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…
decoy
Decoying crows: The Countryman
Wily corvids are seldom easy to outwit, but their scavenging nature can be their downfall, as Mat Manning demonstrates as he sets up with hide and decoy tactics. The quarry: carrion crow & jackdaw The carrion crow is a notorious…
Posted in Features
Farmyard crow control – The Countryman
Gear up for crows and pigeons!
The Countryman with Mat Manning
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…
Posted in Features
How to hunt birds with a decoy
You need to act quickly if you want to bag a few birds when flying pests descend on seasonal feeding grounds. Kev Hawker reflects on an enjoyable afternoon’s decoying over a cereal crop
Posted in Hunting
Scents and Sensibility: Controlling body odour for hunting
Unnatural odours can blow your cover long before you catch sight of your quarry. Mat Manning offers some tips to keep your shooting gear free from telltale smells Airgun hunters have a reputation for taking concealment extremely seriously. And that’s…
Posted in Features, Hunting
Have a hoot with springtime magpie hunting
Having a hoot with magpies! Using an owl decoy is a great way to catch territorial corvids off-guard during the spring months, as Mat Manning demonstrates
Posted in Features, Hunting
The essential guide to controlling corvids
Mat Manning uses bait and decoy tactics to outwit marauding magpies intent on plundering the nests of vulnerable birds
Posted in Features, Hunting