shawn9914 Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 hi all i was shooting over some freshly drilled wheat fields a couple of weeks ago with pretty good results when i packed up i went to see the farmer gave him 5 birds for his larson traps and told him how many i had shot (about 30) we got talking and he informed me that he was planting 2 fields with maize this week, i have never shot over maize and wondered when to shoot the fields, there are loads of pigeons and rooks. do i shoot the day after it has been drilled or when the maize starts to show through the farmer wants both the pigeons and the crows/rooks shot whats my best way to attack the situation cheers shawn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 As soon as the birds show any interest in the field. It also depends what "distractions" there are in your area for them. In places where they are spoilt for choice, I have seen newly drilled pea fields go practically untouched. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul in North Lincs. Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 (edited) Like most crops, it will be most vunarable when its just been drilled, or if its really barron weather, when it starts to germinate, and the shoot. Keep a watchfull eye on the birds feeding patterns. It won't take long for the birds to start feeding on it (depending on what else is available in the area). They will know what the farm vehicles are upto when they spot them. Happy shooting! Paul in North LIncs Edited March 31, 2005 by Paul in North Lincs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old rooster Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 Just had a call from one of my farms to say that a field has been partly drilled wih barley but the drilling has been rained off, none of the other fields have been done so it should focus the incoming birds very nicely. Just put the finishing touches to the new whirlin thingy so hoping to get to try it tomorrow. Wheat and Barley ain't any good for pigeons once it's through (IMHO) and with modern drilling methods they will soon clear up what is left on top, seed is too expensive to leave too much about, bring back broadcasting I say Peas are another matter as they will graze the fresh shoots with relish, sometimes going back to it for some weeks after germination. Beans are my real favourite but none of my farms are growing them this time. Found some bean fields getting a lot of attention but the farmer reckons he's got someone attending to them, ain't seen or heard 'em at it yet and there's been pigeons all over it. He's putting in several hundred acres so the pigeons are following him round from field to field. Might go and see him on Saturday and do a bit of wheedling, tell him it's my 50th birthday and see if he'll let me shoot his birdies. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shawn9914 Posted March 31, 2005 Author Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 yes old rooster thats all well and good but what about my maize fields what shall i do ?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shotgun-Sean Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 Peas are another matter as they will graze the fresh shoots with relish Rooster i was wondering what type of relish they like with peas?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
old rooster Posted March 31, 2005 Report Share Posted March 31, 2005 Peas are another matter as they will graze the fresh shoots with relish Rooster i was wondering what type of relish they like with peas?? Usually horseradish I believe Never shot over drilled maize Shawn, I thought the seed was very small and not of much interest to the pigeons but could be wrong. You should shoot most forms of drilling as soon as the pigeons get at it. Most folk can't swan around the countrside day in day out looking for opportunities but that's the best way in drilling season, take your kit and go driving if your farms aren't doing drilling themselves. I still reckon it's the best for big bags if you catch it just right, hope I'm proved right tomorrow. Hope you get birds on the maize, do let us know the outcome. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catamong Posted April 1, 2005 Report Share Posted April 1, 2005 Shawn, I've never seen Pigeons go for drilled maize - i've shot plenty on maize stubble right thro' the Winter, but never on drillings - surely the answer is to wait and see if they are on the field then plan a trip out? For the first time ever, I would have to disagree with Old Cranners as to when it is best to shoot them - I always reckon they take about 4 - 5 days to find it, most cereal crops are then mopped up by the birds within 2 - 3 days, but Beans & Peas will draw them for far longer, up to 10 days, and as Old Rooster says, they will stay on the Peas for a lot longer. If you are sure of exclusive rights to the field, then wait at least a day after you first see birds on the field, and you should be assured of a much bigger bag than if you go out the day you first notice them on the field. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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