ANYONE with experience of pigeon shooting will tell you that this is a bird that can produce every variety of shot in the book. Some people re-commend pigeon shooting as the best way to learn how to shoot. I disagree: the best way is with a good instructor on clays to build confidence in a range of shots. Once you have learnt to shoot, and assuming the conditions of the general licence have been met, pigeon shooting is a wonderful way to practise.
The woodpigeon is a truly wild bird, and reconnaissance and fieldcraft are essential to put you in the right field on the right day. A good hide is required so that oncoming pigeon cannot see you; it also provides a comfortable place from which to shoot. Two tips to help with reconnaissance and fieldcraft are, as my great mentor Archie Coats taught me, to think like a pigeon and do
