Jay01

Thanks for the input gents. So for me it clarifies what we’ve spoken about and definitely comes down to what you and old’un said about concentrating on and learning the field craft aspect more so, instead of being a dodgy tradesman and blaming my tools 😂 I will keep my decoys as they are, order my whirley and in the mean time I will just go over the farm and try out yours and old’uns advice and just observe and clap them off field etc see if they come back to the same spot etc. appreciate your time and input gents, thank you, hopefully I can report back soon either way some news of improvement, failing that more advice. 👍🏻

Sorry for the delayed response… work getting in life’s way as usual…. Here are my current decoys..

I don’t think that you guys are coming down hard on me for a second. I’m honestly loving the sound advice. Some excellent pointers that I would not have learnt anywhere else. The scenario you pictured is all far too familiar and I was concerned it was becoming a regular pattern, but hey, that’s exactly why I eventually decided to come here for some blunt advice otherwise I would’ve got nowhere fast! So I am extremely grateful that there are guys out there like yourselves that actually give two hoots and like to help out. I am definitely keen, and I have the luxury of having some flexibility and freedom with my time. I’m in my early 40’s so there’s plenty of time for me to be patient and get to grips with it all, I definitely won’t be that bloke that gives up at the first hurdle. It honestly wouldn’t bother me being out in the elements over the winter, however, that’s once I have figured out what I am doing to make it worth while…. I saw your message earlier, I will send you a picture of my current decoys shortly. 👍🏻

Marsh man and old’un also mentioned field craft, it’s definitely an aspect I haven’t overly focused on. I will definitely be trying their suggestions. I will complete my profile later on because what you mentioned is I think exactly what I need, thank you.

Yeah that’s where I went wrong with my first set of decoys!!! More fool me! The chap in my local GS was telling me about the ff6, once I play with a magnet a few times I’ll look into them more? I will definitely keep at it, I can’t quit just yet

Thank you old’un, I was leaning towards the A1 lightweight magnet, the speed control option was never on my radar, it could work for some but seemed more of a gimmick to me. Valid point regarding decoys on a spring, helps me make a decision. I do use a trolly which makes life somewhat easier so I may look at a flapper too at some point but I think a magnet is more essential for me right now. With your magnet did you spray paint or wrap it in camo tape at all? I have been advised to use some nato paint as they still have some glare on them?

I have done this……I watched for 2 days in a row, on the third day I set up as close as I could to where I saw birds feeding and not a single bird appeared at the same time, they were completely non existent 🤣🤷🏻‍♂️ it’s all a learning curve, I will up the ante on my equipment and persevere. Either way it excites me more than going to the clays and I’d even go as far as saying I’d rather go through the motions than go on another driven shoot.

Thank you, Mainly decoying over laid barley & stubbles, yes the dried grass was just on the edge of this particular field. I have found a regular flight line with some good spots along the line, however, the current challenges are that due to pheasants being in the pens and forests i am restricted to where I can shoot at until season is over, also fishing lakes on farm too which is a pain, so I am hoping that a magnet will help lure them my way somewhat? Currently the only other movement in my set up is a pair of bouncers but as I’m sure you’re all aware is that when the wind magically vanishes they don’t offer much, which is why I’m leaning more towards the jack pyke decoys with springs as well as a whirley. These are what I’m deciding between, I’m not sure if one will be of better quality than the other? And will the jack pyke decoys provide more movement or are the springs more likely to break? https://www.a1decoy.co.uk/product/lightweight-pigeon-magnet-2-9-kg/ https://ukshootwarehouse.com/product/pro-motion-pigeon-magnet-rotary-machine-incl-rotary-bag/ https://www.bushwear.co.uk/products/12pk-flocked-1-2-shell-pigeon-decoy?gad_source=1&gbraid=0AAAAAD_Cie1FzrzILTcxUqC4cHg5WCJ03&gclid=Cj0KCQjwgL-3BhDnARIsAL6KZ6_bV37LzAWWOtdJVtIcCcRvScGAA-fwwdSbHe4BxjobzqtogmvahYEaAjA6EALw_wcB https://www.a1decoy.co.uk/product/flocked-pigeon-shell/ I will look out for him 🤔😂

Afternoon all. I'm new to pigeon shooting, although patient and eager, 6 or so trips to the farm I have shot more squirrels than woodies and I’m starting to get teed off. I can build a great hide( picture added any advice welcome), decoy pattern and wind direction all thoughtfully placed with best looking flight line I can get close to ( to the best of my knowledge & research) and it’s not coming together. I met a chap on a duck shoot recently and luckily he is an old pro and gave me some tips, ie, my decoys were below par and not flocked, so I will be treating myself to new half shell flocked, I am not sure if jack pykes on a spring would be better or worse than A1’s half shelled? Also magnet choice. A1 do what seems a reasonable lightweight magnet, and so does shoot warehouse. Can anyone offer any insight to quality/longevity from either? thanks