ajm1979 Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Hi all had a phonecall from a new permission this morning asking me to come and try and reduce the numbers of crows on a dairy farm, Farmers says there are large numbers around the farm buidlings and in the fields. Crows are not something i've spent any time on so looking for some general advice. Popping down to have a look around the farm tonight. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 I would take that young lady from your avtar down to the barn and forget about the crows. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
henry d Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 I would hazard a guess that they will be jackdaws and rooks rather than crows, however as it is your first time out there, just sit somewhere that is comfortable and watch for where the birds are coming from and going too. Then you can move to the best ambush area, this may change due to wind and disturbance around the farm. Just don`t shoot any machinery or buildings !!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm1979 Posted June 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Its not my first time shooting round a farm just havent been asked to deal with corvids in any large numbers. Am I better off using crow decoys and a flapper or just sitting well hidden? Whats is the best option using the semi out with something like 36g of no 6 or sitting a bit further back using the .17hmr? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Decoys and a caller such as the primus will work well Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm1979 Posted June 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Ive only got 6-8 decoys at the minute as dont normally go for crows, will that be enough? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apache Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Have you got some pigeon decoys? Cover them in thick ladys tights and they magically become a crow Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docholiday Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Ive only got 6-8 decoys at the minute as dont normally go for crows, will that be enough? one is better than none! you should be fine with those numbers, just put them so they are easily seen, getting a few more will help. I am sure Steve b if he hasnt gone on holiday yet, will be along to give advice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the enigma Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Yeah,that's plenty. If they're coming in to the yard to feed,they're not going to be hard to bring in to the gun,your decoys will draw them into the area you want to shoot them in. If they're coming in in good numbers,use the semi and take them on the wing,you'll get a bigger bag. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ajm1979 Posted June 22, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Whats the best time of day for good numbers?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cosd Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Put the first shot on a flapper, read a few times on here that the flapper works well. 6-8 sounds more than enough, you can add to the pattern with real birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the enigma Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Whats the best time of day for good numbers?? 'round here,the early morning is the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustem Dave Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Whats the best time of day for good numbers?? Early morning,and 8 decoys and a flapper is plenty,good luck let us know how you get on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 Decoys and a caller such as the primus will work well The above are highly recommended. Another good bit of kit, which will prove invaluable for crows/jackdaws, is a flapper, fitted with an intermittent timer. Used in conjuntion with the Primos Power call, it has worked everytime for me. Steve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scully Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 You may find that they travel between the farm buildings and the fields.We find they congregate more over fields with plenty of cow **** in them,especially once it's rained.As others have said,8 deeks are plenty,we only have those and a couple of plastic maggies.Early morning,around or soon after first milk should be ok.We get about 30/40 for a mornings shooting,just hiding under overhanging Hawthorn bushes. Would the farmer allow you to hide inside the doors of one of the feed buildings?It may be this that the birds are after.You can build up big bags this way.the birdsfly into the building,see you,brake like mad in mid air presenting you with an easy shot. You don't need 36's,30's will do it.Have fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
truckboy1 Posted June 22, 2011 Report Share Posted June 22, 2011 I have done quite a bit of rook bashin this year, i find that early morning works best as they tend to be hungry and decoy well. I shot a double century bag last weekend and all were shot with 28 grammes 7.5's. your number of deeks will be enough. but i think if you can get a floater set up that will also work well. Good luck with it and hope it goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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