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Post Info TOPIC: Zip, Zilch, Nuttin


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Zip, Zilch, Nuttin
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Since I became addicted to crow hunting more than two years ago, I have never had an absolutely “dry” morning—that is, not a single crow came to check out my decoys in response to the Spitfire’s calls—until today. Did everything right. I got out and in position one hour before sunrise. Had the best camouflaged setup ever (for me), in a location that had previously given me some good action. The last time at this location was about March 30 or 31 this year. I fired up the Spitfire at the usual time (for me about 15-20 minutes to declared sunrise) using a couple of generic calls to gently get their attention. I heard some off in the distance but they never came in. This was the case from about 0640 to 0830 when I gave up. I saw only one crow, briefly, about 400 yards distant flying the tree line on a course perpendicular to me.

Of note is that there were hawk calls to my right in the adjacent tree line about 40 yards distant. A large red-tail landed at the top of one close tree for a couple of minutes and then took off. I’m wondering if a red-tail family had set up housekeeping at this location and has, as a result, kept the locals at a distance because of their regular presence. That’s the only thing I can think of, as every other time I’ve set up, I’ve always brought in anywhere from 2-5 birds on the initial “Crow Fight” call—sometimes I’ve even downed a couple. Today, Zip, Zilch, Nuttin. Any other ideas? (I know, the crows were on vacation, it was Saturday, their day off, etc.)

One interesting find as I was tearing the setup down was that I discovered a small paper wasp nest (circle) right next to where I had placed a silhouette (in the darkness). Good thing they were sleeping then. Also saw one deer (circle--use your imagination) about 70 yards distant in the soybeans behind me. Had it been antlerless season, I would have taken the shot.

Still, a beautiful morning.



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When it's hot out they tend to stay near water and if berries are about they will get into the woods...at least they used to ...otherwise one day they are around; the next-nothing! When we had any of course....not enough road kill now and agriculture went away for those big double decker homes...

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motiondecoy wrote:

When it's hot out they tend to stay near water and if berries are about they will get into the woods...at least they used to ...otherwise one day they are around; the next-nothing! When we had any of course....not enough road kill now and agriculture went away for those big double decker homes...


 Forgot to mention, temp in low to mid 60s while there. Agree about MacMansions being built on farmland, but nothing really changed in this vicinity. Still wondering if it had something to do with the hawks. Or, maybe it was their day offsmile.



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OA,

It sure was a beautiful morning to hunt! I just wish I could have gone out this AM. As always, thanks for the post. Your reports help take the edge off for guys like me who cant always make it out.

BH

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I noticed in Nebraska along I-80 that despite it being big crow country there was a remarkable absence of crows but there was the occasional red tailed hawk sitting on the fence post as this area has a lot of dead deer alongside the road...well crow do not like hawks to be sure and i did notice when things were hot that when there was red tailed hawks that there were not many crows eventually. But ot me it was always the goshawk that worried the crow...red tails do attack crows if there is one that is wounded or injured or sick but not really effective crow catchers. ever see them in the skies? The red tailed hawk is like a lumbering old WW2 B-17 being beseiged by Messerschmidts who manuver at will...the goshawk however is more of an mE-262 jet and the crows don't really want to battle that particular type of hawk...

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motiondecoy wrote:

I noticed in Nebraska along I-80 that despite it being big crow country there was a remarkable absence of crows but there was the occasional red tailed hawk sitting on the fence post as this area has a lot of dead deer alongside the road...well crow do not like hawks to be sure and i did notice when things were hot that when there was red tailed hawks that there were not many crows eventually. But ot me it was always the goshawk that worried the crow...red tails do attack crows if there is one that is wounded or injured or sick but not really effective crow catchers. ever see them in the skies? The red tailed hawk is like a lumbering old WW2 B-17 being beseiged by Messerschmidts who manuver at will...the goshawk however is more of an mE-262 jet and the crows don't really want to battle that particular type of hawk...


SW MI also has lots of red-tails on the Interstates, also keeping an eye out for road kill. Crows doing their (same) thing also. It's not uncommon to see 3-4 crows chasing a red-tail through our residential area (in-town). But I haven't yet seen this happen in the field.

Like any other bad day, I'll fergit' about it and expect better the next time. I guess we also wonder why we don't catch fish on some days confuse.



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Eventually you will see this. It won't be welcomed either as the crows will chase that hawk right out of dodge or eagle for that matter. I have witnessed this personally season after season when the areas i frequented had any crows ..now all i got is hawks..

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Further explanation-the crows will chase the hawk away and you'll be stuck watching it as they will ignore your set up but all you can do is to sit tight as eventually they will be over to visit you too!

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The crows left as a lack of feed was of primary concern and no more land...farms dried up, the corn dried up...altered the migration and local habits dramatically...

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O.A.

Hang in there you will get them. Had several days last year that the Crows won, As others have posted before these Rascal's sometimes don't respond for whatever reason.
I can tell by your positive remarks that there is no giving up anywhere in your vocabulary!


Butch

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