Home To Roost

We join Andy Crow for an evening’s pigeon shooting and get his golden rules of the roost.

- Andy Crow

The end of the game shooting season opens up the opportunity for some really excellent seasonal pigeon action. For some people without their own permissions, commercial opportunities can be had for very reasonable money. For the keepers, it combines pest control with a chance to pay back the beaters for their hard work over the season with a bit of shooting. Even for old hands like Andy Crow, it gives an hour or two of action at the end of a winter’s day on the farm.

“During the game season, the keepers don’t want disturbance in the woods – this is the sanctuary for their gamebirds to roost and shelter. They are also havens for roosting pigeons and numbers can build up quite dramatically.”

Not all roost woods are the same. Geography and prevailing weather conditions will inevitably impact on where the pigeons rest up. An exposed deciduous copse will not provide shelter from wind and rain, whereas dense conifers will. A warm, dry pigeon is going to be a lot happier than a cold, wet one! Mild, calm conditions might see the birds disperse again.

So reconnaissance, as with all aspects of pigeon shooting, is essential. Frequently, roost shoots are organised affairs, with multiple Guns being shepherded by the keeper to pockets and patches of woodland all over the particular estate. This can work well as the Guns will keep the birds moving and hopefully that will provide more sport.

But that is not to say that a lone shooter can’t enjoy an afternoon of success.