If you are a dog owner and a shooting enthusiast, you might be wondering how to get your dog ready for the shooting season. Whether you have a young dog that needs some training or an experienced dog that needs some refreshing, pigeon shooting can be a great way to sharpen their skills and get them used to the real thing.

In this blog post, we will explain why pigeon shooting is beneficial for your dog, how to find a good spot for pigeon shooting, and what tips and tricks you can use to make the most of your session.

Why Pigeon Shooting is Good for Your Dog

Pigeon shooting is a form of shooting that involves targeting woodpigeons as they feed on crops or fly between their roosting and feeding areas. Pigeons are considered pests by many farmers as they can cause significant damage to crops such as oilseed rape, brassicas and cereals. Pigeon shooting helps to control their numbers and prevent losses for farmers.

Pigeon shooting is also good for your dog because it provides them with a realistic and challenging scenario that mimics game shooting. Unlike normal dummy and launcher training, pigeon shooting exposes your dog to live birds, gunshots, different terrains and weather conditions. This can help your dog to:

• Improve their steadiness and obedience
• Develop their marking and retrieving abilities
• Enhance their confidence and enthusiasm
• Learn how to deal with distractions and obstacles
• Have fun and bond with you

How to Find a Good Spot for Pigeon Shooting

To find a good spot for pigeon shooting, you need to do some reconnaissance and fieldcraft. This means observing the pigeons’ behaviour, finding their feeding grounds, identifying their flight lines, and choosing a suitable hide location.

Here are some steps you can follow to find a good spot for pigeon shooting:

1. Always make sure you have permission from the farmer or landowner before you start scouting or shooting on their land.
2. Use binoculars to watch the pigeons fly in and out of their roosting woods.
3. Note the direction and height of their flight lines, as well as the time of day they are most active.
4. Locate their feeding fields, which can vary depending on the season and the availability of crops.

Tips and Tricks for Pigeon Shooting with Your Dog

Pigeon shooting with your dog can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience, but it also requires some preparation and attention. Here are some tips and tricks you can use to make sure your session goes smoothly:

• Start with simple retrieves and gradually increase the difficulty as your dog progresses.
• Praise your dog for every successful retrieve.
• Keep your dog on a lead or in a crate when not working to prevent them from chasing or disturbing the pigeons.
• Provide your dog with water and shade during breaks and avoid overworking them in hot weather.
• Check your dog for any injuries or ticks after the session and treat them accordingly.

Pigeon shooting is an excellent way to prepare your dog for the shooting season. It can help your dog to hone their skills, gain experience, and have fun with you. By following these tips and tricks, you can make sure your pigeon shooting session is safe, productive, and enjoyable for both of you.