Flight pond advice

[Nathjcb243]

Hi all,
newbie to this site and would just like some advice,not done much duck shooting in my time done a bit but not had the opportunity until now, IÂ’ve recently been given a pond, itÂ’s not massive but ideal, the farmer that owns it said that it used to be fed and shot up untill last year ( whoever used to do it has given up) I work for an agricultural contractor and managed to get some whole barley and put some down in the shallows and the odd scoop full out in the pond, put a little bit out Tuesday evening in the actual water and went back just before dusk and sat for an hour to see iff anything came in but no sign, I went back this morning and couldnÂ’t see anything, I put some more down but this time put the majority of it in the shallows and where the bank met the water on top of some reeds etc, went back again tonight just before it went dark about 7pm and sat in th cover untill 9 ish, still nothing? Please point me in the right direction am I doing something wrong? Am I wasting my time? He reckons heÂ’s seen ducks there recently ? Any advice would be gratefully received, thanks nath

 

[Tim.243]

it need to go in the shallows with a bit on the bank, look for feathers on the water.

Just give it time as it wont be the only pond around. the teal and widgeon are not here in great numbers at the moment so wait...

Tim.243

 

[countrryboy]

It really is that simple.
Lots will depend on here the pond is and how many duck in the area.

it will just take time to build up, many shoots will feed a pond for a month or more before shooting (I think ducks get to know where ur pond is if u regularly feed year on year and it each year it will be quickier to build numbers up as ducks know about it)

Really the golden rule is to always have a liitle barley left next time u go to feed, wether its half a bucket every few days or a bag or 2 every week/fortnight, at this time of year if still mild weather ur better not to over do it as it can go of and get stinky but it doesnae really put the duck of thou, there not fussy
I just pour it in the shallows, mallard can feed up to sort of welly depth of water.
I o know some folk that feed on the bankings but I think it just encourages rats/vermin or the crows/deer/pheasants would have it all

And don't shoot it too often.

 

[Nathjcb243]

Ok thanks Tim

 

[Nathjcb243]

Thank you

 

[NigelM]

And don't over feed it. If the Barley isn't being taken yet don't continue to put more in as it will just rot and turn the pond brown (if it's a shallow spalsh). As Tim says, watch for the feathers and the barley disappearing, that's the clue. Main volume of ducks will not be here until mid October so don't worry. And don't over shoot it. Once every 2 weeks max, preferably every third week.

 

[Nathjcb243]

Ok great, thank you

 

[JTO]

Visit the pond every morning(not before daylight) to disturb any ducks that are there. Numbers will build up quicker if they go off to a daylight roost area and come back again with a few more mates each evening.
Most people start feeding before the season starts, but it's never too late.

 

[badbob]

patience patience.
you are really lucky having a potential flight pond.
feed little to start with to avoid pollution
feed in 6 inches of water with a clear bottom.
to avoid rats.
a few handfuls of barley, a few potatoes to start with.
visit in the morning look for feathers on the water
there might be ducks on the water dont shoot just let them fly off
It might take some time for a couple of ducks to find it.
they will then bring more in.Then feed more
Only shoot it once a fortnight . shoot a few then pick up and leave.
choose a windy night stand with your back to the wind.
dont shoot the first duck that circles around, wait til they set their wings.

youve got all winter to get set up ...good luck

 

[Nathjcb243]

Thank you, much appreciated, going to go and have a look in the morning now.

 

[Tim.243]

I will add that I bought an auto feeder for 48 quid, this I attached to a dustbin feeder, it has been fantastic feeding our first year of released Mallard.
The wild birds are joining them, saves me going each day, I had to put a wire mesh guard as the monkeys learnt how to knock the spinner and empty it very quick lol






Tim.243