In essence, decoy patterns refer to the way in which you place your decoys to entice birds to come within shooting range.
Patterns are usually arranged facing into the wind (so the shooter has the wind at their back). The pattern is place on or near a fligh-line, which is an aerial route that the pigeons have been observed following. The “Horseshoe” is named after is shape, but there are other patterns used to encourage pigeons to come in.
Pigeons will see the decoy pattern and believe it’s fellows to have found something to feed on, so will come in to investigate - pigeons eye sight is excellent, and hearing… so it is vital the shooter stays hidden and still until the pigeon is in range.
A decent hide can be built out of natural materials, but is is often less invasive to land owners if you use a filing hide like our Panel Blind - this can have branches from nearby bushes and trees threaded into it to offer further camouflage.
Travel light and don’t be afraid to move if the birds aren’t coming in - if you’ve done your research and watched the flight lines you’ll know when and where the pigeons will be. If they’re flying near but not coming close then they might be seeing or hearing you, or there might be something unnatural about your pattern.
There are many excellent books and YouTube tutorials on how to decoy - enjoy!