general decoy layout

[Ratsmasher]

Hi all, probs a regular question so apologies in advance but i am new to decoying pigeon but have a good deal of experiance with shooting

hoping to get out shooting with some friends to get a rough idea, but was wondering what i will be needing for a good pattern

i have read around and as far as i can see i will need a dozon or so decoys to bring the first ones in that can then join the pattern, a magnet, and a few floaters

as I said, new to decoying but not shooting so any advice on anything specifically to do with the pattern would be gratfully recieved along with the sort of price that would be resonable

Thanks, ratsmasher

Edited December 21, 2010 by Ratsmasher

[TJ91]

2 dozen shell decoys on spring sticks, get 50+ out if you are shooting on rape this time of year

and 2 floater/bouncer things

 

that should be all you need in the pattern

 

them whirlie things work in some areas, but put one out here and the pigeons **** off to the other side of the country!

 

set the decoys fairly close together this time of year

 

go out and watch the pigeons feeding for a while, you want to take note of where they are, set the pattern up to look just like the real things

[Ratsmasher]

thanks really helpful

[Muggins.]

I`ve had most sucess with a horseshoe patern. I feel it gives the birds a "comfort zone" to land in.

muggins.

[pigeonblasterian]

If you can add a few real pigeons to the pattern you will draw them in better.Real decoys are better than artificial any day.Start with a V or U shaped pattern to start with.Change it if it does not seem to work.You could try a pigeon magnet but be prepared to take it down if nothing is happening.

[Ratsmasher]

I think that I will probs start off with a dozen flocked shells, two or three floaters/bouncer things and then just use shot birds to add to pattern and only add a magnet if I think I need one after a few trips

Thanks again for the advice

Ratsmasher

Edited December 25, 2010 by Ratsmasher

[tomaddy525]

horseshoe with flappers/bouncers on each end

[Cranfield]

I think you are wise to go with flocked shell decoys.

 

The most important things IMO is to leave room in the layout for the birds to come in and to have movement among your decoys.

Spring sticks for the shells and a floater, or two.

[F150]

Real birds, real birds, real birds!

[chris s]

you need to be careful not to overdo any decoy patterns, just add about six with a flapper to the rear, then as you progress replace each decoy with real birds, then expand if neccessary.using a real flapper with stick insert through the chest and a large stick up its **** will always work better, trial and error my friend as it goes.but always face birds to the wind with slight adjustment to odd birds to look realistic.hope this helps, chris s