CONSTRUCTION OF A DECOY - FENCING. | |
| The fowl will select the weather, that is the sheltered, landings to rest on; there the wind that protects them is just the one to work the pipe near which they are sitting so unsuspectingly. Therefore on no part of the shores of a Decoy pond should there exist convenient resting-places for the birds except near the entrances to each pipe, for the obvious reason that the Decoyman wants the fowl to be within easy reach of any pipe or pipes when they do come ashore to rest. The best pipes and landings should be placed to face the sun as much as possible, for the fowl will always choose the warmest spots on which to sit and dry their plumage, especially the young birds whose feathers are not yet quite waterproof. If a Decoy pond or its pipes be dug out of sandy soil, they will require all round their edges a twisted wattle fence, reaching from the bed of the pond to the surface of the water to keep the sides from crumbling in. To protect the Decoy pond from vermin, foxes, or disturbance gene-rally, a wire netting of 4 ft. high above ground should be run round its outside and attached to substantial posts, with here and there a hand-gate, so that each pipe can be safely approached against the wind. If a Decoy is in a large wood, this netting can be put inside the wood and round the Decoy so as just to clear the tails of the pipes. This protection is very necessary, as foxes play havoc with the tame Decoy ducks. Rabbits are also a great nuisance, as they burrow in and destroy the banks, as well as cause uneasiness to the wild ducks by frisking about and scampering and rattling through the underwood. If a Decoy is within sight of a road or houses, it will need on that side of it a 6 ft. high, close paling, and careful planting, to shut it in from outside view. A ditch can be dug outside any protective paling, which the latter much less negotiable to those who have mischievous or curious tendencies. If a 6 ft. high park paling, spaced 1 in. apart and the lathes pointed, be placed round the Decoy, it will not only keep out all trespassers, both men and animals, but will form one of the best pheasant aviaries possible. Evergreen privet is the thickest and quickest growing to plant about a Decoy, or on the banks, besides being an excellent for game of all kinds. | |
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