From my limited experience a cradle can sometimes help. Try and set your hide up in a hedgeline, under a tree etc with the wind blowing from behind you. have your deeks laid out in a rough horshoe shape with a large opening which the pigeons can land in. As a rule of thumb pigeons dont like landing with the wind up their ass. Shells are just as good as full bodied the main benefit is that shells are cheaper than the full bodied.
Y.I.S
Jordan
Me, and Philg after a succesful day
From my limited experience a cradle can sometimes help. Try and set your hide up in a hedgeline, under a