Dave-G Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Since it looks like I'm going to need some netting... What does anyone reckon about say a 10' high x 20' long piece of camo-netting with 3 poles in it so it could be leant against tree's - or put well into a field with the tops of the poles looped together like a wigwam - that could be moved round the field from inside? Bear in mind that a rimmie has greater range than a shottie - I'm thinking I could be sat on an overturned bucket and poke the gun through the netting rather than stand and fire over it. The idea being to shoot several while busy feeding before they cotton on rather than wait for them to overfly me. Also I have never done pigeon control - nor watched for their behavior and am curious why crops have been eaten right up to the edge of a field - where magpie's or crows would be wary. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul in North Lincs. Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Could work if your deeks were set out properly. You may find that poking the gun through the netting may obscure the scope though. It you are thinking of shooting at range, why not get comfy, and snugggle in the background in prone position, with the netting over you. Also be care full that the sin isnt in your face or the reflection of the sun on your optics will spook them. p.s anywhere in a field is vunrable from pigeons, howver severe damage to the edges is usually done by bunnies!. Also you'll find that the farmers dont always sow to the true boundary of the field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted February 16, 2006 Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 Since it looks like I'm going to need some netting... What does anyone reckon about say a 10' high x 20' long piece of camo-netting with 3 poles in it so it could be leant against tree's - or put well into a field with the tops of the poles looped together like a wigwam - that could be moved round the field from inside? Bear in mind that a rimmie has greater range than a shottie - I'm thinking I could be sat on an overturned bucket and poke the gun through the netting rather than stand and fire over it. The idea being to shoot several while busy feeding before they cotton on rather than wait for them to overfly me. Also I have never done pigeon control - nor watched for their behavior and am curious why crops have been eaten right up to the edge of a field - where magpie's or crows would be wary. as most pigeon shooting is carried out on large flat fields with none or very few backstops. first question is. would this form of pigeon control be safe. farmers, farm workers, dog walkers, ramblers, poachers, courting couples,lost, horses, cattle, kids playing.etc.etc. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 16, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 16, 2006 With you there mark - fortunatly leicestershire is nearly all rolling countryside with good backstops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 :o Not all at once please lads... I cant keep up Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Dave, I'd forget about trying to decoy Pigeons using a rifle over open fields. The birds will not generally land within a decoy pattern and stay for long enough for you to get a shot - they're not that daft, no matter how good your fieldcraft, decoy pattern or camouflage, and they certainly won't merrily feed amongst your decoys whilst you bowl 'em over with a rifle. If you're absolutely intent on this form of shooting, then find a bit of woodland with a few sitty trees in it, (these are generally tallers Oaks or Ashes where the birds will sit) and set up a hide within range of the tree. Good luck. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ferret Master Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 (edited) Dave, I'd forget about trying to decoy Pigeons using a rifle over open fields. The birds will not generally land within a decoy pattern and stay for long enough for you to get a shot - they're not that daft, no matter how good your fieldcraft, decoy pattern or camouflage, and they certainly won't merrily feed amongst your decoys whilst you bowl 'em over with a rifle. If you're absolutely intent on this form of shooting, then find a bit of woodland with a few sitty trees in it, (these are generally tallers Oaks or Ashes where the birds will sit) and set up a hide within range of the tree. Good luck. Cat Hi, Catamong, are you suggesting he shoots upwards with a rimmie? The bullet can travel for a mile if shot up in the air and can do a lot of damage when it lands. :< Or do you mean that he should try and decoy them from their sitty trees? FM :o Edited February 17, 2006 by Ferret Master Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 (edited) Dave, Catamong, are you suggesting he shoots upwards with a rimmie? Only if the backdrop is safe, i.e high ground behind. I think the whole idea is a bit daft, no Farmer will appreciate you telling him you have shot 2 pigeons all day with a rifle, when he knows you could have killed 50+ with a shotgun. Cat. Edited February 17, 2006 by Catamong Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Keep the opinions coming in please lads - I'm eager to help a desperate farmer reduce his pigeon problem - and it was his suggestion that I pick em off while they're feeding. Although this part of leicester is rolling hills - they arn't high enough for a safe rimmie shot into tree's - but thanks for the input. If the plan is unlikely to produce good results I'd rather hear it and save the £50 odd that the netting will cost. :o So say so if thats the case - I pwomise I wont bite Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Dave, A silly question, but why can't you do what everybody else does, and shoot 'em with a shotgun..?? Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave-G Posted February 17, 2006 Author Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 I aint got a shotty - dont really want one - and aint got a certificate anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bazooka Joe Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Ricochet springs to mind, hills or no hills, Save yourself a lot of hassle, (maybe law wise as well) & stick to the 12g. Bazooka Joe Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Why not set up flags all over the field except where you have a safe shot and do them when they land? I`m with Cat on this though,ashottie is the way ahead. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirky640 Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 shot gun is the way to go get up early doors and set up wait shoot and enjoy!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 Theres no dout a shottie is gona give you best results, but my mate met a lad that shot a 3 figure bag with a non FAC air rifle round our way so it isnt impossible. He shot them just as they were landing with there wings open George, Over what period was that 3 figure bag shot - a year.. If you've been told it was over one day, I'd have to say that somebody's pulling your plonker, it just can't be done, it's simply not possible..!!! I would defy anybody to shoot pigeons over decoys with a rifle of any description, let alone a non FAC airgun..!! As most people will confirm, they're hard enough to kill with a gun that spits out about 300 pellets at 1450 ft / sec in a 30 inch circle..!! Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted February 17, 2006 Report Share Posted February 17, 2006 As most people will confirm, they're hard enough to kill with a gun that spits out about 300 pellets at 1450 ft / sec in a 30 inch circle..!! no doubt about it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stupidsalmon Posted February 18, 2006 Report Share Posted February 18, 2006 (edited) I have to disagree, When shooting birds with shotgun there is no way to determine where each shot will fly. I know you have 200+ shots speeding in the general direction of the bird, but with an air rifle you are placing one accurate shot right in the brain box (of the landed pigeon) and the airgunner would only take the shot if they're sure of a humane kill. @george: Shooting 100+ pigeons with an air rifle in one year is a fair task, let alone doing it in one day!! Cheers SS Edited February 18, 2006 by stupidsalmon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted February 19, 2006 Report Share Posted February 19, 2006 Any experienced shot knows that pigeons don't sit motionless awaiting a firing squad 20 yards from the hide, whilst the rotary spins merrily nearby. To suggest that you can seriously shoot woodies over decoys with an airgun is completely laughable, and very unsporting, because you cannot be guaranteed consistent kills. Anybody that thinks otherwise needs to learn a bit more about the sport. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markbivvy Posted February 19, 2006 Report Share Posted February 19, 2006 I have to disagree,When shooting birds with shotgun there is no way to determine where each shot will fly. I know you have 200+ shots speeding in the general direction of the bird, but with an air rifle you are placing one accurate shot right in the brain box (of the landed pigeon) and the airgunner would only take the shot if they're sure of a humane kill. @george: Shooting 100+ pigeons with an air rifle in one year is a fair task, let alone doing it in one day!! Cheers SS i think catamong and myself are talking airborne birds in this little snippet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted February 19, 2006 Report Share Posted February 19, 2006 catamong, spot on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stupidsalmon Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 Sorry...misunderstanding, I totally agree that shooting woodies "over" decoys is not something one should even contemplate. As for that 3 figure bag with an airgun Maybe he meant 3 "bird" bag. SS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Highlander Posted February 20, 2006 Report Share Posted February 20, 2006 I use a low power air rifle for lamping feral pigeons in barns so no damage to anything other than the birds. Guess that might work for roosting Woodies if you're so inclined but like most others I'd say get yourself a SG. They're pretty deadly old chap! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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