Rich Saunders is invited to help bring a corvid invasion under control, but the target-rich environment proves trickier than he expected. My heart sinks when the owner of one of my permissions tells me he’s “‘overrun” or “infested” with pests, because…
With silage-stealing crows and jackdaws growing suspicious of his usual approach, Mat Manning tries a shift in tactics. Controlling corvids with an air rifle is often challenging. Birds like crows, rooks, jackdaws and magpies are sharp-eyed and very suspicious of…
Members of the crow family are among the airgun shooter’s most challenging adversaries – but can be outwitted as Mat Manning demonstrates during a testing hide session. Shooting always throws up unexpected surprises and that is certainly the case here.…
With feral pigeons and corvids threatening to spiral out of control on the farm, Mat Manning heads out with a sub-12 ft-lb air rifle – the perfect tool for controlling feathered pests around agricultural buildings. Where is no getting away…
PLEASE NOTE: This edition of The Countryman was produced BEFORE the revocation of the General Licences. Corvid control is a priority during the spring. Songbirds and gamebirds are nesting, which means an easy meal for crows and magpies, who are…
The crops are in and flying pests are making a nuisance of themselves on the farm. Mat Manning heads out with feral pigeons, collared doves and crows in his sights. On the test bench this week, it’s the Daystate Renegade.…
It’s the 50th episode of The Airgun Show, and we’re hide-shooting for woodpigeons – with the chance of crows, too. Mat Manning explains the benefits of a semi-permanent hide, and shows how to use decoys to tempt incoming birds within…
Recovering from illness, Ian Barnett ventures out on a weekend of pest control that ends up being one he’d care not to remember… Before the weekend had even started, I’d got this feeling that it was going to be one…
It’s time to keep crow numbers in check, so Mat Manning takes the hunt to the roost. With the leaves down, the hunting should be easier but it’s never straightforward when you’re targeting crafty corvids. Despite the challenges, Mat still…
Woodland hunting in full summer foliage can be tough going, so Mat Manning sets up a feeder to lure squirrels down from the leafy treetops and into the crosshairs. He also turns the FX Verminator MkII to some impromptu corvid…
