decoys Shell decoy advice please

[Codlord]

I have a set of the attached shell decoys that someone gave me. They are plastic painted (not flocked) with a mix of solid and sprung plastic pegs. Although often I have not been using the pegs when there is no or low crop and no wind.

Not had a huge amount of success compared to my mate who I shoot with (which of course could be due to any number of other factors/position as we use different kit and setup in different places).

But wondering if I should look at alternative decoys? I don't want full-body as trying to keep the bulk down. I already have dead bird cages which I use to enhance the pattern or replace decoys with as I shoot. I also have a rotary for some movement (with either Proflap decoys or dead birds).

Then I read this topic which talked about pigeon sock decoy covers and/or sillosock decoys and now I am even more unsure what's "best" for me 🤔

Probably overthinking things but any advice appreciated!

[Penelope]

They should be fine. Flocked would be better.

Being painted, they may shine in the rain, bright sunshine or frosted (winter rape). Flocking eliminates the shine.

The key to pigeon shooting, is watching, watching, watching, a bit more watching, watch a bit more, then shoot.All the kit in the world is no good if you're not where they want to be.

[Down South]

Those decoys should be fine. If there’s a breeze put them on spring pegs to get some movement. Don’t forget that decoying gear and fishing tackle is mostly designed to attract the buyer and not necessarily the quarry. 👍 Welcome & good luck.

[TIGHTCHOKE]

Far more important to place the decoys in the right place than what they look like.

[Bigbob]

Nought wrong with shells and your swapping them for dead birds as you build your numbers up 

[Minky]

On 20/02/2025 at 18:33, Penelope said:

The key to pigeon shooting, is watching, watching, watching, a bit more watching, watch a bit more, then shoot.All the kit in the world is no good if you're not where they want to be.

This.

4 hours ago, TIGHTCHOKE said:

Far more important to place the decoys in the right place than what they look like.

And this. 

Don't dispare.  I recon that if you have 1 good day in 4, then you ain't to bad.  Think about it,; real pigeons land to feed where THEY want to Eg. your back garden or the local park.  Therefore you have to either find the place where THEY are feeding or create a place (pattern) which LOOKS  interesting.  I've set up on fields that have been blue yesterday and today there's not been a bird in the sky and another time that same field has been just disced soil. This field had been wheat straw but the farmer had run a disc over it.  I went to the field and on the sight of a few birds flying over I set up .  Eventually I shot 75 but same place another day I just got cold.  Not a bird to be seen. AND ABOVE ALL ELSE. You've got to put the lead on target.  It doesn't matter what the gun is .. cheap or expensive .  You can't shoot birds if there are none to shoot but on the other hand you have to take your chances.  Cartridges,  as long as they go bang and are #5 to #7 it will bring them down. Try 30grm of #6.  The decoys need to be seen, the hide and you dont.

Edited Friday at 19:44 by Minky