strangford wildfowler Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Having a few problems at the minute regarding the decoy pattern... Today was disappointing to say the least, I arrived at a rape stubble and some 200 birds lifted off the field, and I thought to myself happy days I'll get a bit off shooting today, but of course it did not go to plan... I set a hide up which was well made and hard for the human eye to pick up even at a range of 20 yards, which I was rather pleased about considering I'm a young shot and basically a novice when it comes to decoying pigeons. Next was to set the pattern up, so oit I went and set up half a dozen shell decoys and a couple of crow decoys to the side all I have is 8 deeks in total. I began to shoot and the first bird arrived back within 10 minutes and I killed him with my second shot, unfortunately he landed in an uncut field of rape seed on the other side of the field, and I went out to collect him with the Labrador and we had a good look but the dog couldn't find it and I didnt want to damge any rape so I left it for mr fox to find. Back to the shooting and I fluffed a couple of shots then a big shower of rain came through, it rained hard for about half and hour but I stuck jt out in the hope that the birds would feed hard after it ( it had rained all morning amd it was about 2pm ) but as soon as the rain was over the pigeons where out in forceand he the problem lies. The pigeons where quite high and were not being drawsed into the decoys, I changed the pattern round.acouple of times but to no avail, the birds simply didn't see the decoys, is movement a must have in the pattern and if so what is the best way to solve the problem? And also the cheapest. Any advice is greatly appreciated, and if anyone has any other tips on how to draw in birds (the feathered kind please) Thanks for the help, cheers SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motty Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 It helps if the decoys can be seen by the pigeons. I always put my decoys above rape stubble. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fenboy Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 A few more decoys would be handy , try lifting what you have up above the stubble on canes etc , best solution is a pigeon magnet or flapper to add some movement , though I appreciate as a youngster it may be difficult to gain the funds ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 As above really. I also put the birds on cradles to lift them above the stubble. If money won't stretch to a magnet or a flapper, a bouncer or two can also help to add some movement. I would opt for a magnet though because that offers the best visibility from distance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andrew f Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 hazel sticks make good bouncers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr D Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 (edited) The obvious solution is to invite me along and i will bring a rotary and bouncers Edited August 5, 2015 by Dr D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluesj Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 As said lift the decoys above the stubble I'd go for a bouncer or two, you can make them out of a forked stick as said or a flapper, (I don't have a lot of luck with magnets in the summer) I have got one stubble field that has a couple of flight lines over it and I've seen 150 or more birds moving along them an hour at times some times they will drop to the decoys and some times its like they know where they are going and nothing will stop them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr D Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 If that's the rape along the main road that's been cut then the question is what field are you on. One of them would be difficult to decoy because the big hill will cut the birds line of sight. So you will definitely need movement. If it one of the fields on the other side then you need to elevate then the should be easy enough. As others have said just get them above the stubble any way you can. And bear in mind the rain. If you have plastics out the glare won't help. So replace them with dead birds asap Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ShropshireSam Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Sometimes the pigeons are committed to feed elsewhere and nothing seems to pull them in. As others said....need decoys above the stubble and need some movement....if a bit of wind then a couple of birds on canes or thin sticks with wings out will add some movement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
subsonicnat Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 And as it had rained, Were the backs of the Deeks shining with the rain drops,it happens. And they will not come in then,Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yickdaz Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 (edited) not much to add but echo whats been said if there shell decoys you can lay them on the rape stalks, a magnet is needed if birds are totally ignoring the decoys, or even get under the flightline if you can and take them flighted best option is a magnet you can get one for about £55 Edited August 5, 2015 by yickdaz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aga man Posted August 5, 2015 Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 If the first bird decoyed and the others you fluffed did, then perhaps there wasn't too much wrong with your decoy pattern. Birds flying over high and seemingly not interested would suggest they have somewhere else to dine. Plenty of good advise given above, decoys higher and more of,would be a good starting point. good points also made regards plastic deeks getting wet. Given a few days the birds might build there and you may find your 6 shell decoys are ample to get you started. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted August 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 5, 2015 Fellas thanks very much the help its very much appreciated. The decoys where fine the was no glare coming them as I moved them about, I had also placed some decoys on top of the laying rape that had not collected yet. Last year I had the same problem, and I had tried them pigeon decoys with the spinning wings on a bamboo cane kind of like an improvised bouncer, and to be honest they maybe pulled one or two birds in but they mainly scared birds away, and I was going to try it today and was hesitant to. I think its a case of not having movement in the pattern, the reason I say is because I was speaking to a local shooter who friend had been out and shot 52 which may not seem a lot to you gentleman on the mainland and of course to shooters on up the country in northern Ireland but for my area that is a stupendous bag, anyway this shooter had all the gear out flappers magnets bouncers you name it he had out. Time to raid the piggy bank I think, or my dads at least! Again thanks for the help, and if anything pops into your head please let me know. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
diddy Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 i have 12 shells that i initially use, its not until i get that 1st bird on the flapper that things start to happen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon controller Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 I think it's all been said , the first bird in was with the decoys dry , subsequently they may be wet and shining. If they are passing high above you the wind may be the wrong way or they are off to other fields or spooking on other people around? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 I would spend a bit of time watching the field to make sure you are where the pigeons want to be and you are under , or very close to there flight line . if your got a tree where they like going into try setting up under, or close to it then putting your decoys well out from the tree and if they fly over your decoys you have then got a chance at a oncoming bird. As the others have said raise your decoys slightly above or at least level with the stubble , if my cradles are not high enough I put the shells balanced on top of the stalks and when ive got time make a few up with the cradles taped to bamboo canes. If your allowed to , take Dr D with you and share each others knowledge and you can then see if a magnet pull the birds in to your decoys better , then find a outlet for your birds and save your money until you can invest in one yourself , and I am sure your dad ( bless him ) will pay a fair bit towards one ,........... or maybe a early Christmas present. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kenholland Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 keep your crow decoys well away from your pigeon decoys, might just be putting them off coming in to the deeks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted August 6, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 Cheers fellas, Marsh man he is starting look housekeeping money off me soon as I'm off to scotland to worke hopefully (electrician apprenticeship) so it shouldn't be long until i'll be able to buy my own gear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marsh man Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 Cheers fellas, Marsh man he is starting look housekeeping money off me soon as I'm off to scotland to worke hopefully (electrician apprenticeship) so it shouldn't be long until i'll be able to buy my own gear Good luck with your job in Scotland ( lovely area and very friendly people ) and if you ever find yourself round my way get in touch and I will try and sort a day out for you , duck or pigeons , your choice..........A t b.....M M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shootingmachine Posted August 6, 2015 Report Share Posted August 6, 2015 spring sticks for the shells give some movement in the breeze might make adifference on the day not to expensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted August 7, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2015 Good luck with your job in Scotland ( lovely area and very friendly people ) and if you ever find yourself round my way get in touch and I will try and sort a day out for you , duck or pigeons , your choice..........A t b.....M M Thanks MM if I am down your way I sure will get in touch. Atvb SW Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr D Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 How did you get on? I had my first wander out yesterday. Just got under a flight line for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Picked up 22. Not a lot but was fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
strangford wildfowler Posted August 9, 2015 Author Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 How did you get on? I had my first wander out yesterday. Just got under a flight line for a couple of hours in the afternoon. Picked up 22. Not a lot but was fun. Shot sixteen, 13 crows 3 pigeons, wasn't much but for 3 hours it was great fun and I managed to pull off some nice shots, I'll not say how many cartridges I went through but lets just say it was a lot... Its also the biggest bag ive shot so far Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr D Posted August 9, 2015 Report Share Posted August 9, 2015 Well done. Stick at it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lloydi73 Posted August 10, 2015 Report Share Posted August 10, 2015 If that's the rape along the main road that's been cut then the question is what field are you on. One of them would be difficult to decoy because the big hill will cut the birds line of sight. So you will definitely need movement. If it one of the fields on the other side then you need to elevate then the should be easy enough. As others have said just get them above the stubble any way you can. And bear in mind the rain. If you have plastics out the glare won't help. So replace them with dead birds asap I'm glad I read Dr D's reply last Thursday!! I went out Friday and nothing would commit in the morning, they came flying over 50mph but would not take any notice of the pattern!! Then the shade moved in and suddenly wham, I couldn't load the gun quick enough as they started to commit!! definitely the glare from my plastic decoys put them off, but I wouldn't have realised if I hadn't read Dr D, so thanks for that and something to keep in mind....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.