The Airgun Show - Crow Hunting with Decoys, plus Field Target Ace Nick Jenkinson on Pellet Selection

Mat Manning is back in the hide, and this time he’s after crows. It takes serious stealth and fieldcraft to put these wily corvids in the bag, so low-key hide and decoying tactics are order of the day - along with the high-powered Daystate Mk4 to make the most of any long-range opportunities.
Field Target World Champion Nick Jenkinson is offering some interesting advice on pellet selection. Rather than weighing, sizing or lubricating ammo, Nick reckons there’s a lot to be learnt from the way it rolls…

[@slomo1562]

Good old YT doesn't prompt me for the most recent Shooting Show videos but I still enjoy these older shows. Hopefully Matt is still chipping away at those corvids.

[@РичардМлдер]

Your airgun hunting videos are great Mat, a pleasure to watch. So much you teach us! Thank you! Kind regards, Richard Mulder. The Netherlands

[@Me2Lancer]

Good hunting for these wary corvids. I need to give hunting them a go here in Texas.

[@wiggsan]

Great idea using the squirrel for bait! I'm going to give your ideas a try here in the US in Missouri very soon. Thanks!!! Great show too!!

[@JODIMAR45]

Excellent work on the crows...Your method is my favourite method too..

[@whistlingcanine1098]

Thanks for the great show.. Nick, thanks for the great advise..

[@theshootingshow]

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

[@Afro408]

Something to take into consideration concerning the pellet rolling test, is that not all sheet glass is flat! I would suggest that Mirror quality glass ( or Float glass as it used to be called, because it was flattened on a bath of molten lead, or tin and it floated on top ) be used for the test.

[@BillSprague]

Thank you, Mat, for another enjoyable shooting session. I'll be approaching the farmers in my neighborhood to see if they would like me to help with their bird management.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Bill. Good luck securing some permissions on local farms. All the best. Mat

[@BillSprague]

+theshootingshow My first stop will be a large and expanding feed mill and storage facility, followed by a few large dairy operations. I have to wait for a bit due to cataract surgeries. But then, watch out vermin! ;)

[@erikknudsen5856]

I'd like to see an accuracy test with a handful of those not so nicely rolling bullets against a handful of the ones that rolls nicely, on a bench rest or mounted, at 30, 50, 75 and 100 meters - to get an idea of the effect that these small bullet inconsistencies actually have on the ballistics.

[@felixjones2723]

Another great vid Mat

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks Felix. All the best. Mat

[@terryaylward8178]

Great vids as usual Matt. Camo tips are especially useful but as I wear glasses I worry reflections are spoiling my concealment. Any tips to avoid that please? Tez

[@bigdaddyfishing87]

Hunting starts at 7:20

[@shawnreed6139]

Can you please tell me what camera you use on your scope? I can see that it is a Sony camera, but not much else. Thanks.

[@RiojaRoj]

Nick ... did you ever say what ft'lbs your fac rifle was ? .... and is it worth the extra ft'lbs

[@harrycolby2302]

I noticed that you were loading single shots?

[@chrismiller5088]

have you done a review on the Stoeger atac

[@clarky4492]

when this video started it looked like Mat was carrying a python hahha

[@jamesbutler4701]

Hi, can you tell me where you got the head net from plz

[@Rucksack57]

I find a electronic call brings them right in. Are you allowed to use electronic calls?

[@lauriehutson1326]

Ryan Albright yes

[@rossrritchie1400]

What's your thoughts on the hw 95 .177

[@meyercamden]

Why no magazine for your mk4? Faster follow up shots...

[@theshootingshow]

I find that FAC airguns can be extremely pellet-fussy, with the slightest blemish to the pellet causing inaccuracy. In my experience, almost all shoot slightly more accurately, especially at long range, when loaded by hand - presumably because even the best magazines carry a risk of clipping pellets. All the best. Mat

[@jacknicholls6331]

Does the mk4 not come with a mag

[@benjaminmathias5004]

Nice camo

[@paulhemstock]

Love the show, but really hate that music :)

[@laurieharper1526]

Me too. Would help if it wasn't as loud. Great show and Matt an excellent presenter.

[@diy_and_story]

I want it.

[@1AOR1]

What scopes do you use on your daystate mate?

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Andy. It's a Hawke Frontier - one from about eight years ago, not the latest version. All the best. Mat

[@Nic_the_Greek710]

British hunting is soooo different than hunting in the United states

[@eragonwjfn]

Hi. Like the show, wonder why the newsreader sounds like a bad guy from a cartoon.

[@Bigdave_t4]

wheres the headnet from please

[@theshootingshow]

Had that headnet so long I can't remember where I got it. There are some similar ones here: www.jackpyke.co.uk/products/concealment.aspx All the best. Mat

[@zzzzz77771]

Well, now you`ve put a few pellets through that Daystate, it will have to be sent off for repair... Absolute overpriced shite. Good video though as always :D

[@theshootingshow]

Not sure what Daystates you have owned and what problems you've had, but my Mk4 has seen a lot of use over seven years and has given me no problems. I have an even older Mk3 which has also given great service with no more maintenance than a replacement of the rechargeable battery. Both electronic guns have been soaked with rain on many occasions. All the best. Mat

[@tasmedic]

Hi Mat. I had a bad experience with one of the new Huntsman Regal XL's. I suspect the new guns are not as good as the old ones used to be. I think Daystate might be outgrowing their quality control system.

[@zzzzz77771]

theshootingshow I have a Daystate Wolverine b type. It`s been in for repair twice in 6 months with trigger, bolt action and safety problems. I really liked the look of the Wolverine but alas, i"ll stick to AirArms in future, they`re superior quality.

[@zzzzz77771]

tasmedic Agreed. The quality has plummeted, the price has stuck.

[@tasmedic]

Come2theLight I couldn't have put it more succinctly. Never tried Air Arms, but I have heard good reports from may sources. They do well in the airgun championships, too.

[@xuanbaccslc82]

Noi nhieu hon ban

[@SHEAKTHEILLEST]

THE THINGS ID DO FOR A DAYSTATE MK4 :( @theshootingshow

[@amanvirsingh6607]

..but why!??

[@billyandlizmacdonald6274]

J

[@willmorgan4350]

I swear all this channel is is a huge advertisement. Like have the vids are advertisements

[@alfredoperalta6516]

v v

[@garrychang3022]

You talk too much

[@numpty4835]

Playing at soldiers !

[@georginagill905]

so cruel

[@andrewgreene1]

Georgina Gill this is called hunting!!!

[@RGS243]

Hi Matt, love your work I've always wondered... How does Nicky stay so hidden if he's outside your hide filming you?

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks very much. I've answered your question in one of the above replies. All the best. Mat

[@robwatson2707]

Why don’t you have a magazine fed fac air rifle

[@ericsaffrey8513]

Why wouldn't you use a rifle with a multi sot magazine instead?

[@truenagas4442]

i wish only i could have a scope and those pcp air rifles....

[@tasmedic]

Then with 10 years of practice, you might be nearly as good as your kit!

[@garrychang3022]

You talk too much

[@OffGridMadMan]

Nick said that some people like to lubricate their pellets. As in dieseling or does he mean something else? This interested me and I hope someone can help answer this.

[@theg-man7868]

Thanks Matt and crew for another good video. I have been following and using squirrel hoppers myself and it is a blinding tactic but there is one thing I would like to bring up. Peanuts are pretty expensive so I replaced them with whole maize bought from the local farm supplies shop. Much cheaper. Works just as well.

[@korywid9542]

A man from my own heart among the corvids..My tactics are the same,build a hide,decoy them in with decoys and a dead squirrel or rabbit and then introduce them to my FAC rated Air Arms .22 s410 or my FAC rated .177 Air Arms s510...

[@tasmedic]

That's very impressive shooting. Crows are a suspicious as hell, and have amazing eyesight, plus you had to shoot up at odd angles, which is an art in itself. Well done Mat. Nick Jenkinson also does a much better job than the chap who's presents "the ABC of shoot yourself in the knee". Hope you know what I am talking about, the chap who says focus is the same as parallax.

[@billcummins5801]

this goes out to the air gun show where did you get your camouflage face cover if you can send me a link or where to go where I can get one please do I would be awesome just as long as it's not Amazon I don't like Amazon eBay is good oh please tell me where you got it cuz I would like to have one definitely come in handy

[@bobrand4364]

What caliber do you do use and what pellets and how much joule does the rifle have?

[@davidlean2879]

Nick, just started watching your channel, what is the rifle you are using here please?

[@clarky4492]

in Scotland if you apply for an airgun ticket does that entitle you to a 40ftlbs airgun? if not that's a bit bad?

[@theshootingshow]

It is our understanding that the licence will cover only sub-12ft/lb airguns and anything over that will still require FAC.

[@robertmitchell9415]

Rooks rather than carrion crows, never seen a rook feeding on a carcase in me life.

[@nelsongonzagajr9369]

I want that kind of airgun.... but i cant apord to buy ..... 😥😥😥

[@DarrellAnglen]

Great job on the crows! Questions about the lesson on pellet selection. Is it possible to purchase pellets from the same serial number more than once? What is done with a tin of bad pellets...trash? Thanks in advance!

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Darrell. I don't think it's possible to order pellets by specific serial number but serious target shooters tend to buy pellets by the batch, in relatively large numbers. When they happen across a really good batch, they tend to keep it aside and save the ammo for serious competition. Those that don't come up to scratch are usually used for practice or given away. All the best. Mat

[@Bionicycle]

Excellent show as always. Makes me want to get out there and bait some Crows. The segment with the glass and rolling the pellets was very informative, I'll have to try that and see if my pellets are round or not. Keep up the good shows Mr. Manning. Sincerely: Bionicycle a.k.a. William C.

[@theshootingshow]

Thanks William. All the best. Mat

[@jonysumitro619]

salam satu laras on indonesia mr

[@regsparkes6507]

I like that pellet selection idea from Nick, this is a good thing to do. I just tried this with a very common maker,..and boy oh boy, that will open your eyes ! Nice to see Crow shooting other than the squirrels for a change. Thanks for this Mat.

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Reg. Glad you liked the hunting and found Nick's tips useful. All the best. Mat

[@amigaman9433]

Hi Mat, Another good episode with the corvids, one thing that has crossed my mind when watching the shows is just where is cameraman Nicky stood; is your hide large enough for two? it seems a little snug and a lot of the filming looks like its outside the hide . /simon

[@theshootingshow]

Hi Simon. We use all sorts of methods to keep Nicky hidden. Sometimes he's in the hide, sometimes he's in the hedge, and sometimes he's flat on his belly, ready to pop up when I turn to the camera. We also sometimes use remote cameras that are covered in hide netting so we can get shots without having a cameraman out in full view. All the best. Mat

[@មាសហេង]

how many shot per fill on Daystate Mk4?

[@MrDejast]

How ironic, a murder of crows getting murdered.

[@kelticpaddler]

Loving this series ofprograms. Keep it up guys

[@tiozaonopedal450]

Top friend video

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Why don’t you use a call of some kind?

[@wayneblake1886]

Did you see the snake in the first tree ?

[@VJMReviewsAndMusic]

He reminds me of Eli Manning

[@DunateoRom8v37]

One word mate. Magazine

[@steveguest8028]

Loved this one Matt 👍

[@lessleyleono8569]

😀great show...

[@eliott12b]

Just a quick one FAC AIR GUN SHOOTING up in the air ? i mean no back stop and shooting upwards

[@norwichyarn9367]

A shotgun would be your other option in that situation which has far more power and multiple projectiles. The FAC Daystate is a far better and more subtle option that allows multiple shots unlike one shotgun blast which would scare the crows away.

[@theshootingshow]

That's a good point to raise - and well answered with the shotgun comparison from Norwich Yarn. The important thing, whether using legal limit or FAC, is to ensure that there is a safe fallout zone behind, and no risk of the pellet travelling beyond the boundary of your shooting permission. All the best. Mat

[@cosanostrarome]

Love this show soon as if can afford a daystate I will purchase one

[@tasmedic]

I wouldn't recommend Daystate, having recently bought a new one, then had to get rid of it (nobody able to warranty it here in Australia). I would suggest Weiherauch and FX. I've had rifles from both these companies, much better made than Daystate, easily as accurate, cheaper, and no significant design issues.

[@user-tm4jw1he8g]

cool

[@secretsix6]

what clips are u using on the rifle sling?

[@theshootingshow]

The gun is fitted with studs like these www.jackpyke.co.uk/products/gun-accessories/rifle-screw-swivel-set.aspx and I attach via the standard clips on the Deben sling. All the best. Mat

[@rafiulhasan4614]

WHY KILL BIRDS WHICH U DO NOT EAT.IT IS SHEER SINFULL ACT.HIGHLY DEPLORABLE.

[@matswalroiskbasuki7293]

Does this rifle have a mag......?

[@theshootingshow]

Yes it does - but I prefer single shot for the reasons mentioned above. All the best. Mat

[@stephenblackwood5255]

👍

[@felgate11]

Sub 12 ft/lb is still well capable at 50 yards. It's the man behind the gun!! I've taken birds at 50 yards with my 40 odd year old Webley Vulcan with Iron sights!!