Pigeon decoys advice needed

[BmBusa]

Looking to try some pigeon decoys on my perm and can see there's loads available of different qualities, also full and half shell. I could do with some guidance on best type to get, how many I'll need, and are the cheap ones realistic enough, so how much should I be spending. Thanks

 

[Neal]

I got this pack, seemed reasonable, half shells for ease of carrying and a couple of full body. All flocked and seem good quality.
Had limited results so far, its a bit of trial and error learning.

 

[franksy]

I started off with some old secondhand shell decoys and a flapper... don't forget to break the wings.

I've had some good days with them especially as you'll need a bit if movement to attract the pigeons.

Cradles are good aswell to lift the shot woodpigeon off the ground.

Over the years I've had to replace or repaint them with tester pots for the diy store.

I bought some of the Enforcer Decoys a couple of years ago but adapted the sticks as the ones that come with them are just sticks and don't move freely. A bit pricey but well made and very detailed.

It just depends on the day really, some days they'll come in like kamikaze pilots and some days they'll just come by for a look.

Replace the deeks with real birds as you go...

Don't be worried about changing the pattern through the day if they're not playing

 

[buckie]

used every type of deek going and regardless of cost they all shine using dead birds for deeks is so important if I don’t have any I would rather set up on a sitty tree than use plastics in my opinion plastics are responsible for more failure in decoying than anything else

 

[The Iceman]

Under GL42, Always, always use dead pigeon on cradles.
I presume you are an air rifle hunter BB ?
You need a few dead birds freezing until you are ready .

Every time you shoot a few pigeons - freeze some for the next outing.



Good luck.

 

[franksy]

@buckie I totally agree with using dead birds but if you don't have any to start with then using decoys does help and has worked for me.

If you can fool a Peregrine Falcon I'm sure you can fool a woodie, this actually landed on top and tried having a nibble

I'll pop a few in the fridge if going out days after I've been out or in the freezer.

I'll replace the deeks for dead birds as soon as possible

 

[buckie]

@buckie I totally agree with using dead birds but if you don't have any to start with then using decoys does help and has worked for me.

your all good mate I’m not saying they don’t work just how badly pige coming in well from the real deal can only help beginners out more

 

[franksy]

the real deal can only help beginners out more

 

[franksy]

Is it possible to dull the plastic sheen down with a Matt lacquer??
Would it work any better or are the shells etc just not lifelike enough ???

I repainted mine with matt paint, scuffed them to key the paint and dabbed a sponge with the paint on to cover them... if there's any shiny bits... scuff up again.

Dead birds will always work better though

 

[BmBusa]

Thanks all, so 5 or 6 matt/ flocked full or half that move in the wind on sticks, set out trying different patterns. They don't need to be really realistic, as long as they don't glare and do move. Add any shot birds and consider a flapper if all goes well. I won't be allowed pigeons in the frezer though, I'll have to work on that! Looking forward to it.

 

[Storcky]

This…..

In no particular order... - Decoying pigeons

A long-time pigeon shooter shares some useful tips and advice to help you improve your success when decoying woodpigeons.

basc.org.uk

 

[Baldinio]

Find a decent sitty tree to shoot a few out of to build up a supply of dead ones to use as decoys mate. Plastic decoys in my experience are useless with an air rifle but frozen dead ones are the bees knees

 

[buckie]

Find a decent sitty tree to shoot a few out of to build up a supply of dead ones to use as decoys mate. Plastic decoys in my experience are useless with an air rifle but frozen dead ones are the bees knees

not wrong there real birds give the pige every reason to land while shiny plastics every reason to fly straight past lol