strangford wildfowler Posted November 25, 2013 Report Share Posted November 25, 2013 So yeah making a flight pond, me and my dad where thinking of digging out a section of bog land that has some substantial water under the ground only about 3" before you reach the water. We where thinking of putting a floating pontoon in the middle and creating feeding bay in a semi circle shape, and leaving the reeds that would surround the pond alone so it would act as a sort of hide for us and the birds. It has been over 30 years since my dad had a flight pond and we won't be able to feed it every day does this matter? And also we have to acquire the shooting rights to this peace of land. Any help and suggestions would be brilliant, cheers for the help Strangford Wildfowler. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shooting2 Posted November 25, 2013 Report Share Posted November 25, 2013 (edited) Maybee I havent read this right but, why are you thinking of digging a pond where you haven't acquired the shooting rights yet?? But apart from that sounds good I'd love to dig my own pond. Edited November 25, 2013 by Shooting2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted November 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2013 Maybee I havent read this right but, why are you thinking of digging a pond where you haven't acquired the shooting rights yet?? But apart from that sounds good I'd love to dig my own pond. This is still an idea? But we can quite easily acquire the rights as my dad knows the land owner quite well, and it was posted as a what do you guys thought? Sorry if that sounds nasty and thanks for your views,SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr D Posted November 25, 2013 Report Share Posted November 25, 2013 This is still an idea? But we can quite easily acquire the rights as my dad knows the land owner quite well, and it was posted as a what do you guys thought? Sorry if that sounds nasty and thanks for your views,SW Good idea. Feed it once a week you will be fine. I will come down anf tested it out for you if you want! Oh keep is shallow round the edges. And reeds are good idea too. Have you managed a duck yet from the lough . I noticed afew wigeon knocking about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted November 25, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 25, 2013 Good idea. Feed it once a week you will be fine. I will come down anf tested it out for you if you want! Oh keep is shallow round the edges. And reeds are good idea too. Have you managed a duck yet from the lough . I noticed afew wigeon knocking about. I bet you would come down an test her out if we manage to get it up and running, thanks for the few tips.and saldly I have yet to shoot a duck from the Lough yet my dad is one ahead he managed a teal a few weeks ago and a the wigeon that sounds promising where about where they? Cheers ATB SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 In my experience flight ponds need to be fed at least 2 or 3 times a week. We normally only shoot ours to the start of November as after this we don't have time to feed. We try to feed ours every other night. Feed wise we use vege peelings (from my dinner), we ask farmers for rotten potatoes, crab apples; this gets all chopped up and mixed along with barley or wheat. Don't make the pond too big, if it is big enough to shoot from one end to the other that would be sufficient. As Dr. D states have it shallow around the margins and this will make it easier to feed. The rashes and reeds around the edge are important to keep the dog covered, especially if you have a white spaniel. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted November 26, 2013 Report Share Posted November 26, 2013 In my experience flight ponds need to be fed at least 2 or 3 times a week. We normally only shoot ours to the start of November as after this we don't have time to feed. We try to feed ours every other night. Feed wise we use vege peelings (from my dinner), we ask farmers for rotten potatoes, crab apples; this gets all chopped up and mixed along with barley or wheat. Don't make the pond too big, if it is big enough to shoot from one end to the other that would be sufficient. As Dr. D states have it shallow around the margins and this will make it easier to feed. The rashes and reeds around the edge are important to keep the dog covered, especially if you have a white spaniel. Surely a hide would perform the same function. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted November 27, 2013 Author Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 Surely a hide would perform the same function. Yeah you would be right but I hate having to bring gear other than gun, dog and cartridges so I thought the rushes would act three ways a hide for me the dog and a bit of comfort for the birds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ollie Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 Surely a hide would perform the same function. It could, but not a fixed hide. On my flight pond I sometimes stand on different sides of my pond depending what way the wind is. Yeah you would be right but I hate having to bring gear other than gun, dog and cartridges so I thought the rushes would act three ways a hide for me the dog and a bit of comfort for the birds Good point, everytime we shoot the pond we carry up a couple of buckets of feed, you don't want to be carrying a hide also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted November 27, 2013 Report Share Posted November 27, 2013 Stick up a few permanent hides, made from a few pallets, plant bushes either side of them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
silver pigeon 3 Posted November 28, 2013 Report Share Posted November 28, 2013 Stick up a few permanent hides, made from a few pallets, plant bushes either side of them That's what we have done, we cut a few willows down last year and put a hide between them. The new growth we have wound into the pallets and it looks great. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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