ESSENTIAL PIGEON SHOOTING KIT
Okay, so you’ve got the gun and cartridges and even the field to shoot on, so what other pigeon shooting kit do we need to make the day as successful as possible?
DECOYS
These are usually either full bodied or shell decoys, and I would normally recommend a pattern of about 20 birds to start off with. The plastic decoys are very cheap and quite effective if the weather is dry and dull, but many people now go for the flock coated decoys as these don’t shine in the rain or sun and the ‘velvet’ like finish gives them a super-realistic finish that the woodpigeon just can’t resist.
HIDE POLES
There are those who simply use hazel rods cut from the nearest hedge, and even more shooters who use old washing line poles when out pigeon decoying, but eventually, you will buy a proper set of purpose made hide poles. They should have a good strong footplate to allow use on even hard dry ground. They need to adjustable up and down with a SECURE locking mechanism to prevent them slipping, and they must also have a decent hooking device on the top to grip your net on a windy day. A good set of poles comes in about £50.
CAMMO NETTING
The choice is huge, but lighter colours are generally better than dark, and avoid ex-army type netting. It weighs a ton when it gets wet and it stinks. Your best size is around 15’ x 5’.
PIGEON MAGNETS
A superb bit of kit, but as usual, you really do get what you pay for. Avoid the heavy, poorly painted, crappy welded jobs you see at the game fairs for around £60. They weigh a ton, tire you out and flatten your battery in about 2 hours…so then you will waste money by having to buy a decent one! Best used over standing crops such as laid barley and swathed rape, these machines have featured in all the UK record pigeon bags.
FLAPPERS
Best deployed on stubble and drillings or raised above standing crops, these devices simulate birds settling into a pattern of decoys. Ensure that the flapper you buy has all steel internals or it will quickly wear out. Avoid the flappers which flap very fast as these usually burn out their motors very quickly. The slower type flappers are also deadly on crows!
CARRYING BAG
Probably the most essential piece of kit you’ll need! Get as big a bag as possible, with adjustable shoulder straps. Ideally the bag should be big enough to carry all of the above items, some even feature an integrated seat.
SEAT
Needs to be lightweight and comfortable as you will be sat on it for hours!
