I am new to crow hunting and have been out a couple times but have only gotten lucky my first time with 4 crows. I have about 30 DIY made crow decoys and a primos alpha dog. I usually call them in but I don't get too many to come in or the scouts come in then leave and don't come back with more crows. I usually hunt on soybean fields or in fields so that they can see the decoys and I have started to put one of my decoys in the trees above or near me. I build a blind and wear camo all over my body. Any of tips on where to hunt or how you hunt is greatly aprreatiated as I like to crow hunt and it is exciting.
-- Edited by DDarren12 on Monday 29th of January 2018 03:23:07 PM
You will probably find that most of the pro's on the forum are pretty tight lipped on giving out much info. If you use the search menu you will probably find previous post's that will keep you busy for quite a while.
I am new to crow hunting and have been out a couple times but have only gotten lucky my first time with 4 crows. I have about 30 DIY made crow decoys and a primos alpha dog. I usually call them in but I don't get too many to come in or the scouts come in then leave and don't come back with more crows. I usually hunt on soybean fields or in fields so that they can see the decoys and I have started to put one of my decoys in the trees above or near me. I build a blind and wear camo all over my body. Any of tips on where to hunt or how you hunt is greatly aprreatiated as I like to crow hunt and it is exciting.
-- Edited by DDarren12 on Monday 29th of January 2018 03:23:07 PM
it is not scout bird, they are just the 1st bird to get to your set up, you should shoot it , it won't be back with more birds.
I suggest to hunt alone a few times, if they flare and not come close enough, you can only blame yourself.
Crows see everything, if your gun barrel wiggles when they're out there 100 yards or more, they will flare, any movement is bad.
Go to where you think you want to hunt some morning. I do this on Sunday mornings because we can't hunt on Sundays. But just sit in your truck with coffee and donuts. WATCH the crows with binoculars. Watch where they fly, where they come FROM, where they fly OVER and the direction they go when they leave. Build a natural looking blind under or just to the side of their flyway.
I have my best luck with a few decoys and very little calling.
What I have found that works for ME the best, YMMV....
If I call with dying crow, young crow in distress, or crow fight sounds, the crows come in crazy-mad and the first movement from the blind, they flare wildly and instantly they all leave.
If I call with feeding crows, crow gathering, crow duet, etc.., they come in very relaxed and many times they'll land in the decoy spread. MUCH easier to shoot when they're relaxed.
Many times, no calling at all, just decoys and they come in quiet and laid back.
I also agree with 10gacrowshooter, that first crow that comes in gets shot. (at least shot at)
-- Edited by Mainehunt on Monday 29th of January 2018 06:26:05 PM
One can set up to shoot crows anywhere, but if there are no crows to shoot, hopefully you can enjoy a nice day. Because that's all you'll do. Then when you think you have it figured out, you still just get to enjoy a nice day.
No one tells crows where and when they'll shoot them. The crows will tell you where and when you MIGHT be able to get some shooting.
I'll reinforce this: Once you find them and decide where your going to set the ambush, get hid. Then get hid better.
Mainehunt, I've never knowingly allowed a live crow to land in the spread. I admire your restraint. I have however been caught sleeping and let them land in the sentry dekes overhead. Depending on who discovers who first, some laughable moments usually ensue.
Granite Jaw, I have never watched a crow fly in and land. But when I use little calling and dead crows for decoys, once in awhile I just catch a little movement out of the corner of my eye and there will be a crow walking around amongst the decoys. He came in silent. I don't let them leave.
I play the guitar, one of my favorites is Hotel California. It makes me think of crows in the decoys..... "🎶You can check out any time you like🎵 but you can never leave. 🎼.."
-- Edited by Mainehunt on Tuesday 30th of January 2018 09:59:29 AM
Sounds to me like you are a good student of crow hunting. You are starting out with good techniques. A couple of additional points:
Food is the most important with your type of hunting (duck hunting method vs. running & gunning). Find where they are feeding and go there at first light. After hunting one spot, let it rest for at least 3 weeks before returning.
Next, locate your blind so that you have the sun to your back. This usually means facing West or North. If you have a tree line to back up against, it will put you in the shadows which means even better concealment.
Lastly, any motion is like an orange flag waving to incoming birds. Build your blind well and BE STILL until you pull up to shoot!
Good hunting and post us accounts of your hunts!
Demi
__________________
The man who thinks he can, and the man who thinks he can’t are both right.
Granite Jaw, I have never watched a crow fly in and land. But when I use little calling and dead crows for decoys, once in awhile I just catch a little movement out of the corner of my eye and there will be a crow walking around amongst the decoys. He came in silent. I don't let them leave.
I play the guitar, one of my favorites is Hotel California. It makes me think of crows in the decoys..... "🎶You can check out any time you like🎵 but you can never leave. 🎼.."
-- Edited by Mainehunt on Tuesday 30th of January 2018 09:59:29 AM
Ah, the lyrical genius of Don Henley applied to crow shooting.
I've never hunted out of a layout blind, but can see how it would be easy for one to sneak in silent. At least you know you're well concealed and still.
I will add that shade is paramount! I have bought in to the natural gear camo. Amazing stuff. Lots of guys that are starting out think shooting from a blind is like duck hunting. When ducks are committed and bowed up they finish. You have to wait on crows and come up after they are close enough. If I’m in a hurry and can’t get hid properly I make sure that my entire body is in solid shade. Whether it be a tree or a stump or anything that blocks the shadow of movement. I believe a crows eyesight is 10 times better than anything else with feathers. When you agree with that and accept it as fact your ears will hear more of that thump sound their breast makes when it hits the frozen ground😁. ALWAYS IN THE SHADE!
I will add that shade is paramount! I have bought in to the natural gear camo. Amazing stuff. Lots of guys that are starting out think shooting from a blind is like duck hunting. When ducks are committed and bowed up they finish. You have to wait on crows and come up after they are close enough. If I’m in a hurry and can’t get hid properly I make sure that my entire body is in solid shade. Whether it be a tree or a stump or anything that blocks the shadow of movement. I believe a crows eyesight is 10 times better than anything else with feathers. When you agree with that and accept it as fact your ears will hear more of that thump sound their breast makes when it hits the frozen ground😁. ALWAYS IN THE SHADE!
Dittos on the shade Chip. Frustrating when you set up anticipating an overcast day and the sun comes out. If you don't reset you'll wish you had.
I'm a fan of Natural Gear camo as well. Also of the German flectarn if it's faded.