TOM'S DAD Posted July 23, 2007 Report Share Posted July 23, 2007 Shot this good bag over standing wheat yesterday lots of birds around but not decoying to well at all but had some lovely views to look at in the slow periods Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mossy835 Posted July 23, 2007 Report Share Posted July 23, 2007 well done tom, they seem to be where you go. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pin Posted July 23, 2007 Report Share Posted July 23, 2007 Lovely views there, mind your a lot shorter than I imagined Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Von Tirpitz Posted July 23, 2007 Report Share Posted July 23, 2007 Good shooting!! How many hours were you there and what sort of decoy system do you use, i have just bought a battery power circling decoy machine with two flying pigeons on it, any tips? how far do you stand from your decoys? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TOM'S DAD Posted July 23, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 23, 2007 Good shooting!! How many hours were you there and what sort of decoy system do you use, i have just bought a battery power circling decoy machine with two flying pigeons on it, any tips? how far do you stand from your decoys? I was shooting on this particular field for 5 hours. I also use a pigeon magnet, as youv'e described, on most occasions, using two dead woodpigeons. I also use flocked coated shell and full bodied decoys, usually around 15-20 of them, which i replace as soon as possible with freshly shot birds placed on cradles. The most important aspect to a sucessful days decoying is to set up your hide and decoy pattern under a "flightline", which i may add, is not necessarily where you see the pigeons feeding in a field. I usually watch the birds for a day or so to determine pigeon flightlines into the chosen field, and determine likely places for hide position. Try to place the hide so the wind is at your back, most pigeons will fly roughly against the wind in approach to your decoys so will be flying towards your hide position allowing you more time to prepare yourself for a shot. Keep a look out for favourite trees, in which the pigeons may fly to to watch their chosen feeding field before flying into the field to join their feeding chums. These areas can also provide some great sport. My favourite decoy pattern i use most is a simple "horseshoe" or "Half Horseshoe" , See Pigeon Watch home page. Depending on wind direction and speed, i usually place the decoys nearest to the hide at 20yards, and the furthest out to about 35-45 yards. The magnet is placed at the head of the pattern to try to entice the pigeons to fly against the wind into the decoy pattern before they reach the magnet. I have noticed over the last 2 years, that the pigeons are getting more and more wary of pigeon magnets. If the pigeons shy away on approach, ensure your hide looks as natural as possible. Do not rise over the hide netting until the birds are within range and committed to the decoys. Ensure your movement to shoot is slow, (rather than a sharp, quick rise over the net), and you are less likely you will be spotted by the pigeon. If the hide is fine, and your hide discipline is good, BUT the birds still shy away on approach, dont be afraid to bring in the magnet if that may be the problem. Dont be afraid to experiment with different patterns and techniques. Enjoy your Shooting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Admiral Von Tirpitz Posted July 25, 2007 Report Share Posted July 25, 2007 Thank you very much for the detailed reply, the tips shall be put into practice, when it stops raining may i add!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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