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CONSERVATION CORNER
(For the week of January 5, 2009)
Something to Crow About
by James L. Cummins

Crow season opened November 1, 2008 and will continue through February 28, 2009. Crow hunting is an often overlooked and fun sport and there is no limit to the number one can shoot. Although it is not the most popular form of hunting, there is no shortage of crows to hunt.

The first time I went crow hunting was with Jody Gee near Carrollton a few years ago. In our hunting party were real people like Lightpole, Mrs. Tutle and Hootie Ray and Fat Cat - all true Carroll County crow hunters.

Crows may not be the first species on your list of hunting options, but the hunting of crows is very exciting and it is an activity that not many Mississippi hunters participate in. It also helps control a bird that presents a problem to many farmers. I remember my grandfather purchased a Remington 1100 and buckshot just to help keep crows out of his corn fields and chicken yard. Crows in most parts of Mississippi could certainly use a bit of thinning.

Crows are in the category of predators and have been such for many years. Long ago, King Henry VII placed a bounty on crows. Crows gather in such numbers that they cause great problems in the form of noise and feces. For example, in 1937, 26,000 crows were killed on a roost in Oklahoma. In 1940, 328,000 of them were killed on roosts throughout the state of Illinois.

Scaring crows with bird scare devices and hunting are the main methods of crow dispersal. Bird scare devices such as propane cannons and roost dispersal guns are the main types of non-lethal methods of control.

Regarding hunting, which is the most effective control mechanism, it is through the use of decoys and calls. The first step is to locate a good area through scouting. If it is not your land, be sure to get permission from the landowner. The best decoy is a great-horned owl since crows hate owls. Set the owl in a visible location, such as on the edge of a field near a thicket. Some people recommend using 10 to 15 crow decoys.

While wearing good camouflage clothing, hide in the thicket and then use a crow call or tape to call the crows. If any crows are within hearing distance, they will quickly come and will often land in the decoys. The first crow is a scout and it is important to take it first. If that bird is not killed, probably no more crows will be taken.

The best time is almost anytime except mid-day. I often hunt them after deer hunting, but usually in a different location so I don’t spook the deer for the afternoon hunt. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon is usually the best time.