Crow Opener

[cs tunes]

Got skunked this morning. Clearely the cobwebs on my shotgun skills are thick. Got plenty of shot opportunities although some were a little further than I would like (think snow goose range) but failed to connect on any of them. Partner didn't fair any better. Came home empty handed but with a smile on my face. How did others do?

[Sigfan220]

I skipped this weekend. I was all pumped up too.

[20mm]

So First question, are there even ravens in Minnesota? And second, are they legally defined the same as a crow for hunting purposes?
Thanks

Ravens are in Minnesota and I don't believe they have a hunting season.

http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_w ... index.html


You're responsible for what you shoot!

[sak1782]

A buddy of mine and I went to some family farm land outside of Onamia, and took 13 total on Saturday. We are tossing them all in a pile with hopes of being able to do some Coyote shooting down the road on it. It was a hell of a fun day. First time ever going out with the purpose of shooting crows. I grew up in central MI, and as kids we used to walk the railroad tracks near my house and shoot them all day long with our .22's and 410's. Brought back some fun memories for sure

[smurfman]

Was able to get out Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and the birds responded well. 42 crows were taken at a total of 7 stands. I'm sure they will be a bit more wary the next time but as I did not use decoys and will use a different recording along with decoys the next time I suspect my success will be decent, weather permitting.

I often shoot crows out my back door but it gets really tough then. The quickly learn the various recordings and even decoys (crow and owl) have decreasing appeal. Using a "wounded crow" wobbler helps but that is my last resort so as to not burn my fail safe. I limit myself to twice a week at home just to keep the birds from getting so wary they will not respond. Even then my last few times result on only a couple of shots per outing.

Crow hunting is a great off season pasttime. It gives my dogs plenty of opportunity for hunting like experience. I often save this for my oldest dogs as it is is less taxing on them than actually hunting. It has allowed my setters and wirehairs to continue "hunting" up to 16 years of age.

And, yes, there are ravens in MN. This time of year one finds them regularly as far south as the Pine/Chisago county border and I am sure one can go pretty much due west until about I-94 and then follow that up to ND as a boundary. I have seen ravens further south but not commonly. And, they are a different species from crows and are protected. They do look alike but there are some significant differences which are apparent with a bit of observation.

[Sigfan220]

Sounds like you guys did pretty good!!

[Sigfan220]

I finally made it out for a quick hunt. I dropped 3 but was having trouble getting around the drifts are still knee deep. Maybe next weekend will be better.

[smurfman]

Have been out a few more times this month, up to 73 crows. 14 of them have been with a rifle off a trash pit as I didn't feel like breaking out the snowshoes to reach the woods. Its been easier to get out now that its stopped snowing but the season will end prior to the snow being gone. I hope to get out at least 4 more times this month, hopefully the birds will co-operate some more.

[Sigfan220]

Yeah I should have brought snow shoes. I didn't think the snow would be that deep in sothern MN where I hunt. If I go out this weekend most of it should be melted off.