Woodpigeons aren't put off by seeing decoys lifted off the ground in wire-stemmed cradles.
By Peter Theobald
Tuesday, 17 August 2010
My friend has given me some ridiculously long wire-stemmed cradles that allow him to present decoys just above the heads of standing corn.
Even though I’m very sceptical I will give them a go but he says they work for him – but surely pigeons can’t be that stupid as to be fooled by such a set-up?
Pigeon shooting
PETER THEOBALD
Decoyers often overestimate the intelligence of pigeon, forgetting they are purely motivated by the desire to locate their pals and have a slap up meal.
They have no ability to reason, but are guided by instinct and habit.
To this end, they would be unable to work out that their mate is suspended in a cradle, three feet above the ground, until it is too late, and you can get a shot off.
Most of the modern electronic stuff we use for pigeon shooting is not particularly realistic looking to us, but it fools pigeons long enough to get them within range.
At times it really does pay to think like a woodie and see things their way for a change!
Shooting technical advice MIKE GEORGE Striking ...
A SPORTING TEAM: Enjoy all of the best shooting commentary with driven shooting's finest journal.
Don't miss this week's issue (on sale Wednesday 1st February). FREE PRIZE DRAW - it is week 3 of our great "Gun a Week" competition, see P53 for further details and how to enter! Plus, who is top dog? Paul Rawlings reports on the 2012 Cocker Spaniel Championship. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy today!
High Court orders a full judicial review of Natural England’s pr... Read more
Lincolnshire Police dismisses claims that disabled man who later shot ... Read more
Comments