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As the early morning sun peeks over the horizon, the first caws of corvids can be heard echoing through the quiet countryside, as they make their way to the freshly combined crops and mown grass following the summer harvest. A seasoned crow shooter knows that it's time to gear up for a successful day of decoying these intelligent but destructive birds that can cause havoc if their population is left unchecked. Decoying crows can be a challenging experience, so having the right gear is essential to increase your chances of a successful day in the hide. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the must-have gear for decoying crows effectively.
Previous research has shown that wild bird pest species can, and have in some cases, reduced crop yields by 10 - 40% in the UK which is a significant amount of crop damage. Carrion Crows and Rooks can cause significant damage to spring drillings as they can often be seen working their way down the rows of newly sown crops and pulling them out of the ground, so it is important to keep a close eye on any newly planted spring drillings. Rooks can sometimes be seen to be beneficial to the farmer due to their love of leatherjackets. Leatherjackets are the soil-dwelling larvae of the crane-fly (daddy long legs) that feed on root systems. So it would be wise to communicate clearly with your land owner and be sure of what species they want controlled.
Carrion Crows are opportunists and highly intelligent birds. During springtime lambing, new born lambs present themselves as easy targets for Crows and they can often be seen antagonising new born lambs, causing severe injuries and even death as they use their long sharp beaks to remove the eyes of defenceless unsuspecting lambs. Springtime often coincides with the nesting season and an influx in newly born wildlife is like a smorgasbord to Crows. They will often take any opportunity to nab unsuspecting chicks and the young of most bird and mammal species.
Jays and Magpies are notorious for predating eggs of songbirds. Highly intelligent birds that will take any opportunity of an easy meal, thus causing significant declines in song bird populations. All very good reasons to warrant the need for decoying Crows.
Is Decoying Crows Legal in the UK?
It's important to remember that whatever your chosen method of controlling wild bird species, that we must remain compliant and abide by the current General Licences (GL's) wherever you are in the UK. It's important to note that we do not have to apply for a General Licence, but we must read, abide by and fully understand the terms and conditions of use when carrying out lethal control. You can find all the relevant information on General Licences including what you can and cannot shoot in our previous article regarding GL's HERE. In short, yes you can legally shoot corvids in the UK, however, some corvids are now off limits depending on where you are in the country and your reasoning for lethal control. As an example, after recent changes, it is now an offence to shoot Magpies in Wales.
Essential Kit for Decoying Crows
Decoys
An essential piece of equipment for any successful crow shooting setup is a solid decoy spread. Realistic decoys that mimic the posture and behaviour of live crows will increase your chances of attracting these wary birds. Consider investing in a variety of decoys, including standing and feeding to create a lifelike scene that will draw crows in closer for an easier shot. Nitehawk produce flocked Crow decoys that give you the option to have them stood on feet or on sticks over on their Amazon store in a pack of 6 https://amzn.to/4dywWsM or in a pack of 12 https://amzn.to/4d9wukP. You will most likely find that most of the Crow decoys on the market are flocked. Flocking is the process of depositing small fibre particles onto the surface of the decoys giving them a velvet like texture which reduces shine. The issue with flocking is that it can be easily damaged in your decoy bag so we would definitely recommend investing in a 12 slot decoy bag that will keep your decoys from rubbing on each other and damaging the flocking. Alternatively, to add a more realistic feel to your decoy pattern you can use shot birds on cradles which can be extremely effective in luring corvids into shooting range. Nitehawk also have these cradles available in a pack of 10 at a very reasonable price here https://amzn.to/3SNTMV7.
Decoy Placement
Decoy placement can make all the difference between a successful or disappointing day in the field. Crows are highly intelligent and whilst feeding will use a sentry bird to protect the flock. The sentry bird will essentially stand guard and alert the flock of any sign of danger. It can sometimes be beneficial to try and replicate the sentry bird by placing a decoy on a near by fence post or bale for example. Reconnaissance is key to be a successful decoyer. Study the birds in the days prior to your chosen shooting day and aim to replicate their behaviour on the field. Position your decoys strategically in an area where crows can spot them from afar and be sure to leave space for incoming crows to land, making them more likely to commit to landing within shooting range. Using a bouncer or a floater can also be beneficial whilst decoying crows as they can add movement to your pattern and also replicate a crow coming into land giving incoming birds confidence to commit to your decoy pattern. Nitehawk have some very inexpensive bouncers on their Amazon store https://amzn.to/3LUK13P.
Calls
Crows and most corvids are highly vocal birds, and using calls can help you lure them closer to your setup. Invest in quality crow calls that are easy to use and produce realistic crow sounds and master the art of replicating numerous crow calls. Acme produce a budget crow call that can replicate corvid calls however it will require some practice to get right https://amzn.to/3Ak9YXV. If you're looking for a more upmarket crow call, the Primos Crow call is another popular choice as seen here on Amazon https://amzn.to/46G2fQb.
Camouflage
Crows have very good eyesight and are quick to spot anything out of the ordinary. To improve your concealment and avoid being detected, invest in high-quality camouflage gear that blends seamlessly with your hunting environment. Camouflage clothing, face masks, gloves, and a good camouflage net can help you stay hidden and increase your chances of a successful shot. Why not try our very own 'Crop Guardian' Camo T-Shirts to improve your concealment in two camo options HERE and HERE. You'll want a good hide set up to ensure you are fully concealed from view. Nitehawk have some good options over on Amazon like this camo hunting net with clear top https://amzn.to/3LZiJJo. Using a good net and blending into the environment using natural materials in your immediate surroundings will give you the best chance of going unseen whilst decoying crows.
Additional Equipment
Alongside your decoys and bouncers, we have found that a flapper can also be a very effective piece of kit to use whilst decoying crows. It would be wise to monitor how the crows are reacting to the flapper throughout the day and act accordingly. You may decide to reposition your flapper or remove it from your pattern completely depending on how the birds are reacting to it on the day. There are numerous flappers on the market, A1 decoys produce a mid range flapper that has been a reliable piece of equipment in our own kit bag that doesn't break the bank and can be set up using a timer and a remote which can be used to operate the flapper from the comfort of your hide. A1 decoys sell their flappers over on their Amazon store. Flapper https://amzn.to/3WGl7tL. Remote https://amzn.to/3WVpPF1.
Safety Gear
Safety should always be a top priority when participating in any form of shooting activity. Invest in ear protection to shield your hearing from the loud report of your shotgun. Shotguns can produce noise levels of around 160-170 decibels when fired so you will need a set of ear defenders that are adequate for protecting your hearing. The custom moulded shooting and military earplugs from the brand Decibullz are rated up to 166Db and can be found over on their Amazon store here https://amzn.to/4fDQQ7p. A neat feature of the Decibullz earplugs is that they can be reheated over and over to provide the perfect fit. Additionally, if you choose to, you can also wear eye protection to prevent any debris or particles from causing injury or aiding with eye dominance. A well-equipped first aid kit could also be packed in your shooting bag in case of emergencies.
Decoying crows requires a combination of skill, patience, and the right gear. By investing in quality decoys, mastering habits and decoy placement, using effective calls and staying concealed with camouflage, you can enhance your chances of a successful day decoying crows. Remember, ethical hunting practices and respect for wildlife are essential aspects of any shooting activity and remaining compliant with general licences is essential for the future of shooting in the UK.
So, gear up, head out into the field, and embrace the excitement of decoying crows for a rewarding shooting experience!
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