poachers - advice

[Kes]

I am looking for a bit of advice chaps.

 

Despite pheasants being cheap and the risks very high, we get poachers every year.

Ours is a diy shoot and has a limited number of birds put down (1000)

They seem to prefer roost shooting air rifles/silenced .22, at or near pens with a lamp. I think those who do it are local and we have police support (when they can).

Any ideas about when I can stay out - full moon? Day after shooting ? etc.

Is there any way to cut the odds of being there when they are?

 

As ever, the odd one isnt a problem but these are determined poachers who go for a good number.

Police advice is to call the Armed response unit but I'd rather be directly involved.

Any advice, apart from "dont try it yourself", would be appreciated.

[lordhardup]

I am looking for a bit of advice chaps.

 

Despite pheasants being cheap and the risks very high, we get poachers every year.

Ours is a diy shoot and has a limited number of birds put down (1000)

They seem to prefer roost shooting air rifles/silenced .22, at or near pens with a lamp. I think those who do it are local and we have police support (when they can).

Any ideas about when I can stay out - full moon? Day after shooting ? etc.

Is there any way to cut the odds of being there when they are?

 

As ever, the odd one isnt a problem but these are determined poachers who go for a good number.

Police advice is to call the Armed response unit but I'd rather be directly involved.

Any advice, apart from "dont try it yourself", would be appreciated.

 

Well if it was me and not wanting to lose my FAC, I think that I would put out some trail cameras and capture them on film.

If they are like you think they are, local. Then I would assume that their faces will be known to the police.

 

Keep safe.

Clynton

[jimbo30]

Bad news mate. The old days with the odd one or two for the pot are gone. These days its people doing for orders. Only going to get worse as the lack of jobs and benefits increases. Best thing is to put some signs up. Put something along the lines of--

 

 

" YOU HAVE BEEN FILMED ON NIGHTVISION AND WE KNOW WHO YOU ARE AND WHERE YOU LIVE, DO NOT RETURN HERE"

 

No threats, foul language or general goading them on. Plain, simple and to the point. You could always sit in the pen and wait for them but what happens if theres several of them and they dont appreciate your input? Not worth a kicking or worse.

Hope you sort things mate.

 

Regards James

[Dempy]

Shotgun traps are effective, they put people off and let you know when people are about!

[shakin stevens]

I would and do stay out a much as possible, and try and build up a picture of the problem, do they drive and park up to access your land?

or come on foot probably the same way as well! get farmers involved some are interested on what goes off plus its a extra set of eyes on

the land, its not good confronting some of these people so get details and help from the police. we have just had two chaps putting the ducks

off our flight pond on several occasions had em twice walking to the pond never got to talk to them, because they saw me twice waiting for them!

regards bob.

[stefnc]

As above lay some shotgun traps, something to **** em up, should make them think twice about coming again as they wont know whats about. Linger for a few nights and if your hear anything, get on to old bill!

[al4x]

access tends to be a big issue, make sure you block as many gateways etc as possible and then make sure you're out and about as much as possible. Include the landowner in what is going on and if you're in a syndicate see how many people are local who can share going out to keep an eye on things. All I would add is doing it for financial gain is pretty unusual as the average pheasant is worth next to nothing these days, may be £1 or possibly more down the pub but not much.

[skyshooter]

I am looking for a bit of advice chaps.

 

Despite pheasants being cheap and the risks very high, we get poachers every year.

Ours is a diy shoot and has a limited number of birds put down (1000)

They seem to prefer roost shooting air rifles/silenced .22, at or near pens with a lamp. I think those who do it are local and we have police support (when they can).

Any ideas about when I can stay out - full moon? Day after shooting ? etc.

Is there any way to cut the odds of being there when they are?

 

As ever, the odd one isnt a problem but these are determined poachers who go for a good number.

Police advice is to call the Armed response unit but I'd rather be directly involved.

Any advice, apart from "dont try it yourself", would be appreciated.

May seem a bit OTT and you may not have time but a lot of keepers do the job properly and join up as a Special Constable

[mickeylove]

I use a datatool motorcycle alarm which sends me a text message when disturbed coupled to a trip wire to find out when people are in our wood (im also working on one coupled to a p.i.r for inside buildings.)

[Bazooka Joe]

poachers - advice, help to catch em

 

You have to think like them Kes...it's obvious they have your shoot sussed...the full moon is one of the best times, you don't need a light for the roost shooting...If they are out for numbers, more than likely they'll have a dog (that's to your advantage) & will have lookouts watching for the likes of yourself while they are on.

 

If you know someone with NV, that'll be a bonus, you can see even the smallest of light, ( mobile phone) hundreds of yds way. Depending what they are using, gun wise they'll want a windy night to cover the sound, which is what they are bothered about for obvious reasons.

 

If they have half a brain they will be dropped off, & either be picked up, or, return the next day for the booty.

 

TBH you have to many odds stacked against your shoot, shoot members working, family life,commitments, the list goes on. try the landmine booby traps with the black powder cartridges, like I say noise is an issue for them.

 

Remember the dog, if they know that theirs something down that the dog will pickup. they'll leave it at home, & that's more work for them.Escape route always an issue if sussed, so if you know the land well, & where they live, it's not rocket science, just put yourself in there predicament.

 

Like I say,,,think like them, put yourself in there position, & think what would you do if you were them.....& your halfway there,

 

Best of luck,

 

BJ

[Kes]

Chaps,

Thank you all for your useful ideas.

I'll be trying a few and will let you all know via a new thread how I get on.

Filling some feeders today and I can hardly find a bird - some maize still standing and I hope the rest will be in the woods but we will see, come saturday.

I know we all go on about buzzards, foxes and other vermin but theres no vermin as damaging as these guys.

Apart from the damage/disturbance, the poachers left the farms gates open - Bull and cows from one farm spent a night with those from a neighbour. Thankfully the farmer accepted our explanation without question when we mentioned calling the police - fortunately his animals were returned without problem but how many of the neigbours cows are now carrying hereford calves for free, we shall see

Thanks again

Results to follow

 

Any more ideas would be welcomed.

Cheers

Kes

[HDAV]

Apart from the damage/disturbance, the poachers left the farms gates open - Bull and cows from one farm spent a night with those from a neighbour. Thankfully the farmer accepted our explanation without question when we mentioned calling the police - fortunately his animals were returned without problem but how many of the neigbours cows are now carrying hereford calves for free, we shall see

 

Gates not chained? First starting place, suggest Trail cams near gates if you can, as anyone turning up with bolt croppers is committing criminal damage? Easier for CPS to prosecute than Poaching?

 

Add some alarm mines stragetically, check regularly, and if activated move them around and add cams, (could be wildlife tripping them)...a couple of late night foxing trips from members may help. There are soem cheap Video cameras you can get which may be worth looking at and giving to anyone you may around the site in case they do see something.

[inthedark]

Alarm guns are good, cheap too. Marine type flares aren't restricted and should do the trick. Post your location and use the power of pigeon watch to get it covered, should only take a week to catch them and once you know who they are - jobs done. I'll do you a night shift if you're close enough.

[hushpower]

Alarm guns are a good start.. . all the years hard work you put in and poachers are reaping the birds.You MUST get all the shoot members to do their bit poacher patroling . spread about the shoot or likely roosts etc be covert [ dont stand out ] ,they may be about at dusk listening for them goin up to roost .dont stick to regualar times patrolling mix it up. best is to have a few out at a time or a phone call away so you can all converge on them if spotted .they may be about during the day ,vary times an areas. oh an carry a stout stick. try not to shine the lamp unless certian ,can be seen miles away same with talking.on stil nights use your ears. dont write off wet an windy nights perfect for poachers they know keepers / helpers etc wont be keen on getting out an about ,and it hides shots. Get a night scope from Aldi £60ish, they may be using them. A german shepherd on a long rope in the dark teeth an flesh dont mix ,word will get about that you mean business . if you do chance apon them in the dark shine in their eyes to disorientate them to your advantage. look for footprints in the day time will give you a clue ,take a plaster cast?. Good luck let us all know how you go on :blink:

[Paul223]

battery alarm clocks set up the same way you would for fox, but higher, thigh level - poaching time

sand scattered on the floor for good prints even in the dry - how many

trip ropes and or obstacles, old barbed wire works well - just to pee them off, better if they have to use a light

put the odd 'scare crow' here and there in the woods, move them around from time to time - the body shape will unsettle them try to get one on high ground for a silhoette

Either as a group get out and be seen, lamp on the go foxing ( at all / any / different times never predictable but at least 5 times a week) or as a group say nowt ( keep your eyes peeled and listen, hide in the shadows)

Edited October 26, 2010 by Paul223

[stefnc]

Im currently reading a poachers biography, and one thing that keeps cropping up is gamekeepers using pheasant decoys/models and using real pheasant tail feathers on them. put them in the trees as if a roosting bird. I know this wont stop the taking of other birds but its worth a thought!

[HDAV]

Also get or borrow a decent scanner (radio scanner) they may well be using Radio's listen out for odd chatter (unfortunately can't do it if they use mobiles) but if they use CB or 2 ways you might get lucky have a recording device connected to the headphone output if possible and record them (maplin sell the bits old portable minidisc recorder is ideal)

 

Also speak to the police see obvious but you should have a Liaison Officer you should be able to get their mobile number online and give them a call have a chat. They may be able to help.

[the poacher]

youll never catch me

[hillmouse]

It can be a frustrating job if you have sporadic poaching.

 

What evidence is there and how many birds are going? Where from, when is it noticed and is the realisation immediate or delayed?

Look for any patterns to the problem. Same month, same days of the week, can you tell what time of night the birds are being killed?. You can narrow it down by varying deductions if you find dead birds. All of this detective work can help narrow the spread of activity and help focus your efforts more effectively.

 

Do everything possible to make things difficult for the poachers. Lock gates, alert all friendly neighbours, farmers and residents and ask them to look out for anyone taking an interest in the place, note registration numbers of any strange vehicles in the parish etc. and be seen doing so. Simple things like obstructions on rides that may inconvenience them in the dark. There are many options but keep it legal.

As mentioned the alarm mines are excellent as the last thing a poacher wants is noise alerting people to their presence. Try to be about at random times if you cannot be there all night. Alternate covert and overt patrols so it keeps people guessing if you are about or not.

 

Be very careful not to do anything illegal yourself despite the temptation to give the thieving scum some payback. If someone gets hurt even though they were poaching it will be you that gets done. Maddening but true.

 

Good luck.

[bignoel]

a lot of these poachers are not in it for the £££ as there isnt any in it i think you will find its what they call sport catapults and the frill of being out poaching some pykes down this way used to go on moonlit nights and take there catch for dog food .i watched a well known couple of local pykey lads with there catapults playing with a coke can shooting it around a feild and the speed of them loading and fireing would put a 10/22 rimi to shame and very accurate .could cause some savage damage to a small shoot in one night .

[Osgoodbyshooter]

Does anyone know where to get alarm mines from?

Edited October 28, 2010 by Osgoodbyshooter

[Blunderbuss]

Does anyone know where to get alarm mines from?

 

Henry Krank, but loads of other places too. Google is you friend

[bjlfishing]

if all else fails and you suspect where they are coming in from / parking ill get moaned at for this but nail boards to flattern tyres are worth a go when i was keepering years ago we struggled with dog men and our red deer we put nail boards on forest tracks told all esate staff where they were and within two weeks we had gained two cars that they had abandend we found and still do that the police as much as they make out theyre intrested in stopping poaching thyere more intrested in petty crimes that generate income for them .we have a local poacher watch scheme to try and stop deer poaching and it all over the local papers even on the tv but everyone in the county know who are the main culprits are and where they poach and they aint never been prosecuted recent;ly in a local deer park 3 men and two lurchers were caught as good *** red handed dead fallow blood all over a jacket and dog it went to court and they walked

[al4x]

yep silly idea, also gets dogs walkers and horses so you cannot leave nailboards about.

[decoying mad]

I would be surprised if it is poachers at night at the minuite there is way too much leaf cover at the momment for them to see the birds.

 

wouldnt think they are using lamps because all the woodys will do 1 straight away and the noise from that is anough to **** any one up.

 

as for full moon :lol: it would be too bright and the birds would be spooked .

try siting there when the moon is just below half :blink:

 

wooden cut outs in the shape of a pheasent placed in the trees will let you no when they have been you will see either a hole in the timber or lead residue on the timber

 

a few cheap wommens personal alarms with fishing line on the cord should do the trick placed between paths, trees and a few gates might help.

 

cheers dm