Couple Of Short Decoying Sessions

[chrismdd 787]

With time at a premium at the moment what with work and family commitments I've only managed a few trips out recently after rabbits and pigeons. Last Saturday and today I've taken my young lad along for a couple of decoying sessions of no longer than a few hours each in the late afternoons.

 

The first of these last Saturday we drove into a couple of stubble fields and found a few pigeons in one area so set up there only to realise that the close proximity of a major A-road behind us made the noise unbearable so we upped sticks after half an hour and moved to the other side of the field. Got the decoys out and settled back in the fishing brolly hide. Soon a few woodies showed an interest and the first one came in and presented a nice shot to put him in the bag. Half an hour later a pair came in first shot dropped one and the other lifted off but then landed a few metres to the left, reloaded and was just about to take the shot but I was not quick enough and it was gone.

 

A few minutes later we became aware of some bleeping sounds behind us and then the sound of footsteps in the stubble, getting out the hide we discovered an elderly chap doing some metal detecting. We had a pleasant chat and he said he was going to move on out the way, unfortunately for us this merely met he was going to the other side of the field which only kept any other pigeons out of the way. We preserved for another hour but decided to head home, plus we needed to get the fishing gear ready for a match on the Sunday (which I won so £20 better off). The lad was still chuffed to be out:

 

 

Yesterday I took the dog out for a walk to check out where the rabbits were in anticipation of the new ferreting season. In a stubble field up the road I found a nice natural hide below a large ash tree in mature hedgerow where the deer had forced a path through. Plenty of pigeons were in the trees so it would be worth a try. So today we travelled light (no brolly etc.) just a couple of small camo nets, the fuds and a pair of shooting sticks.

 

Took us ten minutes to walk up the road and get set-up. The hide was so natural and gave a good view that it didn't take long to get settled down:

 

 

Soon a few pigeons came in and in no time a few were in the bag. After a little lull the lad was keeping himself busy on my phone whilst I made us a brew with the storm kettle:

 

 

 

You can't beat a fresh brew whilst out with the gun:

 

 

A lot of pigeons were coming into the ash tree above our heads but the leaf cover made spotting them and getting a clean line extremely difficult. Only managed one from above so this will probably be better come the winter. A few more were taken in amongst the decoys although one was lost when it dropped into thick cover.

 

We ended the day with six tasty woodies. Not a bad couple of short sessions totalling about five hours for eight kills with a total of eleven shots:

 

 

First day of ferreting tomorrow, the nettles are still high so hands will be stinging come the end of the day but this and decoying pigeons with the airgun make some fine experiences.

 

Chris

[The one 8,529]

Nice going the wee boy looks like he's loving it

[toby63 1,236]

good write up pal well done ?

[j j m 6,586]

well done mate

[Silent Sniper 17]

Nice write up mate

[mark williams 7,563]

Shooting Chris

[chrismdd 787]

Well we managed to get out with the ferrets today on and near the same field. Was a slow start as the ferrets weren't keen to start off and we did question our sanity trying to ferret in hot conditions with waist high nettles. It was a catch-22 situation, do you get hot wearing long sleeves or stay cool in a t-shirt but get stung all over. My arms are tingling all over but we did catch a few. Roll on the cooler days and maybe some frosts down here this year:

 

[kanny 21,099]

Nice going it doesn't matter about bag size when you see smiles like that on your kids faces it more than compensates... im just waiting for my favourite sitty tree a huge old willow in the middle of the field to drop it's leafs so I can introduce my lad to some decoying...won't be long now.

 

Atb

 

kanny

[Bunnyblatter 1,012]

Brilliant stuff that mate. Love how he's got hold of the pigeon in the photo !!! It's the next generation and they both look like they are loving it. Certainly better than say in front of the TV or Xbox.

[ratbuster 808]

Nice write-ups ! Love it to see those faces of the kids and the dogs keep up the good work

[Rez 4,961]

Setting the standard for the perfect hunting trips and stories Chris.

 

It's what field sports should be about, getting out with the family, doing what you enjoy.

 

Nice one.

[mark williams 7,563]

Setting the standard for the perfect hunting trips and stories Chris.

 

It's what field sports should be about, getting out with the family, doing what you enjoy.

 

Nice one.

Nowt better than a session with the father-in-law X

[Rez 4,961]

 

Setting the standard for the perfect hunting trips and stories Chris.

 

It's what field sports should be about, getting out with the family, doing what you enjoy.

 

Nice one.

Nowt better than a session with the father-in-law X

 

Ha. F'sake.

[tomburras 2,730]

Great shooting and nice kettle - iv got one they are great!