Duck Hunting

[Livinhope 0]

Hi Folks

 

Does anyone have any experience of hunting ducks with a non FAC air rifle?

I have just got a new permission, only 9 acres but it has a small pond which seems to attract 20-30 mallards each morning. The owner doesnt want me using a shotgun as the land is quite close to housing and doesnt want any grief from the locals due to noise. I could use a moderator but fancied ago with an air rifle. Head shot only, .22 or .177.

 

Let me know if you have had any succcess failures

 

Thanks and happy hunting

[wuzzy 0]

just make sure your done by the 31st of January

[Livinhope 0]

Hey Wuzzy, that's my birthday> May be I'm a born hunter, or born too late?

Na'h can't be, I'm enjoying life too much.

 

But, still "to duck or not to duck that is the question" ?

 

ATB

 

Dave

[wuzzy 0]

"to duck"its got to be just remember season ends on your b-day

[Livinhope 0]

Hi Wuzzy

 

Thank you for the reply.

 

Sense and sensibility says Shot Gun but stalking and covert with an air rifle is more fun.

 

Still expect to get howled at for suggesting ducks with an Air-rifle.

 

ATB

 

Dave

[iamduvern 62]

 

 

 

Get yourself a .410 Hushpower

 

 

[Livinhope 0]

Thank you Iamduvern.

 

You are correct there are a number of relatively inexspensive shotguns that you can put a moderator on or buy one that's got it inbuilt. But. I don't have a FAC licence and I like the idea of shooting with a rifle for something larger than a rabbit.

 

Fac may be the way forward, but, for the moment "to duck or not to duck".

 

Regards

 

Dave

[Phantom 631]

Hi Dave,

 

Hit a Duck with either a .177 or a .22 in the head from a sensible distance (your comfort zone for accuracy) when they are in season and it's gonna go down to end up on your plate

 

Do it "out of season" however it will be you going down

 

I almost took a shot at one last week, but it took to the sky

 

Phantom

[Livinhope 0]

Hi Phantom,

 

Thanks for the reply, In season is not an issue. I'm not about to start taking liberties with the law, good way to loose licence

 

These ducks have not been hunted for years, can get to within 20 - 30 yards.

 

Love duck: yum yum

 

Trying with an air rifle appeals, rather than shotgun.

 

On leave tomorrow moring, rifle charged. early start [bANNED TEXT] sun-up

 

I will let you know how I get on.

 

ATB

 

Dave

[andyfr1968 772]

Hi, mate.

 

I've shot many ducks with non and FAC airguns, no problems.

 

As Phantom's said, head shots only and they'll go down quack, er, I mean quick as you like!!

 

Cheers and good luck.

 

PS. Let us know how you get on....

[maty j 6]

Strange how you mention phesants and get bombarded with how wrong It Is but ducks seem fare game Can't see any difference between the 2 myself so would shoot them both..

[Lee85 44]

shoot

[Edgar 1]

I have been told you should never fire a rifle into water as the bullet hits the water so hard it ricochets but I don't know if an air rifle pellet would be going fast enough? Just something to watch out for.

[Phantom 631]

I have been told you should never fire a rifle into water as the bullet hits the water so hard it ricochets but I don't know if an air rifle pellet would be going fast enough? Just something to watch out for.

 

Sub sonic rounds such as air pellets (and many rim and centre fire rounds) will just make their way to the bottom of the water.

 

Hypersonic rounds will disintegrate as they hit the water

 

The chance of a bounce is millions to one.

 

Am I the only one who watches Myth Busters on Discovery?

 

Phantom

Edited December 13, 2009 by Phantom

[Livinhope 0]

Thanks, Phantom, Edgar, Lee85, Maty J and andyfr 1968,

 

I have just got back from having a go at them. I have to say they are going to be harder than I thought. Got to within about 50 Yards of them, and they took flight. Didn't come back either.

 

I want to get within at least 30 yards before I take a shot as I realy want to nail them with a head shot only. A body wound on a bird that size will be a slow death. So the plan is to get up tomorrow before first light and get into position before they even flight into the pond.

 

On the positive side, I nailed two squirells this morning, I have been having a private war with these critters for the past 9 months, as they nested in one of the cavity walls last March. My daughter gave me so much grief as they were right behing her bed that I had to bring in pest control to get rid of them. And then, a plasterer to put right the damage that these critters had caused, along with the access that the verming control needed.

 

So to say the least, I'm not keen on having them around. So, no ducks, but any squirell day is a good day.

 

Thanks again for all your replies.

 

I will keep you posted when the freezer is groaning from the weight of frozen duck!!!!!!!

 

ATB

 

Dave