The attraction of decoys
Sporting Gun|October 2020
Geoff Garrod rediscovers the joys of some useful aids to help him with his job
Geoff Garrod
The attraction of decoys

I’m a bit of a purist in the way I shoot and don’t use many gadgets when I’m out decoying. I know many of the flappers, whirlies and gizmos work very well, it’s just not my way of decoying.

Recently, however, I was offered some kit from a gamekeeping friend’s wife after he had died. It was sad looking through his kit, but his wife needed to tidy up and make space. She was keen for me to take all of it but that didn’t sit well with me and she wouldn’t accept any money. We finally agreed that I’d make a donation to the Heart Foundation charity and that seemed to suit everybody.

In among the kit was a set of lofting poles. Years ago I used to regularly use decoys, either hung from trees or on top of poles, but I got out of the habit. With a little modification – two pieces of stiff wire and some duct tape – I have made the poles both easy to use and, as they’re made of aluminium, they’re very light.

On top of the wire I put two full-bodied decoys. All I have to do is wedge the pole next to a hedge or against a tree to get the decoys into a visible place for the approaching birds to see.

They work very well and seem to help to increase the number of birds coming to my pattern. Even if it’s only another 5%, it’s worth the little effort of putting them up and on a big day that could be quite a few birds.

Focal point

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2020-Ausgabe von Sporting Gun.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2020-Ausgabe von Sporting Gun.

Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.

WEITERE ARTIKEL AUS SPORTING GUNAlle anzeigen
Thermal spectrum
Sporting Gun

Thermal spectrum

Paul Austin explores both ends of the thermal market with latest high-end release from Zeiss alongside a surprising entry-level offering from Xinfrared

time-read
6 Minuten  |
August 2023
Roe, rucks and new ground
Sporting Gun

Roe, rucks and new ground

Jon Snowdon and his team have much to keep them busy and a new tool to help them

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2023
Tales from a lifetime of foxing
Sporting Gun

Tales from a lifetime of foxing

Join Mike Powell as he explores the evolving world of fox shooting, drawing from a career that spans seven decades

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
Fox rot about Charlie
Sporting Gun

Fox rot about Charlie

Patrick Hook responds to claims that fox numbers are dangerously on the wane

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
The sniff of success
Sporting Gun

The sniff of success

Join Ryan Kay as he navigates the fascinating dynamic between a handler and their canine companion

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
Adventures of Nick & Ted
Sporting Gun

Adventures of Nick & Ted

A new chapter in the histories of Sporting Gun and Sporting Shooter has Nick Ridley reflecting on the dogs he has trained over the years he has been associated with the magazines

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system
Sporting Gun

The problem: Inflammation in the nervous system

Vet's advice

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
Gundogs Q&A
Sporting Gun

Gundogs Q&A

No problem goes unsolved as Sporting Gun puts your questions to the gundog experts

time-read
4 Minuten  |
August 2023
Stop-start!
Sporting Gun

Stop-start!

Fran Ardley continues her training tips on disciplining your dog to the stop whistle and the exercises you need to do

time-read
3 Minuten  |
August 2023
Gundogs at the Game Fair
Sporting Gun

Gundogs at the Game Fair

Organising the Game Fair's prestigious gundog competitions: behind-the-scenes with Francesca Prentice

time-read
2 Minuten  |
August 2023