The shell decoy is a hollow shell resembling a pigeon / crow
when viewed from above. They are relatively cheap, light to carry and stack one
into the other making a compact bundle. The most important part of the pigeon
shell decoy is the white bar on each wing and also at each side of the neck.
This is what attracts other pigeons. It is advisable to repaint these when
shabby / faded to enhance the decoy pattern.
Shell decoys come with a peg to secure them in the ground.
( Incidentally, take care collecting pegs as we have found it difficult to
purchase some to replace lost ones) On
most there are two holes on the pigeons back where the peg may be inserted. The
majority of the decoys when placed in the field should have the peg inserted in
the hole at the rear of the pigeon. This is the feeding position which gives the
appearance of a bird stooped over feeding - a safe environment. Only a few
decoys scattered here and there should have the peg inserted in the hole nearest
the head of the pigeon. This is the sentry position whereby some birds are
checking the surroundings, which is quite natural in the wild. If too many birds
are in the sentry position it gives the appearance of a flock startled, worried
and about to take off.
The decoys are set out in a V-shaped pattern facing the wind.
All birds land facing the wind. The V must be wide enough to allow birds
reasonable space to land. If bird come into your
pattern, attempting to land but then fly off the V is not wide enough to
accommodate them. In the V decoys need to be about two metres apart. To
make the set-up realistic do not have all decoys facing exactly the same
direction into the wind - alter each slightly so they face the wind either
directly, slightly to the left or slightly to the right.
Full bodied decoy:
As its name suggests this is a decoy with a complete body - like
a real pigeon. They are more realistic looking but are also more expensive and
more cumbersome to carry. They are mainly used as lofting pigeons - placed on
poles in trees as look-outs - giving the whole picture a realistic, safe
appearance.
Full bodied decoys are also available with outstretched wings.
These are used in a pigeon magnet or can also be used as landers.
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Similarly, full bodied crows and crows with outstretched wings are also available from
suppliers.