Roost Shooting on Friday evening

[shoughton]

Thought I'd give it a go Friday afternoon.

 

I got to the (small) wood at about 2:30pm and got myself nicely hidden. I've been busy and working late all week - so not much chance to do any reccies and see where the birds may come from or go to roost - but I thought I'd take my chances.

 

I had rushed out of the house a bit quick and just put my barbour on over a rugby shirt. I wish I had put more layers on - I was freezing! There was a fairly strong northerly wind and it cut right through me - I wish I'd put some more layers on. Even wearing gloves and facemask I kept going into a shiver ....

 

A few birds came in, landing to my right facing away looking over a field of rape. I watched and waited but they just seemed to be looking at the rape with no intent of heading down onto it. Eventually I took two shots at birds and was pleased to hit them both.

 

Some huge flocks came over - bigger than I've seen for some time. Hundreds of birds. They looked at the roost, circled around but decided to go elsewhere. Apart from one bird who came in just after the main flock had left - bang. Got him.

 

Although I think there was still some shooting to be had I was just too cold to carry on! I was also pleased to have three birds to show for three shots and thought it was time to head off - I finished at about 4:20pm. I sat in the car for 5 mins before driving off enjoying the heated seat more than ever before!

 

Moral of the story is - wrap up well! It can be very deceiving out there - but when you're sitting or standing very still for long periods you really feel it. I don't usually notice the cold too much - but I did on Friday!

 

Pigeons were in excellent condition - and stuffed full of ivy berries - absolutely full to the brim!

 

We enjoyed the pigeons Saturday evening; stir fried with spring onion and black bean sauce they were very tasty.

 

Good roost shooting to you all - it's all about to get started ...........