So, we attempted to go crow hunting with our recurves

mgompf · August 26, 2012, 09:05:00 AM

We made a valiant attempt, but got skunked on our first attempt at hunting crows with our recurves. We heard plenty of crows all around us but we just couldn't convince them to come in. I think we underestimated just how hard it was actually going to be to call them into range. Even though we didn't harvest any crows a fun time was still had by all. We are already planning our next crow hunt; maybe the second time will be the charm.

Have any of you ever tried hunting crows with your bows? Got any tips or tricks?

Here are a few cool pics from the hunt and a short video.

http://youtu.be/BXlLwwKulqg

huskyarcher · August 26, 2012, 09:08:00 AM

Ive shot them out of a ground blind eating corn while deer hunting, but have never tried to shoot one flying with a bow.

Good luck to you, if you hit one be sure to let us know because thats a feat for sure!

Rob W. · August 26, 2012, 09:14:00 AM

Great video! Well done.

My doctor says I need to cut down on my crow consumption anyway. :D

Thanks for sharing.

Rob

jsweka · August 26, 2012, 09:26:00 AM

I've never tried it with a bow, but some buddies and I use to do it when we were teenagers. It is a lot of fun when you get them coming in. The trick is to knock off the first one that comes in and the rest follow.

Charlie Lamb · August 26, 2012, 09:28:00 AM

One of my favorites things to do in winter. Your camo needs to be impeccable including a face mask or paint... just holding still in plaid won't cut it.

When they come in it will be just above the tree tops. Don't call from mature timber. Find a fence row with short trees in it.

An owl decoy and one or two crow decoys helps a lot. A piece of black cloth hung beneath the owl so it can flutter in the wind will make the crows crazy.

Don't shoot at the first bird that comes in. He will probably be a scout. If he sees you it will be over. Wait for the whole herd.
:D

A crow call+ varmint call (raspy) blown at the same time will get them fired up as well.

Go on line and learn their basic calls.

Red Beastmaster · August 26, 2012, 09:37:00 AM

My buddy and I tried it one time. We got all set up, owl decoy, camo, around 50 arrows each, good cover, etc.

After an hour of wailing on the call we finally had success and called something in..............................it was a cow!

She came tromping in and just stood there, almost in our laps. We had a great laugh over it as we packed up and left, determined to get it right next time.

That was about 25 years ago and we never tried it again.

Goshawkin · August 26, 2012, 09:48:00 AM

I never tried with a bow,but I shotgun hunt them alot. I'd go with a feeding setup and forget the owl and distress calls. Set some decoys on the ground and maybe one or two in the trees.Don't use the loud distress or fighting calls either,just the feeding/gathering "Caw Caw Caw" The birds will filter in a few at a time and give you shots at relaxed birds,much better bow shots. The owl/distress setups usually bring a huge mob in all at once and going crazy until one figures out the setup and it's over.

ron w · August 26, 2012, 09:49:00 AM

Exactly what Charlie Lamb said......you have to be at the top of your game!!

SELFBOW19953 · August 26, 2012, 09:52:00 AM

I've tried pass shooting crows (no decoys, calls, or anything). Took some shots, but never connected. If you hear them going after an owl, you might be able to get some shooting.

Maxx Black · August 26, 2012, 09:57:00 AM

The crows we have here (Alberta)are all packed up and going South shortly! So you will have more to practice on . Good Luck! Maxx

RecurveRookie · August 26, 2012, 10:18:00 AM

You picked a hard row to hoe! Good try! From experience, they can recognize you easily if you aren't well hidden. They also like to feed at pecan trees. Great story! I think I need to get some flu flu's......

RedShaft · August 26, 2012, 11:29:00 AM

The best time to hunt them is now in the woods with leaf cover they will dive bomb in. you hunt them in the open they are too smart and stay really high. if they can see they wont come in very close. in the woods they have to come in to see and you can take advantage of that. also i ate crow one time, it tasted awful and my dad yelled at me and my brother for even trying to eat it. lol

great video, and good luck. one thing can make you feel better, they are easier to hit than doves. and they will sometimes land and hover above you offering a fairly easy shot.

August 26, 2012, 01:32:00 PM

The only time crow hunting ever worked for us was when a friend put a big owl in his apple orchard that made whoo whoo sounds to try to keep out the black birds and robins. Got two and missed a bunch, they could tell when we were going to shoot at them, but they would land in the trees when we would go out to pick up our three fluflus. Crows taste odd.

Izzy · August 26, 2012, 01:49:00 PM

They can actually dodge an arrow. I first bowhunted them last year and missed a truckload of them. I'll try this winter again.

beetlebailey1977 · August 26, 2012, 01:59:00 PM

I never have bow hunted them before but I have sat in the back of my truck under a tree and called and shot quite a few with a shotgun.

Shakes.602 · August 26, 2012, 02:16:00 PM

I live across the street from a College Baseball Diamond. If I could sneak a few shots in town at the Noisy Suckers, I KNOW I could snuff a Crow or Two!!

So I dont push my Luck, as BAD as I want to!!

agtex42 · August 26, 2012, 03:41:00 PM

Thanks for sharing the video, looks like yall have a great concept for your blog and I can't wait to see more!

VaJD · August 26, 2012, 04:45:00 PM

Find a thick place along a rarely driven road. a field on the other side. Go to McDonalds and buy some frenchfries toss some fries and the bag across from your hide, and get ready! you might need to bait the spot if the crows in your area are not used to picking through trash. And of course pick up the bag before leaving.
JD

August 26, 2012, 06:21:00 PM

I hav never tried crows but I have taken a pheasant out of the air and I am on a quest to take a dove out of the air. I started th dove thing last year and learned very fast how quick and smart they can be. I'll be out there again this season to try to bring one down.

Good luck on the crows!

Bisch

ddauler · November 05, 2012, 02:13:00 PM

Ha I use to try that never got one may try again this winter. It's hard enough around here with a shotgun!