Shooting UK

From guns and gundogs to the latest shooting news; the complete online network for the British shooting community.

I'm leasing a flightpond, what shall I feed it?

I'm leasing a flightpond, what shall I feed it?

"Half a bucketful each evening for modest pond."


By Graham Downing, shooting consultant and sporting author

Saturday, 16 May 2009

Q) I have been given the opportunity to lease a flightpond for next season. What should I feed it, and how often?
J. COWLEY
By email

A) Barley is considered to be the best food to attract wild duck to a flightpond, though any cereal will be equally effective. Approach a local farmer when he is cleaning out his grain store prior to the next harvest and ask if you can remove the waste grain that is left in the auger pits and around the edges of the bins. A few hours with a shovel and plastic sacks can gather enough grain to keep you going well into the shooting season. Though the kernels may be broken and dusty, they will still be good enough to feed your pond. Feed little and often. Half a bucketful each evening for a modest pond will be sufficient. Put the grain into shallow water where the duck will find it, but where it will be out of reach of rats. If you can’t find a source of grain, then a pile of frosted potatoes at the water’s edge is another option. However much you feed, don’t shoot more than once a fortnight on average.


CompPrevious
How can I keep my ferrets busy?

How can I keep my ferrets busy?

A) This is a common problem for ferrets once their...

CompNext
How can I reduce the noise that my rifle makes?

How can I reduce the noise that my rifle makes?

Q) I have an Air Ranger FAC 40ft/lb with an MTC Vi...


Guns

Ruger M77/22 rimfire sporter rifle review

Ruger M77/22 rimfire sporter rifle review

Ruger M77/22 rimfire sporter rifle review: The Ruger M77/22 rifle has ... Read more


More in Guns...


Sporting Answers

Should my gundog live in the family house or a kennel?

Should my gundog live in the family house or a kennel?

I am a novice to the shooting field and will soon be acquiring my firs... Read more


More in Sporting Answers...


News

Marine Bill could cause damage to coastal habitats

Marine Bill could cause damage to coastal habitats

There are fears the The Marine Bill, which will introduce a coastal ac... Read more


More in News...



Comments

Shooting Times Magazine

What's in this issue?

Don't miss your chance to enter our FREE prize draw in this week's magazine (on sale 10th March) to win the new Browning B525 Hunter 12-bore worth over £1,400. Get down to your newsagents and buy your copy now!

Subscribe to magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!


Latest articles

Gamekeepers reject call for extended cull

Gamekeepers reject call for extended cull

The Scottish Gamekeepers Association has rebuffed the Scottish... Read more


Northern Irish shooters' outrage at Forestry Bill

Northern Irish shooters' outrage at Forestry Bill

Shooting groups condemn plan to give the Forest Service “... Read more


More in Latest articles...


Subscribe to Shooting Times

Shooting Gazette Magazine

Save up to 30% on a subscription to Shooting Times & Country Magazine, subscribe today!