Hello bud,
If you manage to get a wood pigeon into a dead fall, I'd buy you a knife as a price myself.
It's pretty hard, especially at this time of the year. They've got bigger fish to fry so to speak. They're usually out in the maze fields filling up on the fallen seeds. However, anything is possible.
Trapping up a duck: Providing it's male, the keeper would probably pat you on the back. This time of the year they only cause problems for the females by drowning them and such.
Is it illegal-Yes, absolutely and if you're caught by a "by the book" bobbie, he'd have you for it.. But then you have to take into account the shooting laws in this country are very out dated. the law states no taking game on a Sunday. But I know several bobbies who only have a Sunday off, they use it to fill their game freezer.
The best trap to use this time time of the year is one that catches your prey without injury. Think of a large lobster style trap with a triggered door. If you get something that's out of season, you can easily let it go unharmed. Dead falls usually kill or seriously injure. It's more about morals at this point in the season as apposed to legalities. Taking animals that are rearing young or in fact helping to boost the population is considered distasteful.
Alas, my dear fellow the book stops with you. You could always pop to Asda, buy a farm reared Aylesbury, empty a down pillow on it then stick it in a trap. Surely you'd get some points for creativity.
I hopes it's enjoyable whatever you decide, Ben.
Regards,
LJ.