Hey guys new to the Forum but I really like reading/learning about what you guys post. I've hunted crows for a little while now and I am trying to fiqure out which would be better to try first the owl or the hawk decoy with my spread or get both. Also do you have any luck with hunting one for a while and then switch them, or would it be better to just try them on different days/hunts? Thanks for the input
We have a ton of big timber that is public access around here that I have been thinking about the owl and buster setup. Should be quick to deploy and I think would draw them below the canopy.
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"If money can fix it, it ain't broke" The great theologian and my crow hunting partner AW.
I tried an owl decoy last year at my buddy’s place. It did not work for us...we had our crow decoys set up in the field next to the house and an owl decoy on a fence post above the crow decoys. When it started to rain, we went into the house...a little later we looked out the window at our decoy set up and saw a crow sitting right next to the owl decoy pruning itself. Not what I was hoping to see. LOL
That is when we remembered that the power company had placed the same owl decoys on top of the power poles adjacent to my buddy’s property. The crows had several years to figure out that they were not real owls. A Hawk decoy might have yield better results at that location.
I always use an Owl with my crow decoys. I put 90% of the crow decoys above the owl and just put a couple crow decoys on the ground. I also take the first crow we shoot and place it at the owl decoys feet. I have good success with this spread. I have crows dive at the owl decoy all the time.
I've noticed on these posts that some areas seem to show indifference ot owl decoys? Well I have never had that problem. If you hunt an area too much yeah-they will ignore your set up altogether and if one tries ot break off for a closer look on eof the educated ones will shoo it back to the whole crowd!
If you have to hit the same area again and again start off with an owl or hawk decoy but make sure it isn't SHINY! get dullcote and apply it except on the eyes and the bill or beak. If you have shiny crow decoys use flat black paint as the flocking will wear off.especially if you have flocking decoys in a bag.
Also get the camouflage that will help you disappear. It has to be the same general color as your environment. this takes in your face and hands as well. crows cannot resist attacking a decoy they believe to be an owl or a hawk. try not to set the dekes right out in front of you as well. Particularly if you have them at ground level. If you hunt witha partner I guarantee you one of you will move sooner or later and the distance crows will notice then you will watch as they sit out of range trying to urge their "buddies"-your decoys- to run for the hills!
