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When pigeon shooting, is it easy to fool them?

Even though I’m very sceptical I will give them a go but he says they work for him – but surely pigeons can’t be that stupid as to be fooled by such a set-up?

Peter Theobald


Decoyers often overestimate the intelligence of pigeon, forgetting they are purely motivated by the desire to locate their pals and have a slap up meal.

They have no ability to reason, but are guided by instinct and habit. To this end, they would be unable to work out that their mate is suspended in a cradle, three feet above the ground, until it is too late, and you can get a shot off.

Most of the modern electronic stuff we use for pigeon shooting is not particularly realistic looking to us, but it fools pigeons long enough to get them within range.

At times it really does pay to think like a woodie and see things their way for a change!

Similar shooting questions answered:
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Why don’t you wear camo gear for pigeon shooting?