crow hunting

[J.B. Books]

Successful crow hunting involves the combination of a few factors coming together. First an area with more crows than not. They are migratory and the time of year can make a difference. Once you find a bunch you hunt them like waterfowl as they respond to calling and decoys, Flambeau is probably the best crow decoy available at present, the new Carrylites are too big to haul. Keep the wind at your back and wear camouflage clothing head to toe. Build a good blind, a really good blind, they have uncanny eyesight. I'll try to dig up some blind pictures. Next is calling, use of an e-caller is legal in most places, whether digital or cassette tape they need to be fairly loud. Some recorded crow sounds are better then others, there is lot of junk out there in the way of sounds. My advice stick with Johnny Stewart brand of sounds, in particular crow fighting owl, crow come here, crow death cry and maybe single excited crow. Take this advice and go out and try and then try again. Once they start coming in you'll learn more. They are slower than ducks but not necessarily easier to hit as they don't fly in straight lines. It's a great sport for these old guns as lead shot is still legal. Don't fool around with shooting light trap and skeet loads, they'll work close but they will let you down in the field when shots go beyond 30 yards. Use number 6 shot. If you reload substitute #6 shot in your favorite trap load, it works wonders on them. A short ten with 1 1/4 ounce of 6 really clobbers them and as far as you can shoot. Most farmers have no problem with crows being shot and it can be a good way to get your foot in the door for access in other seasons. Have fun!