Branchers

[Pykie]

May is traditionally the month in some areas to deduce the Rook population. This is where young Rooks that have left the nest and are hopping/flying from branch to branch are shot before they are fully fit to fly and can cause damage. A farmer of mine has just rang to say he thinks they are out and if we could have a go one evening this week. Anyone else seen them yet?

[JDog]

In these parts there are young in the nest but they are nowhere near ready to branch out.

[Davyo]

Dont wait, pocket full of mags, and blow the nests out of the trees, our rooks never came back as failed to hatch a brood.

Edited May 2, 2017 by Davyo

[fruity]

Yes there out my way , around 10 days earlier than last year .

We have taken 140 in two days going back Thursday evening

[aga man]

Not seen any branchers here as yet. Out of interest do any of you eat the young rooks?

 

They are supposed to make good eating but i have never been brave enough to try them.

[snarepeg]

Been today, missed main lot by about 2 days. 😢😢

[oowee]

Shot ours out a couple of weeks back. I shot them out hard last year and this year they have moved a few trees further in the wood.

[tonker]

Not seen any branchers here as yet. Out of interest do any of you eat the young rooks?

 

They are supposed to make good eating but i have never been brave enough to try them.

Yes! have a Rook pie or two every year. just take the breasts as you would a pigeon. Quite a dark meat and a little more gamey. If I get a lot I sometimes slice them thin and flash fry them with chips.

[aga man]

Yes! have a Rook pie or two every year. just take the breasts as you would a pigeon. Quite a dark meat and a little more gamey. If I get a lot I sometimes slice them thin and flash fry them with chips.

Thanks for the reply tonker, very interesting. I have met a few people that eat young rook and they say it is as good as woodpigeon.