mrmints Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 I went out this morning looking for new permissions. Extremely unsuccessful, with the exception of one farmer, who was reluctant but has agreed to let me shoot crows which are causing him a problem next weekend. He's giving me a trial day on the saturday and I really want this permission!! He didn't tell me where I'd be shooting, but just to call next week and he'd show me. I've only ever shot crows whilst decoying pigeons and only a handful at that. I have two options, swat up as much as possible this week and hope and pray it goes well or swat up as much as possible this week then ask the farmer on Friday night if my mate who has been shooting crows for 20yrs in West Wales can come too. The farmer was so reluctant that I'm worried asking to bring someone else will just annoy him. What do I need to shoot crows? Decoys/caller/hide etc etc? I've noticed when ive shot them over the decoys they often need two (sometimes three) hits with the 32g no.6 that I usually use before they drop, unlike the pigeons which go with one. Is a tighter choke (I use 1/2) better for the crows and no.4 or no.5 shot? OR might I be better off with my air rifle? Any advice would be excellent guys! Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Geordie Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 (edited) #6 is fine for crows You CAN use a caller there is that option. Another would be, get a fresh rabbit "fur on" lay it out 20 to 30 yards and spill its guys on the ground over say a foot diameter. Get a Hawk Decoy and stand that next the the rabbit. The crows will go MENTAL and in a lot of cases try mobbing the hawk decoy. Also a big Owl decoy on a fence post and use the Ucaller. Hope you have a cracking day! Also hope you get this as a permanent permission Edited April 28, 2013 by Lord Geordie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_b_wales Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 32grm #5 shot is harder hitting for Crows. Personally, I would'nt bother with a large Owl decoy, as I've never had any success with it, in all the years I've tried it. I would recommend a PRIMOS Power Crow caller if you can get one. This caller is excellent and the best on the market in my opinion. Using a dead rabbit or other bait is also a good idea, but the main thing is to make sure that you are completely out of sight from the Crows. Keep as still as possible until you are about to shoot. Use any dead birds as decoys. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 Do what you do when you are pigeon shooting. Be where the birds are and build a good hide. I would suggest you try to borrow some crow decoys from your friend. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darno Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 Wouldn't ask to take a friend yet, might put him off, and as above advie about te rest! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 Wouldn't ask to take a friend yet, might put him off, and as above advie about te rest! Yeah I know what you mean. I might have to think if a way of suggesting it without making it seem like its what I'm going to do. I think I'm much more likely to get the permission if I go with my mate because he is so experienced, between us we should do really well. And even if it meant I got the permission subject to shooting with him I wouldn't mind. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
worthy130 Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 #6 is fine for crows You CAN use a caller there is that option. Another would be, get a fresh rabbit "fur on" lay it out 20 to 30 yards and spill its guys on the ground over say a foot diameter. Get a Hawk Decoy and stand that next the the rabbit. The crows will go MENTAL and in a lot of cases try mobbing the hawk decoy. Also a big Owl decoy on a fence post and use the Ucaller. Hope you have a cracking day! Also hope you get this as a permanent permission It is not idea to break the law on your trial day! Keep in whatever chokes you use for pigeons, use the same cartridges, let them come in nice and close and don't move till the last minute. Use all the dead crows to expand your pattern and most important of all stay hidden they are very keen eyed. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 It is not idea to break the law on your trial day! . I've heard conflicting views on this and planned to read up on it this week. My understanding was that it wasn't illegal to call in pest species. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cranfield Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 Yeah I know what you mean. I might have to think if a way of suggesting it without making it seem like its what I'm going to do. I think I'm much more likely to get the permission if I go with my mate because he is so experienced, between us we should do really well. And even if it meant I got the permission subject to shooting with him I wouldn't mind. The quickest way to lose the shooting is to do something the farmer doesn't want you to do. Go on your own, the Farmer isn't going to expect you to shoot hundreds, so whatever you do will be OK. After you have been a few times and got to know the farmer better, thats the time to ask if you can bring a friend. If you only want to shoot with your friend, I suggest you take him with you when you go looking for permissions. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darno Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 As far as I'm aware you can call pest species but not with anything electronic! As for getting the permission, if your polite and respectful and do ya best to get a few blacks for the farmer then I'm sure you will do fine! Remember crows have amazing eyesight so your hide has to be spot on! Hope it all goes well mate and be sure to let us know how you get on! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darno Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 The quickest way to lose the shooting is to do something the farmer doesn't want you to do. Go on your own, the Farmer isn't going to expect you to shoot hundreds, so whatever you do will be OK. After you have been a few times and got to know the farmer better, thats the time to ask if you can bring a friend. If you only want to shoot with your friend, I suggest you take him with you when you go looking for permissions. Spot on!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ste eibar Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 I have just started using 6 fud crow's and the primos crow call. The caller worked well bringing them in from some distance, I've shot about 40 in the last 3 week's. Shooting on drilling's. Good luck with your new permission. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superspark Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 (edited) Hi, you haven't said what the crows are doing? Are they eating the farmers corn/peas/wheat etc etc? Before you go shooting there you realy need to see the lay of the land, what cover there is, is there nests near by and if so you need to spend a little time watching their coming and goings during the day. You should be able to see the best place to set up under their flight lines. For best results you need to be well hidden. Your pigeon hide netting will work well for this but I would suggest you have some overhead cover as the crows/rooks/jackdors have such fantastic eye sight that you will never get a shot off if they see you. If you have no crow decoys don't worry just use some all black socks and cover your pigeon deeks. Place them about 20 to 30 yards out in a flocked pattern and wait. DO NOT MOVE until they are as close as you think their going to get in your kill zone and you shouldn't have any problems in shooting many in a day. I do a lot of rook shooting and have found this works very well. Ive found that shot size 5 32g carts works very well and I almost never change my chokes from 1/4 and 1/2. I would check where your wads are going to land and if its going to be a problem then use fibre wads. Do your home work and you will reap the rewards, the farmer will be happy and you will end up getting more land to shoot over, it could be a win win situation all the best and most of all injoy it mate Edited April 28, 2013 by superspark Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 28, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 (edited) What about saying that I'm more than happy doing this on my own, but if he wants rid of a lot of crows, I know someone with a lot of experience who I could ask to tag along and help? Or do you think even saying something like this is pushing my luck?! I wouldn't normally want anyone along with me, I enjoy the quiet time of shooting. However, this is the first time I've had to "prove" myself and I would benefit massively from someone with heaps more experience than me. To date, my "real" shooting has just been figuring things out as I go, without having to show anyone my bag at the end of the day! I have to say though, the response of you guys (which is massively appreciated) is putting me off doing this and just going for it! I have all week to get excited about this one, it's going to be a long boring week!!! Hi, you haven't said what the crows are doing? Are they eating the farmers corn/peas/wheat etc etc? Before you go shooting there you realy need to see the lay of the land, what cover there is, is there nests near by and if so you need to spend a little time watching their coming and goings during the day. He didn't tell me, but I got the impression it was going to be in and around the farm yard. Hence me thinking air power might be more suitable. What ever happens, I think next weekend will be a real learning curve! Edited April 28, 2013 by mrmints Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Darno Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 (edited) I would go and see how you get on, you never know you might do better than you think and not need your mate with you. If he wants massive numbers shot then ask when you see him after! Edited April 28, 2013 by Darno Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fieldwanderer Posted April 28, 2013 Report Share Posted April 28, 2013 Sounds like you already have somewhere to shoot, here's your shopping list: 1 Dead rabbit 1 Dead crow Get a primos power crow call and get practising straight away, mine came from bushware. I'm no expert but I find a counting call works well - listen to crows and you'll hear the familiar caww-caww-caww-caww, it's usually four but anywhere from 3 to 7 can be heard regularly, just try to replicate this and you're off to a start. Take the rabbit, slit it open and tip it's guts out. cut a little "Y" shaped stick about 5" long (take some with you to avoid cutting hedges etc in front of farmer) and use it to prop the crow's head up, stand the crow on this stick about a foot from the rabbit. Be yourself, behave yourself - no damage, litter or anything that looks unsafe, act professional; get your hide up nicely with little fuss and generally try not to to look like you're trying too hard. Don't be affraid to ask questions, it shows you're willing to do "it" how he wants it done. If you're asked when you want to start, generally you want your hide up and decoys etc out before first light. Good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Sounds like you already have somewhere to shoot, here's your shopping list: 1 Dead rabbit 1 Dead crow If you're asked when you want to start, generally you want your hide up and decoys etc out before first light. Good luck Thanks for that, rabbit and crow shouldn't be a problem. If I don't get there before first light and set up in full view etc will that ruin everything? Or just slow it down a bit? The reason I ask is because the farmer is going to show me where he wants me to shoot and I'm going to fit in with what he wants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TIGHTCHOKE Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Good luck Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccles Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Thanks for that, rabbit and crow shouldn't be a problem. If I don't get there before first light and set up in full view etc will that ruin everything? Or just slow it down a bit? The reason I ask is because the farmer is going to show me where he wants me to shoot and I'm going to fit in with what he wants. You will be ok setting up later Let him show you where he wants you to shoot,set your hide with a good back ground a must. 1 of my best days on carrion crows was 90+ in 3 hours. Set up at 12 Mrs rung me at 3 to tell me not to forget to pick up granddaughter from school . 90% of my crow shooting is on grass fields or ploughed for grass,not much corn etc grown here. Have a good day and don't worry you will soon get the hang of things. ATB Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
evo Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 keep ultra still,out of sight,a few crow decoys,a burst stomach rabbit,and thats it the world is your oyster,just enjoy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Is it better to have the rabbit and decoy close-in or middle of my shooting range? Also, do you need to pick up downed/upside down crows quickly or do they add to the situation? Primos Crow caller ordered! I really do appreciate all of the hints and tips you guys have put forward. What a great resource PW is! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hushpower Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Get there an set up b4 dawn is most productive Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eccles Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Is it better to have the rabbit and decoy close-in or middle of my shooting range? Also, do you need to pick up downed/upside down crows quickly or do they add to the situation? Primos Crow caller ordered! I really do appreciate all of the hints and tips you guys have put forward. What a great resource PW is! I only put mine out 15 yards max. Leave dead crows till you get a lull in them coming in. Crows sometime are almost suicidial some days. Will send you some pics of my crow shooting aids and some of hide etc. I'm out tomorrow morning on the blacks. ATB Terry Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mrmints Posted April 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 I only put mine out 15 yards max. Leave dead crows till you get a lull in them coming in. Crows sometime are almost suicidial some days. Will send you some pics of my crow shooting aids and some of hide etc. I'm out tomorrow morning on the blacks. ATB Terry That would be greatly appreciated! I look forward to seeing them. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenhunter Posted April 29, 2013 Report Share Posted April 29, 2013 Get there an set up b4 dawn is most productive To do this successfully you really need to know the field you are shooting and the flight lines first. A later start is not a problem usually, I didn't set up till 8.30 the last time. Like you it was a new permission and I had no idea where I would be shooting. I spent a while sizing things up and then shot for a couple of hours until they stopped coming in. They had been hitting this field for about a week before I got there so I was pleased they came in at all. Pick up any upside down birds as soon as you can as they will shy away if you don't. GH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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