My dove keeps getting caught on the pocket. How can I avoid this and reduce drag?

Ben

Several things may be happening and I'll need some more information to help you.

1. Are your birds nails trimmed?

2. How are you attaching the loop to your jacket?

3. Is your pocket tilted upwards or straight across?

4. Did you make your own pocket or are you using a commercial one like Tony Clark's

It is tilted up slightly. It is a homemade pocket. My doves nails are trimmed. And my loop is free (I know it is not reliable but I am planning on making Gen. Grant's Loop Holder)


Ben

Be sure that the bird's head isn't getting caught. If the mouth of the pocket has a stay (stiff wire or plastic sewn in) it will help. Also, line the bottom of the pocket with clear packing tape or cellophane. If the angle is too sharp don't pull out, pull up. Sharply angled pockets are normally for lower loads.

Thanks
Ben

It sounds like the problem is just the angle you are trying to use. If the pocket is tilted slightly, then the holder and bird must come out at the same angle. In other words, if the pocket is straight across, then the pull must be straight out but if it's tilted, then you must pull up. Kregg's suggestion of packing tape in the pocket will work, but if the material you are using is satin on the inside, which it should be, the material is already slippery enough. The bird will still get caught however if your angle is not correct.

A good method to find out what's wrong is: Put the opposite thumb in the loop, and rotate your hand so the back of your hand rests on the line. Kick the holder out by turning the top of your hand towards you. Do it quick. If it won't come out that way, then it is definitely your angle, and all you have to do is adjust your steals. It took me forever (ask these guys) to get it right. It'll be like second nature eventually.

Justin

Here is the way I fix the problem when producing full glasses of red wine. (They can't be allowed to turn over!) Of course it works even better with doves. (I ought to charge you $1000.00 for this!)

Get the very best of fishing swivels (ball bearing) you can find. The total length of mine are about 3/4". Paint them to match your harnesses. Snap the swivel to the harness about 1.5 - 2.0" below the dove's beak (at breast). Tie the line (string or wire) to that. Now when you pull the loop, the heaviest part will stay down. Turning the load to produce it will not shorten the loop or cross the dove's head or feet! The loop will stay below the load as you produce it.

Try it!

Bob
Magic By Sander

Great tip Bob.