News
Is it worth decoying pigeon on green rape stubble?
In previous autumns I have sometimes seen good numbers of birds feeding on greened-up rape stubble. What are they feeding on, and is it worth decoying them?
Pigeon shooting
PETER THEOBALD
Contrary to popular belief these birds are not eating the leaves of young rape plants, they won’t touch these until every stubble in the area has been entirely gleaned of grain.
No, these pigeons are still finding enough rapeseed to focus their attention on, particularly if the field has been lightly cultivated and brought more food to the surface as a result.
I have never found anything other than seed – even if some of it has germinated – in the crops of birds shot over ‘greened’ rape fields.
Related articles
News
Welsh gundog displays and hound parades escape licence threat
Gundog displays and hound parades across Wales have been saved from licensing requirements after the Welsh Government abandoned controversial proposals
By Time Well Spent
News
£95k funding boost available for Scottish deer stalkers
Deer stalkers across Scotland’s lowlands can now access a second round of funding to upgrade their venison processing facilities