Following a remarkable stretch of pigeon sport throughout June and the early part of July, set against the expansive backdrop of flat wheat and corn fields, the tally of harvested birds has taken a noticeable dip. This decline in bag numbers could be largely attributed to the persistent dampness and unseasonable cold that characterized the latter days of July and extended into the month of August, particularly in the Home Counties. A prominent figure in the pigeon shooting community, Will Beasley, who boasts a storied past as a former columnist for Shooting Times and as the mastermind behind Thames Valley Pigeon Shooting, offered his insightful perspective. He pointed out a conspicuous trend: the wood pigeons, often eager targets for decoy setups, seemed to exhibit a stark reduction in their visits. Moreover, when confronted with any hint of pressure, they exhibited a swift and scattered departure from the scene. (Read our advice on pigeon decoying.) Will’s observations extended