The Airgun Show - double hunting episode with crows, pigeons and squirrels in the crosshairs…

We have two hunting trips this week, and in the first one Mat Manning is out on a roving session in the woods. Target species are pigeons, corvids and grey squirrels, and Mat puts his FX Impact Mk2 to work to make a nice mixed bag.
In our second hunting instalment, Richard Saunders is ambushing quarry from a hide. He’s zeroing in on crows and grey squirrels, and manages to capture some great scope-cam footage as the action unfolds.
-- Get more airgun insight every month in our sister magazine Airgun Shooter, available in all good newsagents and from www.myfavouritemagazines.co.uk/field-sports --

[@regsparkes6507]

Yes, I agree with the others of course, great video this 'edition' Mat, nice to see Richard here with his segment to add . Most enjoyable.

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Reg. Glad you liked it. All the best. Mat

[@korywid9542]

Cracking result with the Carrion Crows...Always nice to see them on the receiving end !!

[@richsaunders6515]

They are a real problem on my sheep farm permission and seeing a lamb/ewe that's been attacked is a real punch to the stomach.

[@slayer9240]

@@JODIMAR45 so you don't understand the part that birds of prey have in maintaining a healthy blood line in their pray species ie weeding out the week and sick from the breeding population. Ps I am a shooter my self before you jump on my back.

[@stephenbrown5844]

The 17hmr does a fab job to crows😋✌️❤️🇬🇧

[@joesmith7497]

Two amazing permissions! Only ever got open fields to shoot on

[@davebeckett-wood4435]

Really enjoyed the show as normal, made even better by having more shooting/hunting on the show.

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Dave. Glad you enjoyed it. All the best. Mat

[@tomcampanale8176]

Greeting Mat, Always a pleasure to watch a show. Thank you

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Tom. So glad you're enjoying the show. All the best. Mat

[@lesleyhoworth9598]

Well done Mat! Same goes to Richard tucked away not missing a thing. Thanks

[@richsaunders6515]

Thanks very much Lesley.

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Lesley. Yes, Rich made some remarkable shots. All the best. Mat

[@fredbaker3822]

Great show! awsome!

[@marklondon9948]

Brilliant as always Mat...And let's not forget the fabulous footage that Nicky gets to make all these videos even more spectacular! Cheers, Mark

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Mark. Yes, Nicky does most of the hard work. All the best. Mat

[@chopperhehehe]

Great episode loved the last crow great shot 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕😊🤞✌

[@richsaunders6515]

I think he'd been watching too many action movies!

[@walterwinstanley8502]

A great view. Two experts at the top of their game, as usual.

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Walter. Thanks for tuning in, and for the kind words. All the best. Mat

[@BionicRusty]

Great video. When a shooter calmly explains how he was able to thread a shot and hit a squirrel just under the ear, I know that he’s worth listening to. Great shot, Rich. 👏👏

[@thaenuwar1732]

Excellent combo and great shooting skill

[@TripleGRogerLait]

Great show as ever buddy . Good stuff 👍👍

[@theshootingshow]

Cheers, Rog. Thanks for tuning in mate.

[@waynepratt9072]

Two great hunting videos in one episode! Brilliant! Well done 👍🏻

[@theshootingshow]

Glad you liked it, Wayne. All the best. Mat

[@waynepratt9072]

Looking forward to the next video mate as always 👌🏻

[@airgunshootingandoutdoorch4260]

Sorry Mr. squirrel, no peanuts just some hot lead.👍👍

[@19Dennis53]

Saweet! Great video AGAIN!

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Dennis. Glad you liked it. All the best. Mat

[@83airgunner73]

great vid once again 👍

[@coryjenkins4179]

Another great video thanks for sharing.

[@theshootingshow]

Thank you for watching. All the best. Mat

[@richwielechowski5191]

Nice shooting fellows!

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Rich, and thanks for tuning in. All the best. Mat

[@gwilko6452]

Fantastic shooting Mat. Fx are awesome bit of kit

[@slomo1562]

Good and necessary work well done. So enjoy seeing it but wish I was doing it too.

[@timellsworth5383]

Does anyone else hold their breath while he has the crosshairs on the squirrel? 🙂

[@kurtfirestone2761]

That drone footage is really cool

[@donaldlundy345]

Great video and excellent shooting guys. Cheers

[@richsaunders6515]

Thanks Donald. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@theshootingshow]

Glad you enjoyed it, Donald, and thanks for tuning in. All the best. Mat

[@basedglennuk]

What is there not to like about Mat Manning? My favourite shooting video star bar none!

[@marcdeo9820]

Completely agree.

[@chopperhehehe]

He is good but have yous Seen Si Pitaway an Davies Thomas verminhunters TV they are good to and awesome at showing how they do things 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕🤞✌

[@basedglennuk]

@@chopperhehehe They're certainly marksmen, but even together they can't entertain like Mat can. They've disappeared of late too, wonder what happened to their business relationship.

[@chopperhehehe]

@@basedglennuk ok i give you that lol they are all good but you have a valid point 👍👍👍😜🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🦕😊🤞✌

[@basedglennuk]

@@chopperhehehe Thanks fella 😉

[@Dex.155]

Hees back

[@delronltd.3343]

Good show

[@TotalyRandomUsername]

One Question. Why are you guys allways aim for the head instead of making the way easier shot through the lung? Are the airguns not strong enough for that?

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Mario. Heart and lung shots on squirrels are fine with high powered rifles, but with 12 ft lbs rifle you need to take head shots to make humane kills. Although I was using an FAC rifle its simply habit to aim or the head.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Mario. I try to take head shots on squirrels if I can, I believe they result in much cleaner kills. That said, the pigeon and jackdaw in this video were taken with heart/lung shots. All the best. Mat

[@Sp3ktral22]

I'd be interested in how he cleans his backpack after years of picking up dead and bloody pests. Serious point. Hygiene of your kills, if you intend to clean and cook is paramount.

[@theshootingshow]

Good point. I turn my bag inside out and give it a wipe down with disinfectant from time to time. I'm pretty confident that my bag is cleaner, and carries a lot less bacteria, than the skins the animals are living in. All the best. Mat

[@andyb6120]

Can we please have more of the walking around shooting. So much more enjoyable with different scenery & camera shots.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Andy. We will try to do more roving shoots - in fact, the next episode is Andy Watkins hunting on the move. All the best. Mat

[@oliverlowe166]

Didn’t think jackdaws where in the general license anymore??

[@te7731]

They come under gl41 & gl42

[@theshootingshow]

Jackdaws are still on GL in England. Full details are on BASC website. All the best. Mat

[@hateliberals2299]

watching this guys videos are so dam addictive👌👌👏👏👏👏

[@JDG506]

What is the black box on top of Richard's scope?

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Johan. Its a camera called an ATN Shot Trak. I didn't use it this time though. Thanks for watching.

[@Mike-yq6jg]

whats the scope cam on the fx

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Mike, It's a GoPro in Eagle Vision mount. All the best. Mat

[@joaocarrolo6612]

Tell me why do you pick up the squirels? What do you do with them??

[@richsaunders6515]

Most of mine go to a local bird of prey centre Eddy.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Eddy. We eat a lot of squirrel meat in our house. It is far better than rabbit - more like chicken. All the best. Mat

[@nichaha8877]

Really love to have your jacket if you wish to offer me as little bro!

[@williamwallace2951]

Nice air rifle

[@armyalex9496]

I love ur air rifle

[@liamcoomber94]

Would you recommend the FX IMPACT as a first Air Rifle?? Just wondering

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Liam. Yes, absolutely. The Impact M3 is a cracking rifle. There are lots of great rifles in that price range though so if you can -try and pick a few up. If you happen to be going to the British Shooting Show at the NEC this weekend you'll get the chance to try a few out. There's a range too...

[@liamcoomber94]

​@@richsaunders6515... yeah I am going.. I am really looking forward to go. Sounds awesome I might have a look and have a go at some air rifles at the shooting range... hopefully to see you all down there..

[@ShinedawgShooting]

Does anyone know where Matt’s head net is from ? I’ve been looking for a really loose neck one for ages.

[@rickoakes6954]

Can you please tell me where to find the face covering Mat is using, thanks

[@mattbarrett5737]

Animals

[@24683948]

HELP!! For a beginner - Given a choice, what would you choose Daystate Wolverine older model unregulated or new Daystate Huntsman Revere????

[@shanerobinson6776]

Had both the wolverine is amazing but is a very heavy rifle huntsman would b best and as u r a starter would go with that 👍

[@theshootingshow]

I would suggest that you try both and see which feels best to you. All the best. Mat

[@simonloader2287]

Why do you shoot with the gun in your right shoulder when your left eye dominant ?

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Simon. I think you might be referring to me at around 19:30 into the video. It does look like I am aiming through my left eye but I think that is down to the scope cam/phone making it look that way as I'm aiming through my right eye in the conventional way. Thanks for watching.

[@chriswilliams6944]

Mat can you advise what scope camera you are using please ?

[@imankarsidi4043]

👍💪😉

[@carlsouthern2824]

Is this the fac channel

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Carl. I use sub-12 a lot but generally try to opt for the best tool for the job - which I believe FAC was in this case. All the best. Mat

[@johnmarsh2078]

That Richard saunders must have a cloak of invisibility. No way will anything stay still for me with a massive hide opening like that especially with the rear windows unzipped and letting light inside the hide. All i can say is that the squirrels and crows must be tame down South.

[@richsaunders6515]

Ha! I wish John. That would be handy. Having to open the doors to enable us to get enough light to film is most certainly a compromise and a good few squirrels live to strip bark another day as a result. Keeping still and moving slowly is still the best form of concealment though.

[@ken244]

Just curious, do you eat what you kill?

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Ken. Rabbits and pigeons yes. Squirrels go to a bird of prey centre. Rats go in the farm incinerator!

[@aaronkisiel8554]

I wouldn't like to be shooting in that area and posting it on you tube some people will no what I'm talking about

[@reservedone1791]

Nope, not a feckin clue mate.

[@bosshowly]

Is it only me but bull pup and fx rifles although very good just look horrible give me traditional Turkish wood not star wars looking over priced gimmicks

[@AlexSanchez-le7bh]

It is you, have you tried one ?

[@familyhelpdeskhelpdesk270]

given a choice between a rifle that looks beautiful and shoots like a dog and one that looks like a dog and shoots beautifully easy choice!

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Dave, Like you, I still favour guns that look like proper sporting rifles and have a nice walnut stock. However, many modern airguns are designed for functionality over aesthetics and, while they are certainly not to everyone's taste, they are excellent shooting machines. All the best. Mat

[@1233hund]

I am sorry, but i cant really dont understand these shooters. They are shooting within 50m. Why do they need these oversized scopes. Lean to shoot at the range. Kids in DK shoot .22 in 50m and hit with only the sights on the riffle. use your range instead of buing a big scope.

[@josephbrowne6937]

First

[@louisphillips3037]

Oh I was first cool

[@craiggeddes7915]

Nice video and good shooting to both of you but I do think Richard babbles on too much often repeating exactly what Matt has just said like after every shot. I skip his comment now after every time he shoots something.

[@barrydavies998]

Why only show the clean kills? same every video, what about showing the ones that wound? Deleted I guess.... Also why no Hunting with Full power cheap PCP's , Gas Rams or springers? It's always top end tackle... Are you rubbish with the cheaper stuff the average Joe can afford?

[@aleksandrrytsarev6372]

Слишком много болтаешь

[@WhiteKomokuTen]

Killing squirrels is not very smart !

[@ollieheath7465]

Borderline psychopath mate. Don’t get how you can kill an animal and then just smile and congratulate yourself.

[@stedyone1090]

You all sure fancy those MTC scopes.. Gotta love the Impact. I do mine. Very nice 👌👍 video. Always 😉enjoy. Cheers from sunny Florida 🌞☀😎

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks for watching. All the best. Mat

[@williamwallace2951]

Nice air rifle

[@12gauge44]

Very nice! I was just about to do some pigeon air gun hunting this weekend

[@darrenm7964]

another good vid, you've probably been asked this before were is did matt get his hat from ?

[@FreeFarmPestControlUK]

I'd love to know that also 😁👍

[@theshootingshow]

The one I wear is discontinued but Quietwear make a very similar reversible one which is a bit thicker. I think it is available from Solware. All the best. Mat

[@darrenm7964]

@@theshootingshow thanks mat,appreciate you getting getting back to me

[@Chris-sd8mk]

@@theshootingshow what make is mats head net.

[@kurtperzylo5358]

I believe Matt's hat is a Solware Winter Camo Fleece Cap. It's also reversible with Hi-Vis Orange Fleece Lining cost approx £20.

[@gustoaja5107]

I like it

[@Wild_Bill57]

Nice, when you get to bag a squirrel and it doesn’t cost you any peanuts!

[@janrobertbos]

as always.......NICE!!!!!!!!!

[@684ih4]

Good stuff lads 👍...."The good news" Good man Richard you've made me spill my tea!

[@richsaunders6515]

I hope it wasn't too hot!

[@andyellis307]

I thought I had read that Jackdaws had been taken off the general licence

[@MKChase-uj9vx]

OK for crop protection purposes... note hide was set up on freshly drilled field, so all good all legal👍

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Andy. Jackdaws are still on GL in England - the important thing is to meet the requirements of the GLs when shooting. All relevant info is on BASC website. All the best. Mat

[@andyellis307]

@@theshootingshow cheers mate much appreciated

[@mikenick4571]

Best one yet!

[@mrshoto9035]

Nicely done. 👍🥇👍 What’s the camera setup on your scope ?

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi. I was using a Side-Shot Scope Cam cradle with an iPhone. There's also an ATN Shot Trak cameras on top, but I didn't use t in the video. Thanks for watching.

[@mrshoto9035]

@@richsaunders6515 Thanks Rich, (I noted you mentioned that on the clip), I was however referring to Mat. Apologies, I should have been more clear on that 😇

[@theshootingshow]

I use a GoPro in the Eagle Vision mounting system. All the best. Mat

[@mrshoto9035]

@@theshootingshow Thanks ~ I’ve recently bought the same setup. Had to change the GoPro lens, which Masood supplied. Best wishes 🥋🥇👍

[@chriswilliams6944]

Gave him the good news ! Made me smile a lot ! Tremendous work.

[@bruceaplin]

How are you recording video through the scope? equipment?

[@GCMS_Wrestling]

great videos and all but why dont you squirrel call

[@mrshoto9035]

“Not being flash” ⚡️ Lol 😂

[@mattbarrett5737]

You don’t care about the

[@davidhollfelder9940]

Another shooter/creator calls his tree feeder/baiter “table for one”.

[@davidhollfelder9940]

I believe he was EDgun Leshiy. He calls his tree mounted bait/feeder (regular squirrel target place) setup “table for one”.

[@trevorpeters4358]

I'm addicted to this channel. So classy compared to what I'm used to in the USA.

[@sean19]

Another great show . 👏

[@colliedogjoy]

13:33 - Those pigeons over your shoulder!

[@Seamaster1963]

Great video chaps. Richard, loved the way you gave the squirrel on the ground the “good news”. Keep it coming please.

[@richsaunders6515]

Thanks very much!

[@thangminlenhaokip530]

What is the point of your gun

[@TheMcpvideo]

Awesome ✌️

[@alant5335]

Imagine how many more shots could be taken if there was less yapping!

[@MKChase-uj9vx]

Imagine how many more letters would exist if you didn't waste them 😁👍

[@theshootingshow]

Good point, Alan. It's why Mat and Rich do most of their shooting on their own and without cameras. It is, however, quite challenging for them to make instructional shooting videos without talking.

[@dave1secondago]

top shooting guys

[@eltoro6064]

Why shoot a cute cuddly squirrel that;s not doing anyone any harm? Shooting rats seems fair but to shoot a cat, pigeon, squirrel? come on.

[@richsaunders6515]

Hi Casey. Unfortunately grey squirrels are almost wholly responsible for the near disappearance of our native red squirrel. They also predate on song bird chicks and eggs and are believed to be largely responsible for the decline in field and dormice as they are able to eat food before it is ripe thereby denying it to mice when they come out of hibernation. Its not their fault of course, but they are invasive and destructive species. I hope that explains why they are the focus of pest control. As I said on my film, they had started nesting in the roof space of cottages on one of my permissions, causing damage and potentially a fire risk. Please be assured that the squirrels shot did not go to waste. Mine were given to a bird of prey centre.