Does the colour of artificial decoys affect how well birds come to the pattern over oilseed rape? I use a rotary machine but I feel like 'normal' decoys blend in too well with foliage.
Would you like to appear on our site? We offer sponsored articles and advertising to put you in front of our readers. Find out more.
Pigeons
PETER THEOBALD says: Obviously, the more accurate the colouring of artificial decoys, the better, but painting it a different colour is unlikely to make a major difference. Even real pigeons look different in various light conditions.
What IS important is creating movement within the pattern, and as you say, whirlies go a long way to achieving this. In winter, when food is likely to be scarce, pigeons rely heavily on keeping in flocks to locate the field where their pals may be congregating.
The flash of white as a woody lands is what signals all is well to following birds. Rotaries and flappers replicate this movement perfectly ? and it can be seen from a long way off by other pigeons.
Got a question? Contact: sportinggun@ipcmedia.com or Sporting Gun, PO Box 157, Stamford, Lincolnshire PE9 9FU
High bird flu levels have led Defra to be overcautious about licensing but BASC is lobbying for more flexibility, reveals Conor O’Gorman.
We are probably all guilty of being a bit lazy when it comes to cleaning our firearms, but a little time spent now will pay off, insists Felix Petit