Decoying Essex Pigeons

Published on January 12, 2023
Duration: 35:47

This guide details effective pigeon decoying strategies from expert Paul Payne, emphasizing reconnaissance, strategic hide construction, and optimal decoy placement. It covers the use of mechanical aids and stresses the importance of ethical shooting distances for clean kills. The instruction highlights decades of field experience in crop protection and population control.

Quick Summary

Expert Paul Payne emphasizes thorough reconnaissance of pigeon flight lines and behavior before setting up. He recommends the Miroku MK60 Grade 5 shotgun and Hull Cartridge ammunition, advocating for ethical shooting within 50 yards to ensure clean kills. Strategic hide construction and decoy placement, including mechanical aids, are key to successful pigeon decoying.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Wood Pigeons
  2. 01:05Reconnaissance and Planning
  3. 02:26Ammunition and Shotguns
  4. 03:50Hide Construction
  5. 06:27Decoying Strategy
  6. 08:28Mechanical Decoys
  7. 15:23Shooting Ethics and Technique
  8. 21:22Safety and Partnership

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the key elements of effective pigeon decoying?

Effective pigeon decoying involves thorough reconnaissance of flight lines, strategic hide construction using light-colored netting, and optimal decoy placement at crop height. Incorporating mechanical aids like flappers can also significantly improve success rates by adding movement.

What shotgun and ammunition are recommended for pigeon hunting?

Paul Payne recommends the Miroku MK60 Grade 5 shotgun with fixed 3/4 chokes. For ammunition, Hull Cartridge Superfast Pigeon or Special Pigeon loads, particularly a 29g load with size 6 shot, are suggested for their effectiveness.

What is the recommended shooting range for ethical pigeon hunting?

It is crucial to maintain ethical shooting practices by engaging pigeons within a 50-yard range. This ensures clean kills and avoids wounding birds, aligning with responsible hunting principles and maximizing the effectiveness of your chosen ammunition.

How important is reconnaissance in pigeon shooting?

Reconnaissance is paramount. Expert Paul Payne stresses observing flight lines and bird behavior on specific crops like spring wheat and borage before setting up. This allows for informed decisions on hide placement and decoy strategy, significantly increasing hunting success.

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