turbo33 Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I went to a farm I shoot yesterday to have a go at the pigeons piling into the wheat. On arrival, the place was devoid of pigeons which was very odd as there where large numbers when I reccy'd it two days earlier. After sitting in the truck for some time watching for a flightline to develop, I had a wander down the tram lines to a bare area in the centre of some 80x80 yards. The reasons for the lack of pigeons became apparent. Strewn all over the place were pigeon carcasses, just rotting and fly blown. I could rant from all angles on this one, but in short, what's the point? Killing for the sake of it? If its the excitement of discharging a shotgun, clays are there for all to enjoy. I had a mixture of emotions from anger to great sadness seeing these most sporting of birds just rotting where they fell. There are so many off us that use skills, equipment and field craft to bag a few birds and put them to good use and it sickens me to know there are others that don't operate by the same principal but have access to carry out such abhorrent behaviour. I did take some pics, but you all know what a dead pigeon looks like and to be honest, it would have been quite distasteful to post them. Just had to get it off my chest!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the pigeon man Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 It's what gives shooting a bad name :( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BRNDL Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 SERIOUSLY, I have put in so much time and effort on my permission to ONLY get one pigeon from it off a flight line. I prepped it, put it to the pup for 20 minutes retrieving and then cooked the breast this morning as a topper for my omlette. My brother has taken the carcass to filter maggots for his fishing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Annoys me so much. I'm sure it can't be too hard to get rid of pigeons, either game dealer, restaurants or give them away. If not, don't go shooting them in the first place. Rabbits are the same(not getting at anyone), there are loads of people on here that shoot rabbits and leave them lying in the field. Even if you don't eat them, you could feed them to your dog or give them away. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TJ91 Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 It is wrong, i pick up what I can and make use of them. But.... its pest control. A dead rotting pigeon in a field is better than a live hungry pigeon chomping the wheat (in a farmers eyes) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
castletyne Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I went to a farm I shoot yesterday to have a go at the pigeons piling into the wheat. On arrival, the place was devoid of pigeons which was very odd as there where large numbers when I reccy'd it two days earlier. After sitting in the truck for some time watching for a flightline to develop, I had a wander down the tram lines to a bare area in the centre of some 80x80 yards. The reasons for the lack of pigeons became apparent. Strewn all over the place were pigeon carcasses, just rotting and fly blown. I could rant from all angles on this one, but in short, what's the point? Killing for the sake of it? If its the excitement of discharging a shotgun, clays are there for all to enjoy. I had a mixture of emotions from anger to great sadness seeing these most sporting of birds just rotting where they fell. There are so many off us that use skills, equipment and field craft to bag a few birds and put them to good use and it sickens me to know there are others that don't operate by the same principal but have access to carry out such abhorrent behaviour. I did take some pics, but you all know what a dead pigeon looks like and to be honest, it would have been quite distasteful to post them. Just had to get it off my chest!! . Not everyone shoots them for sport I don't it just vermin control and because I enjoy it I must say I wouldn't just leaving them rotting out in the open Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I went to a farm I shoot yesterday to have a go at the pigeons piling into the wheat. On arrival, the place was devoid of pigeons which was very odd as there where large numbers when I reccy'd it two days earlier. After sitting in the truck for some time watching for a flightline to develop, I had a wander down the tram lines to a bare area in the centre of some 80x80 yards. The reasons for the lack of pigeons became apparent. Strewn all over the place were pigeon carcasses, just rotting and fly blown. I could rant from all angles on this one, but in short, what's the point? Killing for the sake of it? If its the excitement of discharging a shotgun, clays are there for all to enjoy. I had a mixture of emotions from anger to great sadness seeing these most sporting of birds just rotting where they fell. There are so many off us that use skills, equipment and field craft to bag a few birds and put them to good use and it sickens me to know there are others that don't operate by the same principal but have access to carry out such abhorrent behaviour. I did take some pics, but you all know what a dead pigeon looks like and to be honest, it would have been quite distasteful to post them. Just had to get it off my chest!! I agree with you 100% but I am afraid that there are plenty of shooters including some on this forum who have no issue with shooting them to leave to rot . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbo33 Posted July 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I agree with you 100% but I am afraid that there are plenty of shooters including some on this forum who have no issue with shooting them to leave to rot . Agreed Fenboy, I'm just waiting for the plethora of replies, "They're only pigeons", "its Pest Control", "you don't do it someone else will mate" Zero respect for the quarry and countryside. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 It is wrong, i pick up what I can and make use of them. But.... its pest control. A dead rotting pigeon in a field is better than a live hungry pigeon chomping the wheat (in a farmers eyes) totally agree. i always try to use anything i shoot and if i can't it goes to the gamedealer or somebody's ferrets. the sad reality is the farmer couldn't care less he/she just wants them gone one farmer i spoke to recently refered to pigeons as bad as rats Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin&Oakley Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 (edited) I was going to make a post about 'personal limits' but here should do as its along the same lines. Do people have a specific limit they will stop at in a day. If i was to shoot 100 pigeons in a day I wouldn't have a clue what to do with them all and if no one will take them then where do I stand morally with the high and mighty posters of this fine forum? Also where would you stand when it comes to the blacks, surely they just get dumped? Edited July 19, 2013 by Martin&Oakley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Essex Hunter Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I went to a farm I shoot yesterday to have a go at the pigeons piling into the wheat. On arrival, the place was devoid of pigeons which was very odd as there where large numbers when I reccy'd it two days earlier. After sitting in the truck for some time watching for a flightline to develop, I had a wander down the tram lines to a bare area in the centre of some 80x80 yards. The reasons for the lack of pigeons became apparent. Strewn all over the place were pigeon carcasses, just rotting and fly blown. I could rant from all angles on this one, but in short, what's the point? Killing for the sake of it? If its the excitement of discharging a shotgun, clays are there for all to enjoy. I had a mixture of emotions from anger to great sadness seeing these most sporting of birds just rotting where they fell. There are so many off us that use skills, equipment and field craft to bag a few birds and put them to good use and it sickens me to know there are others that don't operate by the same principal but have access to carry out such abhorrent behaviour. I did take some pics, but you all know what a dead pigeon looks like and to be honest, it would have been quite distasteful to post them. Just had to get it off my chest!! Did you not read this post? http://forums.pigeonwatch.co.uk/forums/topic/253609-what-a-difference-a-day-makes/ TEH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I was going to make a post about 'personal limits' but here should do as its along the same lines. Do people have a specific limit they will stop at in a day. If i was to shoot 100 pigeons in a day I wouldn't have a clue what to do with them all and if no one will take them then where do I stand morally with the high and mighty posters of this fine forum? Also where would you stand when it comes to the blacks, surely they just get dumped? Yes most corvids get dumped as do foxes, but they are not a excellent eating unlike the pigeon , game dealers buy pigeon if you cannot eat them all , they dont buy corvids . As for limits , I will shoot all I can knowing I A, have a game dealer near by who will take them and B , I have the facility to freeze 200 + if I cant get to the dealer , these can then be sold frozen. Second hand freezers can be picked up very cheaply and every serious pigeon shooter should have one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lg1 Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Sad people shoot them and leave them, it's nothing more than laziness and a total disregard of life, shooting and country sports in general. People asking "what do you do with them all"? They know what to do with them but are to lazy to do so! Contact your local game dealer. They can't get enough of them, ask family friends and local pubs etc. wood pigeon is highly sort after and if you take time to ask around you will quickly find many people will take them. To have a great days shooting and then giving your super fresh produce to the local pub for there diners is a great thing. Or even try this! Cook them your self! They taste great #killitcookiteatit Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 (edited) I do not think that I would get on with the man who left those pigeons in the field. He and I would have a different moral outlook on life as well as the matter of dumping pigeons. I exchanged the last lot of pigeons which I shot just before the hot weather with a local pub. 40 pigeons in exchange for dinner for two. Perfect. Edited July 19, 2013 by JDog Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead eye alan Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Thats the way forword JDog the good old barter system Im with you mate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bloggs Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I'm sorry but leaving those birds dumped in the field is a pure waste and shows no respect for our quarry - I find it upsetting if I'm honest :-( Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
turbo33 Posted July 19, 2013 Author Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 (edited) Yes most corvids get dumped as do foxes, but they are not a excellent eating unlike the pigeon , game dealers buy pigeon if you cannot eat them all , they dont buy corvids . As for limits , I will shoot all I can knowing I A, have a game dealer near by who will take them and B , I have the facility to freeze 200 + if I cant get to the dealer , these can then be sold frozen. Second hand freezers can be picked up very cheaply and every serious pigeon shooter should have one. Correct, I bought one off fleebay locally for 15 quid. It will take 140 birds. The nearest game dealer is about 45 mins drive from me. I get 35-40p a bird frozen so around 50 quid. After the fuel costs it still gives me a few quid for shells and a totally clear conscience. It means I can have a big day or a small day and use everything. The freezer is in my garage, but before I had one it lived happily outside, so all in all, no excuse. Jdog, good system with the exchange, you old romantic The pub owners around here are a bit stuffy and only buy plastic packed ones Edited July 19, 2013 by turbo33 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yickdaz Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Yes most corvids get dumped as do foxes, but they are not a excellent eating unlike the pigeon , game dealers buy pigeon if you cannot eat them all , they dont buy corvids . As for limits , I will shoot all I can knowing I A, have a game dealer near by who will take them and B , I have the facility to freeze 200 + if I cant get to the dealer , these can then be sold frozen. Second hand freezers can be picked up very cheaply and every serious pigeon shooter should have one. I said something very similar in a thread months ago, if you have nowhere to sell them or at least have a chest freezer or 2 to put them in until you do find a game dealer don't shoot them simple as that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody walloper Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 annoys me as a game dealer i can sell pigeons all day long the real reason they get left is they are to lazy no one would walk past a twenty pound note laid on the floor. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fruity Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 A guy who has permission which backs onto mine throws all his pigeons, rabbits etc into a pile by the main gate where in go into mine. It such a waste piles of bird rotting away and stinks in this weather Spoke to him a couple of times about it when we meet at the shared gate and just get told to **** off. He,s a member on here, but does not realise i know, so i may get a reason now after this Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superspark Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Here in Devon there are not many pigeons to shoot and I always pick up all the birds I can find. There are some that can not be found though. I have plenty of people who want them so I am never short of people to give them too. As I freeze and eat many I always make sure I get my fill first apart from the farmers I share them with. Its a win win situation for me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennym Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 Hi quick question, you guys who freeze the birds when you freeze them how do you do it? I crown them or pluck and gut them, does anyone freeze feathers & all? thanks kenny. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I just freeze as is , feathers guts and all , thats how the game dealer wants them , if they are for myself then I breast them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 just freeze them whole . the gamedealer is happy to take them this way and if you get them out the night before they make the perfect decoy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pete1dart Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I don't normally comment on pointless arguments like this, but a few of the comments are really bugging me. It all in my opinion depends on personal circumstances when involving picking up pigeons. Let me give you mine. At this time of year I do not pick up my pigeons. I have no dog due to living arrangements at present. The amount of damage I cause to the crops when picking up shot birds will be far greater than if I leave them. An example of this has happened just the other day. I have been shooting a field of peas from a bale hide. The bale hide is in the middle of the field and the peas are up to my waist. I am 6 foot tall with longish legs. I placed my decoys out in a normal horse shoe pattern. When I got back to the hide I shot 72 pigeon. If I had looked for every single bird the amount of damage that I would cause would be more than the pigeons cause in a few days of feeding. I had a word with the farmer and he is in total agreement with me regarding the situation. As long as the pigeons are kept off his field and I cause as little damage as possible then that is all he is worried about. I am not the only person to shoot up there so if the crops are being trampled on 3 out of 7 days then you might as well leave the pigeons to chomp on the crops as they wouldn't do as much damage! So it's not about laziness or lack of respect for our quarry, I believe it is a respect for the persons livihood you are trying to protect. I can see the bale hide from the farmers garden and you can see where everyone has used the same track to place there decoys out. This is 2 largish fields away. If I can see them then he can too. When crops have been harvested I will then pick up my birds and put them to good use. I know I will be slated for my opinion and what I do but this is just it, my opinion my conscience my farmers wishes. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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