Shooting UK

Shooting UK is your complete shooting resource. From gun reviews to shotgun licence and firearms certificate information, to clay pigeon shooting, game shooting, shooting lessons and gundog training.

How can I stop herons from taking my koi carp?

By David Tomlinson

Friday, 21 December 2007

M pond holds expensive koi carp. Recently a heron has been attacking the fish. I have a net covering the water, but the bird still spears the fish yet cannot retrieve them. Can you outline what measures I can take against it legally?

A: First off, you would be breaking the law if you shot it!

Persuading a heron to look elsewhere for its lunch is difficult, but not impossible. Many people put out model heron decoys in the mistaken belief that the bird is territorial and won't fish in company, but this doesn't work.

The obvious answer is to use a tighter gauge of netting as protection from the bird, and this should not detract from the pond's appearance.

A more sophisticated method is to use an infra-red sensor, strategically positioned round the pond, to trigger a random jet of water to scare the heron.

Another proven deterrent is to employ a foil helium balloon tethered just above the water. Also consider providing sections of large-calibre drainpipe on the bottom of the pond to provide the fish with a safe sanctuary.



CompPrevious

Are snipe and woodcock numbers on the wane due to habitat loss?

A: Numbers of breeding snipe have plummeted in Eng...

CompNext

Where have all Northern Ireland's red grouse gone?

Last year, I rose one bird and this year I have se...


Guns

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review

Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifle review: The Browning Eclipse A-Bolt rifl... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

How do I release my chokes?

How do I release my chokes?

I own a Browning 425 12-bore multichoke. I have not changed the chokes... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

RSPCA guilty of badgering public

ASA: charity’s badger claims “untrue”... Read more


More in News...


Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss this week's Shooting Times (on sale Wednesday 22nd May)! Get your FREE BOOKLET containing 24-pages of top gundog training tips! Plus, Tim Bonner goes wildfowling on the Blackwater estuary! Buy your copy today!

Subscribe to magazine


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Subscribe today to Shooting Times magazine - The UK's leading weekly shooting title!


WIN! A Bowman Clay Trap worth £1,000

Shooting Times are giving away a fantastic Compact 150 automatic trap plus mini barrow from Bowman

Enter competition