Percy78

Definitely a lot on the fields in my part of Fenland. Loads in the garden too, taunting me day in day out!

Very similar here. The ferals come off of nearby grain silos. Maybe I’ve been lucky not seeing any stock doves as they do seem abundant in other areas. That’s a very good idea about the plumage and something I’ll probably stick to as it’s definitely not a mistake I’d want to make.

Great info, thanks 👍🏼

Absolutely. I’ve let quite a few ferals go as I wasn’t 100% sure. We have a lot of collared doves around too so it pays to be careful. I haven’t seen any stock doves but out of interest, what makes them stand out in shape and flight?

100% agree. Once they start coming in they make every pigeon in the area take notice.

And there was me thinking I was some sort of feral pigeon whisperer that had unbelievable Decoying skills!!! 😂

Does anyone else find that ferals come into decoys a lot more than woods? Sometimes I’m still setting up and they are coming in. There is a good flock of them but there’s plenty of woodies around too. Just curious as to others experience?

Thank you 👍🏼

That’s incredibly kind of you bruno22rf. I just may take you up on that offer at some point.

Good point! I think my first job should be chasing up the land being cleared!

I’ve never even given that avenue any thought. It’s something I will definitely investigate.

That’s a fantastic offer and very much appreciated! Thanks figgy. I’ll certainly look into that.

I do have land for the sec 1 shotgun. Unfortunately the permission for the .22 is under Lincolnshire police and seemed to cause a headache all round. Thanks for the replies Rewulf. It’s much appreciated!

I was told by the fao that I need more experience (someone to vouch for me) as I can’t prove my experience with a rifle due to the little experience I have being obtained in Canada. I’ve held a SGC for sometime which is why the section one shotgun was issued. it was agreed that once I’ve got a bit more experience it would be easier to apply for a variation than refuse my application and re apply. im not aware of any clubs apart from Cambridge GC which have only been to a few times. I do have a permission that was needing to be cleared by a different police authority but COVID came and stopped everything in its tracks. its all a bit long winded but hopefully that gives you an idea!

Hello all, I’m in March, Cambridgeshire and in need of some rifle experience. I’ve got my FAC but only for a semi auto 12 bore. I need a bit more experience before I can apply for a variation and get a .22LR added to my ticket. unfortunately I don’t have anything to offer in return Shooting wise but I thought this was the best place to start and ask for help. many thanks, Paul.

I’ll take 13 weeks compared to other horror stories!

Thanks Dan, that’s good to know. I’m happy to wait. I learnt my lesson when getting my SGC... it comes when it comes! 😂

Hello all, i’ve submitted my FAC application to Cambs police and was just wondering if the wait times are as bad as advertised. I know they’re short staffed and I’m in no rush as it takes as long as it takes. Just curious as to how long others have waited in the area?

I think it’s already happening...... 😬

I’ve been on the clay ground for a while which has definitely helped. You’re absolutely right with the staying still part. I’m a half decent shot but getting in the right position and having patience is a skill!!

Hello.... i’ve lurked on here for long enough and thought it was about time to get involved. i managed to get myself a permission to shoot on a field through luck more than anything else, right place and time if anything! It’s a linseed field but surrounded by maize and a recently harvested field at one end. Lots of sitty trees and plenty of pigeons coming and going. I haven’t had time to sit for hours but I’ve managed a couple of mornings and afternoons over the last few weeks and I’m finding my way as I go. I’ve read tips on here and I’m slowly getting to grips with it. I hit some and I miss some but the time spent in the field watching the birds come and go and weather pass (luckily in the distance) has been a fantastic experience. Sometimes I haven’t had an opportunity to pull the trigger but being in the great outdoors among nature and watching it pass by is one hell of a way to spend your time and great for the soul! Thanks to the regular posters on here. It’s a great resource and great for us beginners!

I’ve had the call from my FAO so I’m hopefully on the home stretch! Thanks for the replies and advice!

Thanks for the reply Tightchoke. I definitely won’t be pestering them but they are now over the 12 weeks stated online. The email I sent last week was my first one and I made sure it was after the 12 week period. As you say though if they are busy there’s not a lot I can do about it. Just gonna be patient and go with it!

Thanks for the reply Okrang.... I have enquired about progress but I’ve just got the standard ‘we’re very busy’ reply. I’ll chase again in a couple of weeks as I think you’re right that it can’t hurt.

It certainly doesn’t make good reading when you look into it! Good luck with yours too. I’m sure we’ll be happy shooters in the near future!!