Ian Barnett

Woodpigeon Control with An Air Rifle Ian Barnett

The woodpigeon is a magnificent bird. There can be no denying that. It's flying aptitude, speed, agility and stamina are awesome. Nor can we deny the adaptability and evolution which has seen the species become the predominant avian pest species in Great Britain. To most people, the 'woodie' is an innocuous park and garden visitor that errs on the greedy side. Particularly for those with bird tables and vegetable gardens. It's soporific murmur, hidden amongst the leaves in summer trees, has become an iconic 'aestival' sound. For the crop grower, however, the woodie is an almost apocalyptic nuisance. It's proclivity for gathering in huge flocks and descending on new seed drillings, sprouting crops and pre-harvest grain makes it the farmers number one avian enemy. For the country sportsman or woman owning either a shotgun or an air rifle, woodies are manna from heaven. They are on the General Licenses, they are prolific and do you know what the best bit is? They are edible! More than that. Pigeon breast meat is delicious, versatile and (unlike game) available all year round. This book will explain how to harvest that bounty ... but it is much more than that. It is a natural history study and a tribute to an iconic sporting quarry.