Starting decoying

[kyska]

Hi all,

 

I'm going to have a go at decoying pigeons, the crops are now too large for any real effective rabbit control so have been asked by the in law to sort out some of the pigeons, barley and wheat is getting sizable now and it won't be too long until the rape is cut, so perfect for me to find my feet and have a go.

 

But....I need some help and advice please.

 

I'm thinking about one of these Hide and some wobbly deeks and maybe a couple of the 'terminator' deeks too, any feedback on these choices?

 

I can also use netting I suppose, and I have access to lots of hay bales I can move about.

 

I'll be using my 20b beretta, size 6 or 7 shot should be ok yea?

 

Kyska

Edited June 1, 2010 by kyska

[wymberley]

Hello, mate.

My tip would be to forget the hide. Have a look at the Deben products (nets) offered by our sponsors. I know, not cheap but are very good, extremely durable and are a full 6ft in height unlike most. What I really like about them is that for whatever reason the ****** rooks don't seem able to see through them. Being pedantic now, as 6s or 7s are fine, but you could try 6.5s in the 20 bore. Plenty of energy for decoying and a 1oz load has the same pellet count as 1 1/8oz of No. 6.

Good luck,

Cheers

[Beardo]

i'll second that - forget the hide, get poles and a net - much more versatile

[Cosd]

Poles and hide all day long!

[zipdog]

i would rather get a magnet than 2 terminator bouncers. Bouncers work well but not nearly as good as a magnet. I have stopped taking my terminator bouncers now. UKshootwarehouse have some good deals to. flapers also work well a v.light to carry.

Edited June 1, 2010 by zipdog

[kyska]

Thanks guys, loads of info already.

 

I suppose it'll change what I use depending what I'm shooting on, there are a few patchs of laying down rape from the rain, so I iamgine thats a good start, the spring barley seems to be drawing some attention, once the rape is cut I should be onto a winner, over 500 acres were sowed, thats if I can hit the things....

 

Thanks a lot.

[UKPoacher]

Rich, The pop up hides are fine for when you need to sit out in the field away from natural cover such as hedges. They are restrictive and can be hot in summer. As you say, straw bales are good, but expensive for us mere none-farmer mortals. I have been building permanent hides out of hazel and willow sticks cut from the hedgerow, and seeding them with goose grass so that they will take root and give cover all year. You could do the same sort of thing with fence posts and chicken wire. These type of hides are good when you just want a couple of hours shooting as you don't have to lug and erect a hide.

 

Four x 4' 6" horse fencing poles and a Stealth Net with a hedge at your back are a better option for mobile hides though if the pigeons will decoy to that type of location. In larger fields they sometimes won't come to the edges. A dozen shell deeks on wobbler poles and a couple of floaters will be enough to get you into the black art of decoying.

[swiss.tony]

them pop up hides r rubish get sum steath cammo nt and hide pole gud ones they will last a life time and a magnet u cart go wrong with them better off with number 6 as or 5 s hope that helps swiss

Edited June 1, 2010 by swiss.tony

[UKPoacher]

them pop up hides r rubish get sum steath cammo nt and hide pole gud ones they will last a life time and a magnet u cart go wrong with them better off with nuber 6 as or 5 s hope that helps swiss

 

Speaking as a user of a pop up hide I would disagree with your statement. They maybe have limitations, then again so does a camo mesh hide. When you have to put a hide up in the middle of a field or on a wet day, I'd always choose a pop up over an open hide.

[Dr_T]

I'm new to decoying too. I went for 4 poles and a stealth net. Rotary with hypaflaps plus 10 flocked half shells. Set-up working well so far. Invested in some cradles recently since the crops are getting taller.

Edited June 1, 2010 by Dr_T

[swiss.tony]

Speaking as a user of a pop up hide I would disagree with your statement. They maybe have limitations, then again so does a camo mesh hide. When you have to put a hide up in the middle of a field or on a wet day, I'd always choose a pop up over an open hide.

its a fair point uk poacher iv built 1 or 2 hide in past like with fishing brollys as cover in rain then cammo net round that and on roof work s well just never sin point of spendin up to 150 ish on a geen tent but hay ho each to there own mate

[UKPoacher]

Mine cost twenty quid

[kyska]

Mine cost twenty quid

 

Thanks for all the replies guys, I guess I'll have a go and work it out, as swiss says its horses for courses.

 

UKPoacher, my offer stands as of last year, if you can make your way to me after the harvest you're welcome to come and shoot, spare comfortable rooms, and a 4x4 for access to the land and a good pub nearby where the peoples eyes don't pop out when you stroll in with a gunbag on shoulder.