Crow hunting can fill the void between hunting seasons and they make good table fare

As we’re in between hunting seasons, now that spring gobbler season ended and the dove season is two months away, there’s another seldom hunted small game species that can allow you to stay on top of your wing shooting prowess.

That small game species is crows. Yes, crows. They’re plentiful, tough to hunt, and do make good table fare. 

They’re also nest robbers. For example, I saw a crow fly into an arborvitae tree across the street from my house where I’ve been watching doves feeding their young. This crow snatched a newborn dove and flew to the top of a utility pole where it began tearing off its feathers then eating it. 

Hunting crows can be tricky as they are very smart, says the folks at American Gun Association. Because of that, the association offers these crow hunting tips for beginner and seasoned hunters alike. 

*Their first tip for crow hunting is to hunt early mornings and late evenings when crows are most active. The remainder of the day they usually just roost or forage. 

*Calling crows into range is especially productive and can be performed with a typical mouth crow call or electronic call that is often used for coyote hunting. 

*Crows are very visual birds and rely heavily on sight when it comes to danger assessments. Setting up decoys helps draw them in. However, decoys should be set in areas where there are other birds as crows will have more confidence flying into there. Crows aren’t easy to trick so make your decoy spread realistic as possible even using a motion decoy or two. 

*Like dove hunting, try to locate a flyway or ask a farmer who normally detest crows because they destroy crops. Attempt to find where they roost, eat, drink and rest. Crows also love to bathe so take note of any puddles and bodies of water as well as holes where water might pool up around the area in a field.

*Since crows are very fast, agile and wary, wear camo clothing and choose a fast, light load shotshell in 12, 20 or 410-gauge. 

Keep in mind, Pennsylvania’s crow season runs from July 3 to April 11 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays only. And there is no limit.

Lastly, breaded crow breasts make good table fare that can be prepared similar to chicken breasts with a seasoning of two of your choice. 

WINCHESTER AMMO RECALL

Olin Winchester is recalling lots of 9mm Luger 115 grain Full Metal Jacket and 115 grain Jacketed Hollow Point pistol ammunition. 

If you were fortunate to find and buy 9mm Winchester ammo before March 25, 2021, it is not subject to this recall. 

Winchester has determined lots of 9mm 115 grain FMJ and JHP ammo may contain propellant that does not properly ignite and burn when the cartridge is fired. Ammo containing propellant that does not properly ignite and burn may result in a bullet remaining in the barrel (i.e. a bullet-in-bore obstruction). Firing a subsequent bullet into the bore obstruction could cause firearm damage, rendering the firearm inoperable and subjecting the shooter and bystanders to a risk of serious personal injury, says Winchester. 

To determine the lot number of the affected ammo, check www.winchester.com or call toll free 844-653-8358. You may also write Winchester at 600 Powder Mill Road, East Alton, ILL 62024. Winchester will pay for the return shipping and re-ship replacement ammo or reimburse customers. 
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