covers. It was blatantly obvious that not only was he charging top dollar in rent, he was also claiming the game covers as wild bird cover for his stewardship points. Bet many other farmers were playing at the same game too......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.