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Crows are a huge threat to pecan production, especially improved pecans. They are very intelligent birds that are difficult to control. Crows are able to communicate with one another while remembering previous situations to avoid. When a crow is shot at and missed, it has been educated or at least warned. On the other hand, if crows are only being harassed with blanks and their buddy did not hit the ground, they quickly realize the noise is harmless. Often, when propane exploders have been used for some time and crows have grown accustomed to them, the exploders should be left on while hunting to offer further distraction and increase the crows' vulnerability. Here are some guidelines that should be followed before you can successfully control pecan depredation by hunting crows:
The higher the percentage of crows on the ground to shots fired, the fewer educated crows left to spread the word. So don't shoot unless you have a good chance of hitting the target. Hunting in combination with propane exploders is very effective. The crows that escape the very aggressive hunt described above are very skittish. It will take several days for them to gain confidence to even investigate if the exploder is for real. They are more comfortable somewhere else. When they become comfortable, another aggressive hunt is necessary. When a flock of crows become educated to the point that they will not respond to the call, you may consider observing where they do feel comfortable and place a couple hunters near that point. Then have another hunter drive around the flock and herd them back to their point of safety. That gives the hunters at that location an opportunity to take a few of the educated birds out. The only other way to take out the educated ones is with a high-powered scoped rifle. Position yourself where they feel safe and you can get a clear shot. If you are not very careful, you can create an educated flock of crows that are almost impossible to control. It is best to be on target with your shots and not ever let any of them become leery. Practice your shooting skills before you go hunting. When hunting crows other than for depredation control, there is an established season, so check hunting regulations for dates. Good luck hunting! |
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© 1997-2008 by The Samuel Roberts Noble Foundation, Inc.
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