Pigeon on the Table

Pigeon is still a common gamebird in the UK, but have fallen out of favor in the US, while they have taken over as the common enemy of the farmer, whose crops suffer as a result.  Young pigeons are good for roasting.  Pigeons should be cooked straightaway and do not benefit from hanging.  We just breast the birds, but the carcasses can also be used for making stock.

Live Pigeon Shooting

Maybe up for a game of live pigeon shooting?  Not in favor anymore, so very few places offer it, let alone the even bigger environmental disaster, glass birds that “replaced” live pigeons being thrown and broken by the shotgun shot or upon contact with the ground.

Ready to Put Those Live Pigeons to Work?

You’ve built the loft, gathered the equipment, and raised a healthy flock. Now comes the rewarding part—using those birds to develop your dog into a confident, reliable hunting companion.

Pigeons remain one of the most valuable training tools available to bird dog owners. They provide consistent bird contacts, can be used repeatedly throughout the season, and create controlled training scenarios that accelerate learning. Whether you’re introducing a young puppy to birds for the first time or fine-tuning a seasoned gun dog, pigeons offer endless opportunities to reinforce essential skills.

Start with the Right Foundation

Build Bird Drive

For young dogs, the goal is simple: create excitement and confidence around birds. Bird wings, training scents, and controlled bird introductions help awaken natural instincts and encourage a puppy’s desire to hunt.

More experienced dogs benefit from regular bird work as well. Consistent exposure helps maintain focus, sharpen scenting abilities, and keep skills polished during the off-season.

Use a Check Cord

A check cord is one of the most effective tools in bird dog training. It allows you to maintain control while reinforcing recall, teaching the whoa command, and developing proper manners around birds. The added control helps prevent mistakes while giving your dog the freedom to learn.

Let Your Dog Find the Bird

Place a homing pigeon in a launcher and work your dog into the wind. Allow the dog to locate the bird naturally using its nose rather than directing it to the bird. This builds confidence in its scenting ability and encourages independent searching—two traits every successful hunting dog needs in the field.

This version reads like a feature article for a sporting magazine while remaining practical and instructional.