Tuesday afternoon

[NickB65]

Well I was in London first thing and how I loved being back in the buzz and humm of one of the greatest cities in the world. I really miss the energy the city has but a meeting the Stock Exchange soon reminded me of how much I hate the pomp, wastefulness and blatant butt licking that goes on.

 

Thankfully I was back in good old Cambridge and set-up in the filed by four and what a lovely afternoon it was. A gentle wind from the NW meant I could set-up on the pylon again close to the flight line leading to the rape field. The farmer was working in the rape field cutting back alot of the wild grasses and weeds that had replaced the failed parts of the rape so the pigeons would be feeding elsewhere.

 

Normal set-up with the five full bodies, 12 FUD's and as there was hardly any wind I set-up the bouncers on one pole so they looked like they where on their final glide path into the decoys. Flask of coffee by my side a bag full of cartridges and I was ready. When I entered the filed there was little movement in the field but there was movement on the flight line. Not the big flocks as there have been but smaller groups of threes and fours.

 

First customer arrived as I was pooring my first mug of coffee - a ritual I always have as I know if I do this then they will come..... silly I know but that a ritual for you. Came in with the wind, flew over the head of the U and then swung gently into the pattern and fell with a puff of feather with the first barrel. I always shoot bottom quarter and then top half choke and with my trusty but rather dirty GameBore Clear Pigeons in 32g no. 6. As the bird was hit hard and fell in the centre of the pattern I picked him up and popped him in the game bag. A quick slurp of coffee and another two arrive. This time coming straight at me over the opposite field then swooping down with a slight bank to the left to enter the pattern. The lead bird must have spotted my movement as he soon flared his wings and was off but the second was that one second slower and fell to the bottom barrel. It went quiet for a while then and I was allowed to sup my coffee in peace but within 30 minutes the next group arrived. This time high on the flight line not showing any sings of coming in. Only 30 yards out but high and fast so I left them and sure enough they went past a good 70 yards, banked right and then came in low and into the centre of the pattern and down went the first and click went the second barrel.... somehow I had loaded a used cartridge into the top barrel... I chuckled.

 

The rest of the afternoon followed in the same manner. I waisted a few shots trying to hit some of the high birds but just could not hit them as I always shoot to the left wing of the bird. A couple exploded into a feathery mass but carried on. By 7pm it slowed right down. They where on the flight line but 50 yards out and high on the way to their trees and showed no interest in the decoys. The last shot of the day was on the flight line, high right to left and one shot. It looked as if I missed and it as it beat its winds for a few seconds and then just fell to the ground. I had lead too much and had peppered the front with one pellet going straight through the side of the head. Lesson learnt but it was 8pm now and I had run out of coffee.... so time to pack up.

 

In total 14 for the evening with a ratio of 4:1 which I did not think was that bad given I waisted a few shots.

 

 

Next outing will be this Sunday for a full days shooting - weather permitting and fingers crossed for a good bag.

Edited June 26, 2013 by NickB65

[JDog]

Good for you for getting out and amongst them.

 

I bet that you don't have a dog. Your car looks far too clean.