decoy

Corvid control – Mat Manning tries new tactics

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

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Posted in Hunting

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

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Posted in Features

Farmyard crow control – The Countryman

With hordes of crows causing problems on the farm, Mat Manning uses all his tricks to get some farmyard crow control done. Farmyard crow control is a serious issue for anyone trying to make a living in the farming industry;

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Posted in Features

Woodland pigeon shooting w/ Kev Hawker

With pigeons proving tricky to target over open fields, Kev Hawker takes to the woods and is rewarded with a memorable evening’s airgun hunting. Late winter visits to the woods are all about targeting woodpigeons for me. The pheasant shooting

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Posted in Hunting

Gear up for crows and pigeons!

Mat Manning suggests some useful kitbag items for hunters now the control of pest birds is back on track STAY LEGAL – It is vital that you read, understand and adhere to the rules set out in the new general

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Posted in News

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Posted in Features, Hunting
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