Is it really worth trying to decoy a flock

[sitsinhedges]

One of the few bits of rape I have this year seems to have the pigeons starting on it now.

 

Only thing is that they are already in one flock and disappear together at the slightest disturbance only to reappear an hour or so later as a flock.

 

Just wondering if it's even worth trying to decoy a few.

 

The weather is dead still and there must be plenty of other options for them.

 

Wondering what is the best time of day for birds right now too.

 

It's not a field that I get access to all the time hence my keenness to get in there but I think I may be wasting my time.

 

Any thoughts

[TJ91]

If its all about big bags to you then dont bother

 

i personally like to be outside whatever the weather, and whether am likely to get 2 or 200

i will go sit in the field at first light and wait for hours

 

nowt wrong with enjoying watching other birds/animals going about ther daily business...but not to everyones taste i know

 

i would say first thing on a morning

with the shorter days and cold weather they will be needing to spend more time feeding so spending more of the day out and about

[sitsinhedges]

If its all about big bags to you then dont bother

 

i personally like to be outside whatever the weather, and whether am likely to get 2 or 200

i will go sit in the field at first light and wait for hours

 

nowt wrong with enjoying watching other birds/animals going about ther daily business...but not to everyones taste i know

 

i would say first thing on a morning

with the shorter days and cold weather they will be needing to spend more time feeding so spending more of the day out and about

 

 

Yeh I wasn't sure whether they would touch it early when the frost is still hard, and it's bloody cold sitting in the hedge :(

 

It's not at all about big bags but I do like to have something to show for my efforts rather than just sitting there cold and bored.

[Red 9R]

if you show willing now you may get more access later??

[malkiserow]

An idea - leave the shottie at home............Decoy them onto the ground and shoot them with an air rifle - nice and quiet=less problems with flock disappearing (slightly)

[proTOM1]

Try going first thing before it gets light is good time to setup , you will find most of the time the become a flock when on the field but they will arrive in smaller numbers giving you the chance to bag a few

[Cranfield]

When the birds are like this I expect to move a few times a day.

Setting up camp and hoping they will come back can be a waste of time.

I give it an hour and if there is no sign of birds I go looking for them.

[Fisherman Mike]

When the birds are like this I expect to move a few times a day.

Setting up camp and hoping they will come back can be a waste of time.

I give it an hour and if there is no sign of birds I go looking for them.

 

 

I go home, hot bath and double whiskey & stones ginger ale.

 

You know it makes sense

[mag357]

Up here in North Yorkshire everything covered in snow and pigeons mainly in the hedgerows and fir trees feeding on berries. I tend not to shoot them at this time just to give them a chance (soft hearted really), although if you are keen and love freezing your n*** off it can be profitable.Not big numbers but a few decoys in the hedge tops can be prifitable.

Wait till the thaw and the rape pokes its head through.

[paddywack12]

Try going first thing before it gets light is good time to setup , you will find most of the time the become a flock when on the field but they will arrive in smaller numbers giving you the chance to bag a few

 

Good post