Time to move on to other opportunities (crappie) as the crows put it on me this season. As I posted this year We were unable to find good numbers and in most cases areas that have produced consistently we're almost without crows. We ended killing 338 on 7 hunts compared to 910 last year and 1104 year before and 1254 the previous year. We usually make 14 hunts on average. Hope the trend of less birds per year changes as I plan to open up new ground during spring and summer months. As I look at what is the cause of this trend, it points to my lack of effort scouting and resting on what areas I already hunt. Not an excuse but we did see a lack of crows on good food sources this year and I just didn't get out enough and try to find where they had moved to if that was what happened. Thankful that I got to hunt and hoping adversity will fuel the fire to get out and open up new opportunities for next year.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve you have got to find new areas. I have seen good areas come and go over the past 44 seasons so when you loose one you have others to fall back on.
Butch, I would take credit for those numbers any day ! You guys will laugh at me when i post my season total come march 4th. Yes, i now have learned that scouting is the most important part of crow hunting. I need to work on that myself.
When you get your fill of crappie you better hit the blue water of Apalachicola bay again !!
I think a number of people experienced a down year in Fall '17, 10ga and I did for sure. Here in our little part of the northeast we had an unseasonably warm Fall all the way through the season. We never saw the usual migration we have been accustomed to seeing. It was late, there were not as many birds, and many of the large balls that were migrating went over at a higher altitude and would not come down and play. As we moved into November we kept expecting it to turn on like has in all the years prior but it never did. We ended about 50% down from the previous year. Let's hope there is a return to normal in Fall '18.
At least you saw the crows. In the area I frequent there was largely NONE I am very puzzled why they didn't come down given where you go....never had migrants not drop by when I would call....and you two did every thing right! Well spring is right around the corner!
Camo, I can guarantee we will not chuckle at your totals, these rascals don't play fair. I can tell by your posts that you are having a good time chasing the bandits and that is what matters. And the reservations are already made!
Bob, Still learning here, As I'm reminded there is a reason it's called "hunting"
