I'm envious...

[hockea]

I have to admit it.  I see these great stories and especially the photos.  So here's the problem; there is essentially no opportunity to back-yard hunt for me, space isnt the issue, nor are neighbors, there simply arent any huntable species.  However, about 400 yds away there is a group of homes that have a resident flock of pigeons.
Now, here's a question that has most likely never been posted before;  How can I attract this flock of pigeons?

[Splash]

A few bird baths, 1 filled with seed the rest with water and a few decoys, should do the trick. Probably take awhile for them to find it though.

[gamo2hammerli]

And maybe some large pieces of torn up bread.....something that's a contrast to the grass for easier seeing for the pigeons.

[longislandhunter]

I agree,,,, put out the food and combine it with a couple of realistic looking decoys and I think you may have a good chance of getting the birds to drop in for a visit.  Just a suggestion though,,,,  don't shoot the first few birds that show up......  

Keep feeding them for awhile and let them get "comfortable".  After awhile you could wind up with some consistent shooting......  

Jeff

[shadow]

I agree slowly chum em in but lookout you'll wake up one morning and it will be like a clip off of the movie "The Birds". Better stock up on pellet's now, good luck and we'll look for some great hunt stories and pic's from you. Ed

[hockea]

Thanks all!
Already been to wally world for the seed; we'll see who shows up for dinner.

[daved]

Hope you got cracked corn, that's about the best for pigeons.  Also, don't forget they're primarily ground feeders, so spread it around.  Good luck!

Dave

[hockea]

ok after a putzering around in thegarage after scattering the attractant; I discovered that I have a feral cat. NO wonder I hve no huntable species; I also have no problems with rattlesnakes. I will elevate the feeding platform and report back.  Thanks for the help and  i will procure a camera.

[SDale]

Another thing to try is move the bait as close as you dare to the pidgeon roost. Then after a few days, move it closer and keep repeating until you get the flock into a comfortable shooting area.

One thing about pidgeons though... After a few days of getting picked off one by one, they'll leave. And it takes a while to get em back!

[hockea]

By way of an undate....
I spread the seed around and took up tinkering in the garage to see what might transpire....after a few hours I had lots of doves hanging out inthe trees but nonr on the ground...after glassing the yard I found I had a feral cat lurking.  It wsnt too surprising as I live in a fairly remote corner of the valley and with the foreclosures many people are dumping thier animals nearby.  Got a trap and relocated the cat, now there are lots of birds in the area.  Thanks to all.

Rick

[Bhawanna]

spread loose corn in the backyard.....all types of critters like it.....

[Capt. Capsize]

So, would these pigeons be edible?  Who would know?  We have some around here that hang around overpasses and a neighbors roof.  If they
are good to eat I would like to thin them out a bit.

[Jaymo]

Yep, they're edible. Pigeons are nothing more than feral rock doves. Squab is just young pigeon. People call them rats with wings but it's not really true. They're no dirtier than any other bird. Supposed to be good eating. I've never had the opportunity.

[shadow]

RATS WITH WINGS! that would be BATS! to me but I like those little night flying guy's, they keep after all the bugs.:) Ed

[LPC]

like already mentioned, use bread or cracked corn, spreading birdseeds can give you lawn problems if the seeds decide to sprout. lure them in but don't start shooting right away.let them get comfortable with feeling safe. pigeons aren't as dumb as we think they are. i had problems with them roosting on my roof. after shooting a few, they moved to another roof top and never came back. now i'm stuck with shooting my trap box instead.

good luck.