Whitebridges Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 (edited) "We've gotta plague of Jay's at the moment, they cud do wi' thinning out". He told me where they were going about their business. "There also a few pigeons working the 14 acre stubble, you can give them barrel or two as well". Rock on, I nipped up the previous day and set up a couple of hides. First up at 7a.m. and a bit of a walk and i'm in situ waiting for the first J bird. The heavy mist soon disappeared after the sun and wind got up. I heard that cackle and saw some quick, short wing beats, he was heading right down the barrel, I pulled the trigger and he crumpled 10 feet from the hide. 1-0. Another came close by, I made my mind a bit too quick, they have eyes like hawks and if they spot any movement and they're off. I poked the shot and missed. I shot the next up the **** as he unexpectedly came over the wood from behind. 2-0. I'm glad I gave it another 20 minutes as I got the third which was almost a replica of the third. Not bad, three of the little boogers in the bag. I use the blue feathers for the throat hackle for the silver invicta, a superb trout fly. Next up the pigeons. Walked several hundred off, set up the deeks and had 37 in about three hours for 61 shots. I was facing the sun and there were plenty I didn't even see! Brilliant weather and a fun day. I'll be back for the drillings. Cheers all. Edited October 12, 2008 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Nice shooting and good pictures. Since the magpie population explosion, our local jays have been few and far between. I doubt I have seen more than 5 or 6 birds this year. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pigeon controller Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Good shooting and nice picture, we have seen more Jays and Magpies around this year but less rabbits? Pigeon Controller Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miroku Mike Posted October 12, 2008 Report Share Posted October 12, 2008 Excellent Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted October 13, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2008 Cheers all. Cranners, not so many maggies in the area but there seems to be loads of Jays. I don't understand why, hopefully when the pheasant shooting gets going they will get trimmed out a bit. Years ago when the land was properly keepered you used to see hundreds strung out on the jibbet. In my opinion they are a thorough nuisance. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nagantino Posted October 13, 2008 Report Share Posted October 13, 2008 I read your post last night and admired the pic...I noted to myself that i had not seen a jay in 4 to 5 years. Today i walked out of work for breath of air and there she was just flitting into the trees. Lovely. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnny Posted October 14, 2008 Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 I was told by a keeper friend of mine that jays are now off the vermin list so should not be shot anymore. I dont know for sure. cheers john Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitebridges Posted October 14, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 (edited) Jays are included in the General Licence see: BASC General Licence document Edited October 14, 2008 by Whitebridges Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JR1960 Posted October 14, 2008 Report Share Posted October 14, 2008 Good shooting and nice picture, we have seen more Jays and Magpies around this year but less rabbits? Pigeon Controller We're overun with magpies and jays, (saw 6 magpies and a pair of jays just driving down the lane sunday afternoon) but hardly seen a rabbit for about 18 months Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tealer Posted October 15, 2008 Report Share Posted October 15, 2008 I don't think there are enough jays through-out the country to be on the vermin list and the damage they do is minimal now considering most game birds are released at 6-7 weeks old, just my view Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southernlad Posted October 15, 2008 Report Share Posted October 15, 2008 Rarely see them here any more - I certainly wouldn't shoot one myself as I like seeing them about, one of our prettiest indiginous birds. But if they're really causing problems then I guess you have to cull a couple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anser2 Posted October 16, 2008 Report Share Posted October 16, 2008 Your Jay are probably migrants from Europe. Every few years we get influxes to the Norfolk coast. The good acorn crop may encourage them to stay a while before moving on across the country. A lot of jays now does not mean there will be a lot about in the spring when they become a threat to game bird eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rabbithunter2008 Posted October 16, 2008 Report Share Posted October 16, 2008 Never seen a jay before Great photos Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
funky Posted October 16, 2008 Report Share Posted October 16, 2008 well done matey good shooting 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.