fieldwanderer Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 Myself and my shooting buddy have had our permission for a good 7 years now, possibly more. When we first got it, the place was a mess - there were patches of crop damage big enough to park several 4x4s in and a good 4-5 (if not more) in each of the four fields. Given that it's only 112acres, it was pretty bad! We set to work and I accounted for several hundred rabbits in the first summer alone, it became a running joke when my mate found a head-shot rabbit or the tell-tale patch of blood from the above- id been there! We had some very pleasant evenings lamping and generally had a whale of a time. Pigeons too, it was a little paradise! We didn't decoy back then, but we still had plenty to keep us busy. Id ferret the place over the winter too and within two years we got to the stage where there was little evidence of any rabbits about. We began to talk along the lines of "it's a bit quiet lately but it's still nice to get out even if we don't fire a shot" And that's how it's stayed pretty much, we hammer the pigeons at harvest time (it's almost invariably some sort of cereal) but have never really noted a flight line; we just set up where the pigeons are. I spend at least an afternoon there each week and there genuinely doesn't seem to be a regular flight path, they fly over at any old angle, almost always without stopping. So, I think it's time to accept that we've overdone things a bit, which is good for the farmer but a bit on the boring side. I dont really want to leave it alone too much as at the end of the day we were always there to clear pests but where we go from here I'm not sure; We can't really decoy pigeons that aren't there under a flight line that, as far as I can see, doesn't exist. Personally, I think all we can do is search for more permission and pop back a couple of times a month to keep on top of things at our current place. Any thoughts, help, opinions would be very welcome Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Actionpigeons Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 (edited) In May I posted saying that I give my patch a rest from March threw until the end of June. (Heading was Closed Season) It got a very good debate going, with lots of people saying you cant give Pigeons and Rabbits a rest from being controlled. Your post has just backed all the reasons I gave for not shooting between March and the end of June. when you have the pests under control and your farmer is happy, if there is such a thing as a happy farmer. You are better managing your land rather than killing everything in your gun sights. Edited June 12, 2012 by Actionpigeons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bang 666 Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 Still try and decoy it, as long as you are getting some birds near you can decoy them in, good luck with what ever you end up doing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 112 acres is not a very large area to shoot consistently and you are right to suggest looking for more permissions. The good job you have done should be a reference point when talking to Farmers. I would try the neighbouring farms first, be sure they will be aware of your activities. Keep an eye on the current land and when you see birds on the fields, set up and decoy them. A lot of people seem to forget that there is no magic decoying technique, if the birds are not there, you can't decoy them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted June 12, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 112 acres is not a very large area to shoot consistently and you are right to suggest looking for more permissions. The good job you have done should be a reference point when talking to Farmers. I would try the neighbouring farms first, be sure they will be aware of your activities. All makes sense, we have tried the neighbouring farms over years but no joy - may be worth asking again though Thanks chaps, best start looking for farmers to speak to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted June 12, 2012 Report Share Posted June 12, 2012 112 acres is not a very large area to shoot consistently and you are right to suggest looking for more permissions. The good job you have done should be a reference point when talking to Farmers. I would try the neighbouring farms first, be sure they will be aware of your activities. Keep an eye on the current land and when you see birds on the fields, set up and decoy them. A lot of people seem to forget that there is no magic decoying technique, if the birds are not there, you can't decoy them. Spot on, Cranfield. 112 acres is a very small piece of ground - on one farm i shoot on, many of the bigger fields are larger than that. I too would advise looking elsewhere. I have permission on several farms in different areas, some are 30-40 miles apart. Cast the net far and wide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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