JDog Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Judging by the posts there are a lot of disappointed pigeon shooters out there. Many have seen large numbers either on rape fields or just sitting in trees surrounding the fields staring longingly at the snow covered crop. These are difficult times for decoyers in snowy areas. I have found that the pigeons do not decoy well onto snow, and if patches of rape are cleared of snow the rewards are often not very great. In addition pigeons can switch to other food sources. I shot a few yesterday going to roost and their crops were all filled with ivy berries with not a bit of rape in sight. When the snow melts if will be a different matter and pigeons will be eager to replenish their own reserves by feeding voraciously. They will try to fill their crops an additional time each day which is certainly possible now that it is light at 7:30 and not dark until 5:00. That will be the time to achieve good bags, though the birds will have lost quite a lot of condition during the snowy period. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flynny Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Very good and true post mate, I was on the rape this morning. I cleared a patch of snow and settled in. I shot 9 in 2 hours, there were a lot flying around but they were reluctant to decoy, they were dropping into woodland ( not on my permission ) bout 300 YDS away.it was very frustrating . Must say it was better than sitting in the house though. I can't wait till this snow clears ,as you have said they will be feeding like good uns then, Atb Flynny Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old'un Posted January 20, 2013 Report Share Posted January 20, 2013 Give up chasing pigeons in the winter 5 years ago, I was using gallons of diesel just trying to find a field that looked promising. One tactic that I did find very successful in the snow and when birds were moving but would not decoy was to put about 6 or 7 lofters in a tree that was within range of the hide, I have killed hundreds if not a few thousand using this method, but must admit I have not used it for a long time so i cannot tell you how today's pigeons would react. strange you don't here of or see many shooters using this method nowadays. Decoying pigeons in the snow is hard, you will get the odd day when they will decoy but they are few and far between. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rainman_l Posted January 21, 2013 Report Share Posted January 21, 2013 One tactic that I did find very successful in the snow and when birds were moving but would not decoy was to put about 6 or 7 lofters in a tree that was within range of the hide, I have killed hundreds if not a few thousand using this method, but must admit I have not used it for a long time so i cannot tell you how today's pigeons would react. strange you don't here of or see many shooters using this method nowadays. I use lofters when there are no leaves on the trees and does seem to improve the bag. Just a pain setting them up retreiving them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
richg Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 Lofters are important if not vital in the snow,also movement in your pattern, Flappers/rotary ect. but if you are to stand any real chance of building a bag it needs to be a windy day. On still days they just sit in the trees or move in a flock. IT'S NEVER EASY IN THE SNOW. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Actionpigeons Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 (edited) I dont use a hide or really shoot over crops this time of the year as it tends to be one shot and the pigeons move on. game bag over my shoulder with a cpl or three decoys in it, along with fishing line, lead weight and my catapult. I prefer setting up on a flight line they are using to get to the rape field, or next to a sitter tree and put just two or three decoys up. (Lofters) even if they dont decoy you may get a shot and its very good sport. Just put a cpl of pictures on sporting pictures from this morning using Lofters. Edited January 22, 2013 by Actionpigeons Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deadshot123 Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 I tend to use lofters this time of year put them in trees near rape fields get in tight somewhere and take the air rifle out good sport and something Abit diffrent I tend to use lofters this time of year put them in trees near rape fields get in tight somewhere and take the air rifle out good sport and something Abit diffrent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ears Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 Over the years i have shot some big bags of 100+ when there has been snow on the ground on rape 187 on one occassion. but generally there has been wind on those days. the last couple of weeks has been very unproductive shooting 12 last time out and 19 the week before. early december shot some 80 and 50 and 60's for a while. Think they have learnt as there are still alot of birds about but they a avoiding being shot by me at the mo. tried 30 dead birds Rotary, floaters etc they dont want to know at the moment. had alook at some rape today not far from my house, hundreds on it, gonna try thursday but again the weather here is gonna be stillish looking at the met forcast. but i will try for a couple of hours if its no good back home to get on with some choirs. some windy days required. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MELLYBOY Posted January 22, 2013 Report Share Posted January 22, 2013 tis my good fortune to be at a flock of 500 or more on Thursday,the birds are hard on spring green and simply will not budge !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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