Tips On Decoys For Rooks / Crows

[Dr B 186]

Hi Chaps

So, my new rabbit perm is going well. Also blatted a few rooks / crows - so chuffed. However, to make serious inroads into the birdies, I think I'm going to need a more serious approach and decoy them. I've never really done this in the past, other than benefit from the 1st one shot and the other ones flying in. I mostly have woodland on my perms and so merely sit and wait for them to fly in and pop them off that way. However, can't do that on this new land as there is no woodland anywhere near.

 

So I wanted to ask those of you experienced with decoying rooks / crows etc a few questions and ask what suggestions you have (top tips). How many deeks do you think is a good minimum? I've heard about 6 should do it - and just place them randomly but fairly close together? Also, have any of you deeked with an Owl decoy and if so, what's the method for that approach? I know they will be more aggressive with an owl deek, but just wanted to think about my options. Thank you in advance....

 

Cheers, Dr B

[random 659]

We put out about eight in a small off shape circle,one on a post etc,mostly facing into the wind,make a nice hide,cover up and keep still,usually gets us small numbers for a morning,a broken egg is apparently good for drawing their attention as is a half gutted rabbit,an owl is also supposed to be good but I believe they just dive bomb them so bit shotgun that one,it tends to depend on what they are feeding on and what have you but the basics should get you going,my experience is limited but is working so far and I learn a little each time,someone who does it more often might have more specific info and tips for you...

Edited May 24, 2015 by random

[Dr B 186]

Thanks Random - much appreciated!.

 

OK, so around 6-8 deeks for starters - that's good. I'll start with that number and of course, if successful, I'll leave what I shoot where it is and they can add to it. One on a post you say? OK, will try that, I guess its supposed to mimic a 'look out'. More expense needed with a pop-up hide, I know, but hey, it is what it is. I cant build one on this perm as its just a huge flat field with a thin hedge....not enough hedge to cut up and re-model so a pop up will be the way to go.

 

Thanks for the tips on the owl. I'll give that a miss on this first attempt.

[pianoman 3,587]

Food, with all creatures is priority No. 1

 

Find a roadkill rabbit or squirrel to enhance your deeks. Not very pleasant, I know but, corvids look at what their fellow birds are actually doing or clustered around.

 

Be ready to be deafened by shrieking crows as soon as you bag one!

[Dr B 186]

Ah yes....Maggies are the same for noise when one goes down....

[charlie caller 3,654]

Absolutely spot on Timmy, a freshly placed pop up hide will serve to do one thing, it will ensure every crow in the area avoids it like the plague, if you are not concerned it will get nicked then by all means leave it out for a few days first, but if you can build a natural hide, it will work straight away, a dead rabbit with the guts pulled out is always a good way of attracting Corvid attention, years ago I used to use a stuffed owl that we got in a junk shop, it worked brilliantly until it became so tatty my mate shot it with his 12 bore if you do get an owl decoy, get the one with the wings that flap, you used to pull a piece of string (probably remote control nowadays) that way the movement will focus attention, you could drive a post into the ground and sit the decoy on top, a trip to the curiosity shop might pay dividends, a stuffed owl or cat (also a deadly decoy) or hawk, or even a Heron would be a good find, oh and get a crow call and practise with it, they can work wonders sometimes

[Dr B 186]

Thanks Chaps.

 

Yes, they spot all the differences in the landscape, but hopefully will soon adapt....will have to sacrifice a wabbit or two for them.....luckily, this perm is riddled so should be OK....

[kanny 20,480]

From what I understand baiting of birds with food to shoot is illegal...Put your deeks down near a tree you have a better chance of a shot as they tend to land in the tree to check the deeks out.. Birds that land on the ground tend to suss out the deeks in a couple of seconds not giving you much chance to get a shot of.

 

Atb

 

Kanny

Edited May 27, 2015 by kanny

[Stoater 21]

Is putting out food to entice pest birds really illegal?

Can anyone clarify this?

Sounds like a bad dream to me!

[kanny 20,480]

Is putting out food to entice pest birds really illegal?

Can anyone clarify this?

Sounds like a bad dream to me!

yep read the general licence.

[Stoater 21]

Never realised this, thanks. So all those journos who tell us to put out broken eggs, dead rabbits etc. to attract corvids are enticing us to break the law. Interesting.

[Dr B 186]

Not that I've ever done it, but my understanding is it is NOT illegal to bait for Corvids with carrion. I could be wrong and will re-check the GLs in due course. Others here may have views. I think it might be for pigeons.

 

The maddness of the GLs makes it very tricky as I think you can bait for trapping.....

Edited June 2, 2015 by Dr B

[Coypu Hunter 486]

I've even seen journos do it on video too -- but I don't think they've had a visit from Plod yet...

 

Meanwhile... http://www.thehuntinglife.com/forums/topic/342946-little-owl-decoy-corvid-control/

Edited June 2, 2015 by Coypu Hunter

[mark williams 7,550]

Still giggling over that stuffed owl and the shotgun - hillarious Charlie !

If by any chance you were to accidently drop a rabbit with guts hanging out on a regular basis in a regular spot crows and magpies get to "expect it"and will visit looking for it. Try having the accident mornings only as Charlie`s mate will expect it too.

You say there is no cover ? Make a natural hide Doc, keep the offerings going, and dont shoot the spot for weeks.

I was given a tip years ago by a very wise old gamekeeper, "Get an old brush handle, put a little camo netting on it, fixed well but loose (simulate a little movement) and fix it into the hide like your rifle muzzle would look. The corvids get so used to this they never give a second glance.

In the weeks you are waiting, any shot corvids you get - freeze them and use these on cradles on the day "DEFROSTED" - three or four is great.Much, much better than plastic decoys.

On open ground forget the owl - ( unless just magpies being shot) you`ll get mobbed by crows.Just decoys, rabbit and wait, i dont use a crow call, just patience.- they always come when you are off guard, be alert and move slowly.

Use the owl to deadly effect if trees are close to your hide.

I get a little blue tack, 1lb fishing line with white downy feathers attached (3 inch long line) attached to the owl decoy beak,- makes it look like he`s eating with the slightest of a breeze.The crows always land in the trees to check things out.

 

Hope this helps any - good luck !

"NEVER" leave the hide unless a shot corvid is laying on its back, belly up, you will have to set it correctly.

Edited June 2, 2015 by mark williams

[Dr B 186]

Cheers Mark Great advice and lots to think about. It's so much easier in woodland.....