Hunting UK

Widely acknowledged as one of the top pigeon experts in the UK, Phil Beasley has been decoying ‘woodies’ for many years since a young boy.!

For more than 20 years, Phil has run Hunting UK, which provides keen shooters with some of the best pigeon shooting in the country. With more than 200,000 acres in the easily accessible counties of Oxfordshire, Hampshire, Buckinghamshire, and Berkshire, whether you are a complete novice or a seasoned expert, Phil will be able to offer you a fantastic day out.

Though pigeon are not a Game bird but classed as vermin at present, they are shot to ensure that crop damage is minimized..They are one of the most sporting birds, giving the shooter a huge variety of shots, as well as a serious challenge. Phil and his team know exactly which crops the birds will be attacking, giving you the best opportunities for a challenging & exciting day.

In terms of season, pigeon can be shot all year round, but Phil does advise that there are peaks and troughs in the numbers you will see: “March and April are excellent, as that is the spring sowing season, while May is less likely to offer you a big bag day, as the birds are nesting. June through to the start of November is probably our peak time, as these are the main harvest months for various crops.

Don’t dismiss a day during the winter, however, as winter rape can be an excellent attraction to the birds.” We’ll set you up in a hide placed on a field that we know the pigeon are favouring. We’ll also lay a decoy pattern out, give you a briefing, and then leave you to it. Throughout the day, we’ll be watching and moving pigeon from field to field to ensure that you will have a good number to shoot, as well as coming to check on how you are getting on.

Pigeon are wild birds, and are therefore unpredictable, so though we hope to be able to give you plenty of shooting, there will be periods when it is quieter. The day can be as long or as short as you like, and we will come to pick you up and gather up the equipment at the end of the day.

”How should I dress? “Dress appropriately for the season and the weather, but wear dull greens and browns. A cap is an essential to cast your face into the shade and give you a bit of protection from the sun!”

What kit do I need? “Your gun and cartridges! I always advise on bringing plenty of water to drink, and some food to keep you going – if you’re having a good day, you won’t want to leave the hide! Ear defenders are a must, as well as a pair of shooting glasses with different lenses for the light, or a pair of sunglasses if it is very bright. We can provide all other kit if you don’t have it, from decoys, to hides and a shooting stool. If you prefer a more DIY day and would like to bring all your own kit, we can offer a reduction from the price for guided pigeon shooting.”

Can I take some birds home with me after a day’s shooting? “Of course – we allow our Guns to take as many birds home with them as they want. We don’t provide oven ready birds, but pigeon are easy to breast, and don’t cause much mess.”

Will I have a guide or someone with me in the hide? “We can arrange for you to be accompanied in the hide if you are a novice or have never shot pigeon before, for an extra cost.”

Do I need a dog? “You don’t need a dog for pigeon shooting, though if yours is well behaved , you are welcome to bring it for picking up. Picking up pigeon is rarely difficult, and can be done during the day’s shooting.”