Tomo-1 Posted February 10, 2016 Report Share Posted February 10, 2016 Hi all, I am gearing myself up for some decoying after a long break. I have been into the loft and found a grand total of ten shell and four full bodied decoys. I have hide nets etc. What's the minimum amount of decoys a serious pigeon shooter should have? The last time I was decoying I used to get movement into the pattern by using the Archie Coates method of lobbing a pigeon in the air! Things have moved on a bit since then. Given the choice of a magnet or a flapper, what would you say you can't live without? I will get one or the other, not sure which yet. Thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
deny essex Posted February 10, 2016 Report Share Posted February 10, 2016 (edited) Both do a job on the right day , a rotary is heavier and requires a bigger output battery than a flapper. Summer shooting not so many decoys may be needed as in winter,a pack or two of quality flocked shell decoys would be enough IMHO. Edited February 10, 2016 by deny essex Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Danger-Mouse Posted February 10, 2016 Report Share Posted February 10, 2016 As far as decoys go I usually have about a dozen shells and 3 or 4 full bodied. Don`t use/own a magnet/flapper but I seem to do ok. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wilts#Dave Posted February 14, 2016 Report Share Posted February 14, 2016 Magnet every time for me over a flapper, rarely find the birds to draw as readily to the decoy pattern without it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Flapper for me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Salopian Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 Good field craft will attract birds to your pattern, and nothing is really as effective as dead birds.. I have always travelled light , many times not even using a hide, just using the hedgerow. Although I have rotaries and flappers I seldom use them as I have a vast acreage that is not accessible to vehicles. Gun, sufficient cartridges, flask of tea, half dozen shell decoys and a floater is surely enough???? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steveshoots Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 You really need both but if I had to choose It would be a flapper every time. pigeons get used to rotary's exception being in full summer when the young woodies are around they fly straight to them. A flapper on a timer is awesome fetches pigeons in from 1000's of yards away . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bakerboy Posted February 15, 2016 Report Share Posted February 15, 2016 (edited) Good field craft will attract birds to your pattern, and nothing is really as effective as dead birds.. I have always travelled light , many times not even using a hide, just using the hedgerow. Although I have rotaries and flappers I seldom use them as I have a vast acreage that is not accessible to vehicles. Gun, sufficient cartridges, flask of tea, half dozen shell decoys and a floater is surely enough? ??? Salopian is correct. Good field craft and knowing your permissions are the secret to what delivers a good days shooting. The toys and gizmo's can add to that enjoyment Edited February 15, 2016 by bakerboy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Towngun Posted February 21, 2016 Report Share Posted February 21, 2016 Its all down to weight and what you can carry. Farmers realize vehicles can do more damage to crops than pigeons. On this basis a flapper is ideal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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