The Perfect Day to Decoy Pigeons

Published on July 18, 2024
Duration: 30:13

This video details expert pigeon decoying techniques on laid barley fields, emphasizing strategic decoy placement, understanding bird behavior, and adapting to environmental conditions. The instructor, Paul, shares insights on maximizing bag numbers while minimizing crop damage, highlighting the importance of field craft and patience in successful pigeon hunting. The discussion also touches upon the costs associated with the sport and the evolving use of ammunition like steel shot.

Quick Summary

Expert pigeon decoying on laid barley involves strategic decoy placement, often around a dozen full-bodied decoys, to attract birds without overwhelming them. Understanding flight lines, adapting to weather, and using deterrents like rope bangers for secondary feeding areas are crucial for maximizing bag numbers and protecting crops from millions of pounds in annual damage.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Decoying
  2. 00:20Field Selection and Strategy
  3. 01:52Decoy Setup and Hide
  4. 03:36Hunting Progress and Field Craft
  5. 04:04Impact of Environment on Hunting
  6. 05:48Cost of Pigeon Shooting
  7. 07:21The Challenge of Pigeon Hunting
  8. 08:00Patience and Technique
  9. 09:16Decoy Placement Mistakes
  10. 10:45Crop-Specific Strategies
  11. 11:03Winter Rape vs. Barley
  12. 12:13Using Rope Banger Decoys
  13. 13:51Ensuring Clean Kills
  14. 14:11Retrieving Shot Birds
  15. 15:19The Art of Decoying Explained
  16. 16:00Ammunition Costs and Steel Shot
  17. 16:50Flapper Decoys in Action
  18. 18:07Peak Feeding Times
  19. 19:16Crop Protection Importance
  20. 20:09Steel Shot Performance
  21. 21:26Flight Line Dynamics
  22. 22:13Main Peak Feeding Period
  23. 22:41Choosing the Best Feeding Spot
  24. 23:19Dealing with Missed Shots
  25. 23:45Managing Decoy Numbers
  26. 25:22Building Hides - Pros and Cons
  27. 26:41Camouflage Netting Strategy
  28. 26:59Wood Pigeon Roosting Habits
  29. 27:15The 'Pit Lane' Tree
  30. 28:20End of the Hunt and Recap
  31. 29:00Day's Success and Packing Up

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time of year for pigeon decoying on laid barley?

Laid barley is particularly effective for pigeon decoying in winter when pigeons have finished feeding on buds and are seeking grain. This video focuses on late winter/early spring when the barley is accessible and attractive to the birds.

How many decoys should be used for pigeon decoying on laid barley?

For laid barley, it's generally advised not to over-saturate the area with decoys. Around a dozen full-bodied decoys are often optimal, as too many can cause pigeons to skirt around the spread rather than landing within it.

What is the role of a 'rope banger' in pigeon hunting?

A rope banger is a device used to deter pigeons from secondary feeding areas. It's strategically placed to gently push birds away from areas you don't want them to feed, encouraging them to return to your main decoy spread.

Why is it important to control pigeon numbers in crops?

Pigeons can cause millions of pounds worth of damage to crops annually. Controlling their numbers is crucial for farmers to protect their yield, which in turn helps to keep agricultural costs and food prices more reasonable.

What are the key factors for successful pigeon decoying?

Successful pigeon decoying relies on understanding bird behavior, choosing the right field (like laid barley), strategic decoy placement, adapting to wind and weather conditions, and having patience. It's about field craft and hunting, not just shooting.

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