AndrewE Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Hi, I have been reading on here for a while and the internet in general, I am at a loss with it all! Having grown up shooting driven game and rough shooting (grouse, pheasant, etc) Pigeon is something I had until recently not tried - that and Clay Pigeon shooting! Having started on Clays about 2 years ago I turned my attention to Pigeons last year, buying all the gear (hides, decoys etc) Thus far I have been out 3 times on a ‘pay’ estate in Kent, first time we had a guide who put us in a coppice where we shot a dozen or so. Next time hides, flasks and sandwiches under arm we went for it alone, it was a lovely day in the sun were we could have been named honorary members of the Pigeon Preservation Society, not only did we shoot nothing, the vast miles of Kent country side view we had did not contain a single pigeon. The third time (yesterday) there were lots around, but the net result was the same as the former day – nothing! This I am sure is entirely down to us not having a clue! I am therefore seeking a kind member to put us right, either personally or recommend any companies that will take us out for the day teaching us from the ground up – flight lines, decoys, hides etc etc – As I am sure you will appreciate, reading it in the armchair at home is very different from being out in the field, I am coming to believe that if its not 100% right you have no chance I don’t mind travelling 2 hours or so from the Dartford area and paying for any tuition \ shooting, can do a whole weekend if there would be a day of field craft and a day in the hide. Hope this is in the right section, if not if any mods would be so kind as to move it! Thanks in advance Andrew Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simjakcal Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 try matt at the ''.pigeon shooting leicestershire'' (google it) he'll put you on birds and show you whats what ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TR1 Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 BASC do a pigeon shooting course I believe. Try their website Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewE Posted March 24, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Cheers guys, forgot about the BASC Course! I did look at that last year. Will investigate both options Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Do not lose heart , you do not say what crop you were shooting over when there was lots about , but pigeon shooting can be tricky this time of year it becomes easier once the flocks break up which is from now onwards Paid days can be fraught with problems even pro guides cannot guarentee birds all the time and some are just out for your money with little concern if you have a good day or not. I am sure ones you get recommendations of on here should be fine. The route I always recommend is to get a experienced pigeon shooter to accompany you on your own ground when there are plenty of birds about, even if you just sit , watch and ask questions I am sure you will learn a great deal . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cocknee Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 http://www.gunsonpegs.com/shooting-uk/south-east/kent/go-pigeon-shooting_3930 Give that a try I Know the people who run the business and they should see you right I personally would wait till harvest but its up to you. I also think I know where you went for your two blank days and I wouldn't' recommend there to anyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 keep on reading and asking questions on here..............dont forget sitting down shooting as opposed to standing up shooting is a whole different ball game...a few rounds on the skeet is a good idea...but getting good scores on the skeet dosnt translate to good at sitting down in the hide seat on the pigeons....if pigeonshooting was easy it wouldnt be much fun.....no 2 days will be the same. good idea to get a pigeon guide...but most of the stuff you will learn will be by trial and error.............. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kippylawkid Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 I agree with all the lads above. Sometimes you cannot buy experience - you just need to get out, have a go yourself and learn through trial and error. Stick at it though - it's worth it when everything comes together. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitchrat Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 Hi, I have been reading on here for a while and the internet in general, I am at a loss with it all! Having grown up shooting driven game and rough shooting (grouse, pheasant, etc) Pigeon is something I had until recently not tried - that and Clay Pigeon shooting! Having started on Clays about 2 years ago I turned my attention to Pigeons last year, buying all the gear (hides, decoys etc) Thus far I have been out 3 times on a ‘pay’ estate in Kent, first time we had a guide who put us in a coppice where we shot a dozen or so. Next time hides, flasks and sandwiches under arm we went for it alone, it was a lovely day in the sun were we could have been named honorary members of the Pigeon Preservation Society, not only did we shoot nothing, the vast miles of Kent country side view we had did not contain a single pigeon. The third time (yesterday) there were lots around, but the net result was the same as the former day – nothing! This I am sure is entirely down to us not having a clue! I am therefore seeking a kind member to put us right, either personally or recommend any companies that will take us out for the day teaching us from the ground up – flight lines, decoys, hides etc etc – As I am sure you will appreciate, reading it in the armchair at home is very different from being out in the field, I am coming to believe that if its not 100% right you have no chance I don’t mind travelling 2 hours or so from the Dartford area and paying for any tuition \ shooting, can do a whole weekend if there would be a day of field craft and a day in the hide. Hope this is in the right section, if not if any mods would be so kind as to move it! Thanks in advance Andrew What crops have you got to shoot over? Any drilling soon? Right now they are on new drillings for a few days (until the supply of loose seed runs out - pigeons can't scratch!!) and areas of rape that are short due to pigeon attack. Soon the trees will be in bud and it gets even harder!! Peas/beans should go in soon, if some is left on the surface that can be great but modern drills can be too good (for us). Remember, pigeons are as much a creature of habit as we are, they have favourite fields, even favourite parts of fields, just like we have a favorite local pub. The same things attract them - you are more likely to go into a busy pub that an empty one. If you're in the wrong pub, even if the beer is great and well priced, you will have a lonely evening! They like to sit in a tree/wood some way off and watch others go in to feed. Then they join in. Others, further away, see them drop out of the trees and head in to feed and follow suit. What was empty one minute can "hoover up" 100 pigeons from all around in 10 minutes Unless they have built up real confidence, they will be difficult to decoy. Small hide well hidden, NO MOVEMENT!! It makes the shooting harder but I prefer some difficult shooting to no "easy" shooting. I know we see stuff on the TV with a big hide stuck in the middle and George D standing up head and shoulders showing. Don't try that unless the birds are 100% committed to that field, have build 100% confidence and you can knock then down at 80 yards!! Otherwise, it don't work!! Wind and sun on your back is best. Then, it's up to you to WATCH,WATCH,WATCH until you have some idea of what to expect. Good luck!! Kitchrat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 What crops have you got to shoot over? Any drilling soon? Right now they are on new drillings for a few days (until the supply of loose seed runs out - pigeons can't scratch!!) and areas of rape that are short due to pigeon attack. Soon the trees will be in bud and it gets even harder!! Peas/beans should go in soon, if some is left on the surface that can be great but modern drills can be too good (for us). Remember, pigeons are as much a creature of habit as we are, they have favourite fields, even favourite parts of fields, just like we have a favorite local pub. The same things attract them - you are more likely to go into a busy pub that an empty one. If you're in the wrong pub, even if the beer is great and well priced, you will have a lonely evening! They like to sit in a tree/wood some way off and watch others go in to feed. Then they join in. Others, further away, see them drop out of the trees and head in to feed and follow suit. What was empty one minute can "hoover up" 100 pigeons from all around in 10 minutes Unless they have built up real confidence, they will be difficult to decoy. Small hide well hidden, NO MOVEMENT!! It makes the shooting harder but I prefer some difficult shooting to no "easy" shooting. I know we see stuff on the TV with a big hide stuck in the middle and George D standing up head and shoulders showing. Don't try that unless the birds are 100% committed to that field, have build 100% confidence and you can knock then down at 80 yards!! Otherwise, it don't work!! Wind and sun on your back is best. Then, it's up to you to WATCH,WATCH,WATCH until you have some idea of what to expect. Good luck!! Kitchrat I've got to pick you up on a couple of points. Firstly, I don't believe pigeons sit waiting in distant trees watching other birds going in to feed and then following. If they want to feed on a particular field, they will fly in and feed regardless. Second, a big hide in the open does work. Beginners should not worry about having to have 'small and well hidden' hides. As long as the shooter is hidden, pretty much any reasonable hide should work. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 I agree with all the lads above. Sometimes you cannot buy experience - you just need to get out, have a go yourself and learn through trial and error. Stick at it though - it's worth it when everything comes together. This is the best way to go. I learned most of what I know by going out and watching pigeons and seeing how they behave at certain times of year, what crops they are found on and at what times. There are many myths in decoying that some experienced pigeon shooters believe are true. You can learn all you need to know by teaching yourself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dead eye alan Posted March 24, 2014 Report Share Posted March 24, 2014 I've got to pick you up on a couple of points. Firstly, I don't believe pigeons sit waiting in distant trees watching other birds going in to feed and then following. If they want to feed on a particular field, they will fly in and feed regardless. Second, a big hide in the open does work. Beginners should not worry about having to have 'small and well hidden' hides. As long as the shooter is hidden, pretty much any reasonable hide should work. See Jdog normal service is resumed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndrewE Posted March 25, 2014 Author Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 Basc course booked ☺ will spend some more time reading over the coming weeks. I am a great believer in practice and trial and error but so far thats got me bags of 0! This great starter for 10 will put me in good stead. Thanks for all the input guys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kitchrat Posted March 25, 2014 Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) I've got to pick you up on a couple of points. Firstly, I don't believe pigeons sit waiting in distant trees watching other birds going in to feed and then following. If they want to feed on a particular field, they will fly in and feed regardless. Second, a big hide in the open does work. Beginners should not worry about having to have 'small and well hidden' hides. As long as the shooter is hidden, pretty much any reasonable hide should work. I thought you'd have something to say Motty!. I also thought we had argeed that things are different in different parts of the country, on bird numbers, available food, bird appetite and, as a result you get different bird behavoir. I have spent 100's of hours watch birds do just as I have explained and seen them "pulled" from woods miles away (literally). I seems to be that you are lucky enough to have lots of very hungry birds that are keen to commit, and I don't have that luxury. PS I know that, under ideal circumstances you don't even need a hide. BUT, If this new lad sets up a big hide in the middle of a field and, through lack of experience, is NOT in exactly the right place at the right time, he will never shoot a single pigeon and his career will be short!! Just try and help the guy instead of nit-picking my observations!! Edited March 25, 2014 by kitchrat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted March 25, 2014 Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 (edited) I thought you'd have something to say Motty!. I also thought we had argeed that things are different in different parts of the country, on bird numbers, available food, bird appetite and, as a result you get different bird behavoir. I have spent 100's of hours watch birds do just as I have explained and seen them "pulled" from woods miles away (literally). I seems to be that you are lucky enough to have lots of very hungry birds that are keen to commit, and I don't have that luxury. PS I know that, under ideal circumstances you don't even need a hide. BUT, If this new lad sets up a big hide in the middle of a field and, through lack of experience, is NOT in exactly the right place at the right time, he will never shoot a single pigeon and his career will be short!! Just try and help the guy instead of nit-picking my observations!! I probably do sound like an ***** at times, but I don't mean to. Maybe birds do react differently in other parts, but I've shot good bags in Norfolk, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Suffolk and Essex. I personally haven't noticed any difference in bird behaviour and I've used exactly the same tactics to decoy them. In many situations I believe that pigeons can't possibly watch their mates feeding before joining, there is far too much distance between roost and feeding field. I've also shot a 200+ bag on rape that was around 1/4 mile from where all the pigeons roost. If they paid much attention to what was going on, they certainly wouldn't have decoyed. Edited March 25, 2014 by Cranfield Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JDog Posted March 25, 2014 Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 See Jdog normal service is resumed. That's why we love him so much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted March 25, 2014 Report Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hi Andrew E.......If you are ever in the Great Yarmouth area on holiday give me a P M and I will be more than happy to take you out for the day , and I will do my best to beat your P B over decoys, not being funny but it wont be to hard to beat at the moment . I will provide all the gear if you haven't got any with you , and it wont cost you nothing if you cant make it I am sure some member who live closer to you will help you out, despite them disagreeing with each other there not a bad lot of boys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted March 27, 2014 Report Share Posted March 27, 2014 One of the things I have enjoyed over the many years I have been shooting is getting out there and learning by doing different things to hopefully improve. There was never schemes in place to join and never much help. I have had to improvise and have had many days where whatever I have done has not worked, I still do. My advice would be get out there and do your own thing, make a note either in a diary or just a mental note of what's worked or not at certain times and conditions. The things you learn by doing this are priceless. I have just booked the rest of the year off and heading to get Yarmouth. 😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted March 27, 2014 Report Share Posted March 27, 2014 Never a truer word spoken, time spent looking and watching is never wasted , although sometimes it do seem a waste of time when you don't see much, but there you go you have to take the good and days as part of the package , then when you do find some sit there and relax and watch every thing they do , see if they drop in to ones that are already there or if they go any where else on the field ,just keep watching until you are happy that where you set up you are going in the right place even if it mean a long walk in getting to the right place, its always better trying to get it right in the first place than moving all your gear to the other side of the field a bit later ,but if you feel you would do better by moving then move , its no point watching birds crossing the hedge 150yds down the field for a couple of hours and you haven't had a shot,..... its all down to trial and error.................................................................................................................Yea and by the way Ayano3 ill wait for you at the start of the A47 bring us some Tulips and you will need your pass port Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ayano3 Posted March 27, 2014 Report Share Posted March 27, 2014 I know the 47 well. My daughter is at uea Norwich so it's a well beaten track. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big Mat Posted March 28, 2014 Report Share Posted March 28, 2014 Never a truer word spoken, time spent looking and watching is never wasted , although sometimes it do seem a waste of time when you don't see much, but there you go you have to take the good and days as part of the package , then when you do find some sit there and relax and watch every thing they do , see if they drop in to ones that are already there or if they go any where else on the field ,just keep watching until you are happy that where you set up you are going in the right place even if it mean a long walk in getting to the right place, its always better trying to get it right in the first place than moving all your gear to the other side of the field a bit later ,but if you feel you would do better by moving then move , its no point watching birds crossing the hedge 150yds down the field for a couple of hours and you haven't had a shot,..... its all down to trial and error.................................................................................................................Yea and by the way Ayano3 ill wait for you at the start of the A47 bring us some Tulips and you will need your pass port We don't want his funny looking linconshire Tulips, we've got plenty of our own in Norfolk! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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