Types of birds
 

In all the reading I have done every one talks about using pigeons. Can some one use doves? We have an over population of them around here. And it is on private property. So can you use doves to help train GSP's?
Thanks

RE: Types of birds
 

By doves, I take it that you are talking about Mourning Dove - correct? - or not?

Mourning Doves are considered to be "Migratory Game Birds" and would be illegal to keep in captivity in most instances or to use for training. Even if they were legal, doves 'shed' their feathers extremely easily and you'll have to do a lot of cleaning feathers out of your dog's mouth.

RE: Types of birds
 

Doc E,

What about quail. I have a buddy that raises Bob Whites.

RE: Types of birds
 

Quail make excellent trainng birds for pointers -- just make sure that they are well flight conditioned, so the dog can't catch them.

RE: Types of birds
 

I use quail and seem to do okay....you can purchase a launcher (manual ones run about 50 dollars) then when the dog points you can pull the cord and launch the bird and that seems to work well for two reasons, one you know the bird is there and will stay there and the dog learns the bird flushes when you come into the picture, Another words the dog doesn't get the reward of the bird flushing untill you get close and pull the cord. If legal you can then shoot the training bird and train on the whole hunt: point, wing, shot and retrieve! Good Luck!!

RE: Types of birds
 

Well we have searched all around our area and no one has any old enough to train with. Pheasants, Quail, Chucker. Nothing. We are trying to catch wild pigeons now. not having very good luck this time of year.
Thanks for the helps guys

RE: Types of birds
 

I've never used pigeons for training....always used quail and chukar. I've used bad batches of quail before where they wouldn't fly worth a crap and I've had good batches....it depends on the person you get them from.

Also, where are you trying to catch pigeons at? You might try in a medium size to large city as there is usually an over abundance of pigeons and I'm sure some places wouldn't mind you getting rid of some them.

RE: Types of birds
 

Ok any one have any good ideas on how to catch wild pigions?? I do have a friend with some barns. Should I put some food down for a couple of days then try to net them?
or try to find where they roost at. And catch them sleeping.

RE: Types of birds
 

Here is an easy way to catch pigeons out of a barn.

I have used this method to catch a few pigeons for training. Go to your friends barn at night with a helper with a fishnet and a good spotlight, when the pigeon flies shine the light directly on it and it will fly straight to the ground and have your helper catch the bird with the net. It does work, I don't know what will happen if you shine the light on them when they are roosted. This is an unconventional method, but it works.

Good Luck and Happy Hunting

RE: Types of birds
 

I have used the spotlight method in barns and under low road bridges that i can use reach the birds roosts from the ground. If you shine the spot light on them as they are roosted you will have better luck. Shine the light on them and come at them in the same direction as the light is being shined on them. The light blinds them and they will set there. I usually catch them by hand. If you have dags for long invest in purchasing some culls from a racing pidgeon from a racer. Dont tell them what you want to use them for. The first birds you may only be able to use as breeders but you will have a supply of pigieons that will last a long time. If you do not shoot them they will come back to your coop to be reused.