The COMPLETE Guide to Pigeon Shooting - Decoying 130 Birds!!

Published on August 24, 2023
Duration: 60:53

This comprehensive guide details advanced pigeon shooting techniques, focusing on decoy placement, hide construction, and fieldcraft. Expert Paul Payne emphasizes understanding pigeon behavior, utilizing wind and sun to your advantage, and creating effective decoy patterns with a mix of static and moving decoys. The video also touches on essential gear, including specialized decoys and netting, and the importance of reconnaissance for successful hunts.

Quick Summary

Effective pigeon shooting relies on understanding bird behavior and strategic fieldcraft. Key elements include creating a central 'gap' in decoy patterns to funnel birds, using a mix of static and moving decoys, and considering wind and sun direction. Thorough reconnaissance of flight lines and feeding habits is crucial for successful hunts.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Pigeon Shooting
  2. 00:51Shotcam Gen 3 vs. Gen 4 Comparison
  3. 01:24Building Your Pigeon Hide
  4. 02:27Understanding Pigeon Flight Lines
  5. 03:07Decoy Patterning Strategies
  6. 04:37Shotcam Footage Review
  7. 05:03Getting Pigeon Shooting Permissions
  8. 06:00Ethical Shooting & Field Etiquette
  9. 06:46Pigeon Reconnaissance & Fieldcraft
  10. 08:39Identifying Flight Lines & Feeding Patterns
  11. 09:43The Importance of Weather in Pigeon Shooting
  12. 11:51Thinking Like a Pigeon
  13. 13:51Wind and Sun Direction in Shooting
  14. 15:15Shotgun Lead and Range Estimation
  15. 16:28Dealing with Difficult Shooting Days
  16. 17:30Smooth Movement in the Hide
  17. 18:29Are Pigeons Clever?
  18. 19:44Using Crow Decoys
  19. 20:55Picking Up Shot Pigeons
  20. 21:09New Rocking Dead Bird Spikes
  21. 22:17Shotcam Footage & Gun Swapping
  22. 23:04Shotkam Sales & Pricing
  23. 24:27Upside Down Decoys
  24. 25:24Pigeon Rangefinding Challenges
  25. 26:11When to Let Birds Go
  26. 27:01Adjusting Decoy Placement
  27. 28:05Dealing with a Missing Spell
  28. 29:08Sharing Pigeon Shooting Knowledge
  29. 30:06Keeping Shooting Diaries
  30. 31:38Ammunition Performance
  31. 32:30Decoy Pattern Adjustments
  32. 33:01Positioning Under Flight Lines
  33. 33:23Power of the Shot & Noise
  34. 34:19Shot of the Day
  35. 35:03Clicking Birds & Counting Kills
  36. 35:50Thanks to Paul Payne
  37. 36:35Picking Up & Tidying Up
  38. 37:30Pigeon Gear Collection Review
  39. 38:03What Gear to Buy & Avoid
  40. 38:34Light Nets vs. Camo
  41. 39:53The Art of Camouflage
  42. 41:55Spinners & Moving Decoys
  43. 43:43Custom Decoy Stands
  44. 44:26Robustness of Decoy Machines
  45. 45:38Choosing Decoy Machines by Ground Type
  46. 46:07Best Decoys Ever Made
  47. 47:33Abused but Effective Decoys
  48. 48:16Fly Koi Decoys
  49. 49:18DIY Pigeon Wing Decoys
  50. 50:23Shell vs. Full Body Decoys
  51. 50:42Extendable Stand for FF6 Flapper
  52. 51:15Top 3 Pigeon Shooting Gear Items
  53. 51:51Best Hide Poles on the Market
  54. 52:46Next Best Hide Poles
  55. 53:10Decent Netting Recommendations
  56. 53:33Decoy Recommendations
  57. 53:55Machine Recommendations
  58. 54:38Worst Pigeon Shooting Purchases
  59. 55:32The Dead Sir Pigeon Flapper
  60. 56:53Power Wings Remote Control Flapper
  61. 57:34Dead Bird Cradles
  62. 58:40Take Jokes Gun Dehumidifier
  63. 59:20Video Conclusion & Thanks
  64. 01:00:04Final Thoughts on the Hunt

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to set up pigeon decoys?

The most effective decoy setup involves creating a large gap in the center, with decoy 'blobs' on either side to funnel birds into the open space. Utilizing a mix of static, moving, and dead bird decoys, along with considering wind direction and sun position, significantly increases success rates.

How important is reconnaissance in pigeon shooting?

Reconnaissance is crucial. It involves scouting fields, observing pigeon flight lines and feeding patterns for several days before hunting. Understanding these habits, along with weather conditions, allows you to choose the right field, time, and setup for maximum effectiveness.

What are the key factors for successful pigeon shooting?

Success hinges on understanding pigeon behavior, effective decoy placement (creating gaps and using movement), proper hide construction for concealment, and strategic use of environmental factors like wind and sun. Patience and continuous learning through observation and record-keeping are also vital.

What gear is essential for pigeon shooting?

Essential gear includes good quality hide poles, effective netting (lightweight scrim nets are often preferred), a variety of decoys (static, moving, dead bird), and a reliable shotgun. Specialized items like remote-controlled flappers and robust decoy stands can greatly enhance success.

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