just maybe.....

[malkiserow]

a sticky that we create for beginners that starts like this ........ (nice job Cosd )

 

 

Some good advice already given; but since you already have the hardest thing to get, that's the land, why not offer someone with good experience and their own decoying equipment an opportunity to come to your land, and in return for some pigeon shooting to offer to show you the ropes.

 

In truth pigeon shooting is not something you can learn overnight or after one day of tuition, but good advice from an experienced person will set you in the right direction.

 

As far as purchasing the right equipment, every person will give you a different opinion. Theres lots to read on the forum, read as much as you can find using the search facility and you will notice trends, good things and bad regarding equipment. This way you can decide yourself what to start with. My advice or tips are as follows:

 

1 WEIGHT, decoying can involve loads of equipment, and lugging loads of weight across muddy fields is no fun. Always think about saving weight when purchasing anything. Even saving ounces on individual pieces of kit pays off when you have loads of it.

 

2 SIZE, again with having loads of gear, saving space is essential when you don't want to make multiple trips from the car to your shooting spot. Most people choose shells over full body decoys, or Silosocks are very light and take up little space in the kit bag.

 

3 HIDE, a decent set of poles (start at £40) are strong and light, yes many people use washing line poles but from personal experience and having used both, there is no comparison between the two.

 

4 NET, something that folds down small with a good pattern, 2 Ply Stealth net always gets good reviews, I've tried a few types and I personally like this one in conjunction with a Clearview net. I find these two nets covers every scenario throughout the year.

 

5 SEAT, something comfy for the hide as you will spend hours on the thing. I like the bucket seat as it doubles up for dry storage as well, and goes in the bottom of my holdall taking up no extra room.

 

6 CLOTHING, loads to choose from very cheap at army surplus stores to very expensive, go with what you can afford, again loads of reviews here on the forum using the search facility.

 

Most importantly, be safe and enjoy the sport giving your quarry all the respect it deserves.

 

 

I would add clearing up your pigeons and spent cartridges amongst other things...

 

 

what would add?

Edited January 8, 2010 by malkiserow

[hookbones]

always carry a phone and always have your license & written permission to hand <my permission lives rolled up in a cigar tube> .shooting can and will draw unwanted attention,and public attention can beget police attention... last thing anyone wants is not being able to prove they are there shooting lawfully.

[derek.snr]

insurance and keeping cert and permission with you in case challenged.