pigeon decoying over winter

eoinmk2

Hi all,
just looking for some advice in decoying. I'm new to shooting this being only my second season. really looking forward to the upcoming season but was just wondering can you decoy for pigeons during the winter? I think it will be a good way to help get my eye in and get used to my new gun too.

I know the spring/summer time would be best as they would be picking off sprouting tillage fields ect. but can do it in winter? i assume the pigeons still have to eat over the winter too :P before I go doing more research into hides and patterns id like to see if it will even work over the winter.

any advice /comments welcome

cheers, Eoin

snipe02

your in for some good shooting see a lot of big flocks starting to gather some crops seemed to have grown again out of the stubbles pigeons are hitting them winter rape is another and you can roost shoot the this time of year so get your gear ready and get out searching for them

Duckhunter7

Had some of my best days at pigeons over the winter on winter rape. All I use is shell decoys and set the floater up with first pigeon shot. Once I have enough pigeons shot, I take in all decoys and set up the shot pigeons. 290 is the best I bagged over winter rape but remember to wrap up as can get cold in the hide. Best of LUCK E.:)

1shot16

How many decoys would you need roughly will be ordering some pigeon soon along with crow decoys magpie and a camo hide

eoinmk2

great stuff! at least I know I wont be wasting my time now

any advice as to how to find a good location? anything specific I should look out for? or is it just scouting to see where they are feeding?

I understand from doing a small bit of reading up about it that the flight direction and wind direction is very important.

vermin99

1shot16 wrote: »

How many decoys would you need roughly will be ordering some pigeon soon along with crow decoys magpie and a camo hide

I started with 12 and to be honest you could have the best gear but if you're not in the right spot you might only get a few ,have a look at the lines they fly and feeding fields.its well worth it!

Duckhunter7

I have 12- 16 decoys. Try and find the fields they are feeding and the flight lines. I always try to set up close to tree or trees as some pigeons will land on trees before coming to the decoys. I don't use the props that comes with the shell decoys, just place them on top of the crop.

eoinmk2

any specific type of decoy or shell I should get? good brands to get or things to avoid?

Duckhunter7

I have my decoys that long don't know the make. They are the ordinary plastic decoy shell, not expensive. You can rub the decoy down with some earth to take the shine off them cause there is a shine off them in the winter sun. I also have metal pigeon cradles to put real pigeons in if rape is too high. You will get them in most gun shops. Shells I use are 7 and half Eley Superb 28gr. Good fast shell for pigeons, also easy on the shoulder after firing a lot. Start the V of your decoy set up about 30 yards from the hide and face it into the wind. Don't be afraid to move your decoy set up if pigeons are shying away. Better to adjust it than watching birds coming so far and then turning away. The hide poles I have are adjustable in height. Very handy for getting the height of the net right. Good decoying enjoy.