Axel Posted May 2, 2006 Report Share Posted May 2, 2006 Hi Pigeon Watch. Not sure if this is the right place to put this info but if its very useful so here it is; For some time now, I have been trying to source info on what crops go in when etc. I wrote to 2 shooting mags suggesting they run a short, regular column, with no replies and the NFU info was a bit thin. But, I have found some useful info in a book for all those that dont have wide-spread crop knowledge (like me). Its a naff title but Jill Mason's book, 'The Townies Guide to the Countryside' has a chapter on arable crops (plus lots of other good stuff) and I've found it very useful (courtesy of my local library). So if you want to know what goes in, when, this book is very helpful. Good shooting, Clipper. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fulltimeshooter Posted May 2, 2006 Report Share Posted May 2, 2006 Hi Pigeon Watch. Not sure if this is the right place to put this info but if its very useful so here it is; For some time now, I have been trying to source info on what crops go in when etc. I wrote to 2 shooting mags suggesting they run a short, regular column, with no replies and the NFU info was a bit thin. But, I have found some useful info in a book for all those that dont have wide-spread crop knowledge (like me). Its a naff title but Jill Mason's book, 'The Townies Guide to the Countryside' has a chapter on arable crops (plus lots of other good stuff) and I've found it very useful (courtesy of my local library). So if you want to know what goes in, when, this book is very helpful. Good shooting, Clipper. or.... try this crops Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunting Tackle Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 When is it likely that the oil seed rape will get harvested ? I am finding it pretty tough to decoy atm it is 4 ft + high ..I put the decoys on poles but reckon Im better waiting for it to be harvested . Any advice appreciated. HT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 It depends on the time it was sown and what type of weather we get,but the easiest way to get good decoying on tall rape is to look for bare patches or as one crafty decoyer here has done decoy the headlands(field margins)as the pigeon will be able to get at the rape. BTW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flytie Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 When is it likely that the oil seed rape will get harvested ? I am finding it pretty tough to decoy atm it is 4 ft + high ..I put the decoys on poles but reckon Im better waiting for it to be harvested . Any advice appreciated. HT HT, they normally swath rape in august, try the very useful link fulltime shooter put in. Headlands with chickweed, clover leys and any late pea crops will be your best bet now. HD as normal gives sound advice too Ft Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hunting Tackle Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 CHeers guys Ill be back to Nidd to persevere... Thanks HT Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
invector Posted May 12, 2006 Report Share Posted May 12, 2006 Not all farmers swath OSR, some combine it straight off the field. As that 'crafty decoyer' you can certainly get some shooting on the uncultivated headlands, with all those weeds etc. but the ideal situation is with the wind blowing along the hedgeline, so they can get in comfortably. I use some dead birds, on cradles, pushed down the centre of ordinary garden canes, and just in the crop, with further deeks on the headland. A bit tight at times but should get you some sport, although you aren't supposed to be shooting them for sport Ha! Ha! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kirky640 Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 winter rape is combined august/september winter barley mid july onwards winter wheat and spring wheat september as i see it down south can be up to 3 weeks to a month ahead of us cold hill billys up in scotland a word of warning about rape, when shooting over swathed rape or ready to harvest rape keep walking threw it to a minimum as the pods will break open and spill onto the grownd this will not make the farmer very happy, the farmer i shoot for on rape always asks us not to take any dogs with us when shooting pigeons over ripe rape to keep damage to a minimum cheers kirky Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Yorkshire Pudding Posted May 14, 2006 Report Share Posted May 14, 2006 DO NOT TAKE DOGS WALKING IN SWATHED RAPE !!! Or i will come round your house and clout you . If you have any doubt about this , go for a walk in rape that has been swathed . Make sure you wear your shorts though , as it will be a nice sunny day . all the best yis yp :yp: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iamspartacus Posted May 15, 2006 Report Share Posted May 15, 2006 Same goes for beans, farmer won't be happy if you wading through ripe crops where the seed pods easily burst! Kirky, rape down my way is definitely at least a month earlier than yours, well it was last year anyway. IAS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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