Mr Wasp Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Hello As a relatively new (but hooked) pigeon shooter i would appreciate some advise on the best time to shoot on Rape. Ive had a couple of great days shooting on corn the last couple of years and the farm on which i have permission is very helpful. He has recently seeded rape which is starting to shoot. My question is when is the best time for decoying. Are the pigeons interested in the young shoots now or mid winter when they are hungry. Many thanks for some tips Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 You can expect the birds to start on rape pretty much anytime from now onwards, it all depends on what other food is available. Last year in my area there was a massive acorn crop and the birds never really hit the rape seriously throughout the Winter, this year, with no acorns about it may be different. Recce your fields regularly, if the birds are there, then go, if not, don't bother. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Wasp Posted October 20, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Many thanks I thought that might be the case. I did notice lots of pigeons on the acorns last year but as you say, there are very few about this year. Ive been keeping an eye on the fields lots of seagulls and crows but no pigeons yet. Regards Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matt Gould Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 I had two good days over the weekend on rape with 10-3pm giving the best sport just put out a dozen shell decoys in a 'L' like fashion with a flapper at the head of the pattern Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby dazzler Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 The pigeons around my neck of the woods are going at the beach mast big time Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFN Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 The pigeons around my neck of the woods are going at the beach mast big time+1 I sat under a well used flight line the other day and nothing wanted to know, they were high and fast heading to the woods. I expect that to change fairly soon but the rape is growing very fast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby dazzler Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Yea the rape is getting away very quick needs some cold weather to slow it up a bit then there might be some pigeons getting on the rape Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DEADLY PLUMBER Posted October 20, 2014 Report Share Posted October 20, 2014 Yea the rape is getting away very quick needs some cold weather to slow it up a bit then there might be some pigeons getting on the rape Don't worry the cold weather will knock it right back soon. It's the semi bald and short patches they will look to land in and feed. I don't think it will be too long as other food is sources are getting eaten up fast and the Ivy Berries are not ready yet. I hope the dont flock up too big like a couple of years ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr Wasp Posted October 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted October 21, 2014 many thanks everyone. When i looked last week i must confess it was around 5pm so may have been a little late. I'm popping down to the farm lunchtime and see if there are any about. Cheers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gunneravi Posted October 28, 2014 Report Share Posted October 28, 2014 Yea the rape is getting away very quick needs some cold weather to slow it up a bit then there might be some pigeons getting on the rape Definitely agree. It's tall already a good hard frost should help slow it up. I'm off for the rest of the week so I'll look about and see what they're on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 the pigeons here have not touched the rape yet...............i keep watching tho........ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 They're starting on it around these parts, although not in big numbers yet. I watched a dozen or so birds on a field today through the binos, and they were definitely eating the rape, not the weeds that tend to grow up around it. Cat Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted October 30, 2014 Report Share Posted October 30, 2014 I've seen pigeons on some rape fields near me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted October 31, 2014 Report Share Posted October 31, 2014 They're starting on it around these parts, although not in big numbers yet. I watched a dozen or so birds on a field today through the binos, and they were definitely eating the rape, not the weeds that tend to grow up around it. Cat That's good news if you're seeing them Cat, hopefully we will see some soon as well being not far from your permisions.... We haven't looked for a week or so, we will start checking again every few days. Cos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 I've seen pigeons on some rape fields near me. Motty.........have you shot birds with rape in their crop yet.?.........ive seen the odd pigeon on rape now...but it seems here more damage to the rape is being done by the partridge..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alastair0903 Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 I shot one on saturday with rape in its crop , i was shooting over drilling and the only other birds crop i opened was full of red berries . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 Motty.........have you shot birds with rape in their crop yet.?.........ive seen the odd pigeon on rape now...but it seems here more damage to the rape is being done by the partridge..... No, I've been spending most of my time in the pursuit of wildfowl, lately. I will keep an eye on the rape, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobby dazzler Posted November 2, 2014 Report Share Posted November 2, 2014 The pigeons just seem to be on beech mast around my neck of the woods in there hundreds Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
petera Posted November 15, 2014 Report Share Posted November 15, 2014 The pigeons have been on the rape for the last 5 weeks. Not in vast numbers and the maximum I have shot is one session is 15. At least it is a bit of practice before they hit the rape a lot harder. Went out earlier today and even though it was quite foggy they were still on the rape. Only shot 2 in 30 minutes but then gave up as the fog got a bit thicker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ditchman Posted November 15, 2014 Report Share Posted November 15, 2014 Not a bird to be seen on anyones rape around here...............they have even turned the bangers off...................... ...........and that big load of birds i have been wading into in the last few weeks ...appear to have moved off .......... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted November 15, 2014 Report Share Posted November 15, 2014 Yes, I do believe it's the Beech Mast that's kept the Woodies off the Rape fields in any numbers. I noticed a good few birds today feasting under the Beech trees, several mates have told me that the large Beech forests are full of birds.. It's such a pity, considering how few acorns there are about, they should be hammering the Rape about now, but it hasn't happened.. Cat. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nicky Posted November 16, 2014 Report Share Posted November 16, 2014 Have seen some today but not a massive amount. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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