Like the wind
What are the ideal weather conditions for pigeon shooting in late autumn?
Peter says: Once pigeons start to feed on oilseed rape on a daily basis, the most important weather factor is the strength of the wind. Pigeons soon learn where every field of rape within their feeding range is located, and they will switch whenever they are disturbed, either by a gas scarer or your shooting. They will be moving around the countryside in their winter flocks, so we need to disguise our shooting position as much as possible. A strong wind does this, as well as helping to break up the flocks. There is also a theory that low air pressure encourages pigeons to feed harder, though I have had good bags when the sun has shone in a clear blue sky. We try to only organise a day when the wind is blowing at least 15mph.
Fran says: It seems that everyone thinks that a dummy launcher is the ‘must have’ piece of gundog training equipment. It is undoubtedly very useful, but it can also create a number of issues that can be challenging to rectify. I would recommend a shoulder-mounted type of dummy launcher. These are a bit more comfortable to use than the handheld ones and have the advantage of simulating a gun, so it can also help to develop a dog’s gun sense. The biggest disadvantage is that because the retrieve is fired so far, we inevitably always send the dog for it and this can quickly encourage running-in and unsteadiness. I would recommend you go to a professional trainer so the process can be gradually introduced.