something I had never seen before

[miked6762]

-Went out on the porch the other morning for coffee, and saw 4 crows bullying a baby rabbit in the field across from the house. They had the rabbit surrounded, and no matter which way the rabbit turned to escape, the crow that was behind it attacked. It looked like they were trying to pick it up. I bolted inside for the RWS 34 .22. Unfortunately the door squeaked on the way back out, and they all took off. The rabbit just ran into the woods. I had no idea that crows would try to kill such a large animal. I used to give them thier space, but no more. The crows just made it onto the hit list.
Is it possible to sneak up on a crow, or should I just get out early and ambush em? Lets hear from the voice(s) of experience.

[cfxlongshot]

I've seen grackels doing that to a kitten before.  That's why they're "Numba one" on my hitlist.  I'd try ambushing them if you've never shot them they shouldn't be to leery of you, but I have heard they are smart and you won't get them the same way twice.

[PeakChick]

Crow are bullying scum, if they can get away with it. They are also very social and quite intelligent and work in groups. They are near impossible to sneak up on. I have surprised one from a back porch sniper perch. Working from a "blind" is usually the only way to get one.

[shadow]

Sniper stealth is the key to taking em, get setup if you know where they hang before they do and wait. Changeup your hide location but keep a clear field of view and shot to them, it will keep em gessing. Ed

[miked6762]

Great info. I know that they are a little skittish. One creeking door, 40 yards away had them taking off. There is a woodline on two sides of the pond near the field where the tend to congregate. I think Ill  stealth over ther early and wait in the woodline. I think I'll finally get a chance to try out those predator pellets. I'll take a pumped up 1322 rifle for backkup, and the Diana for the firt shot. Damn I hat e those birds now. War hs been declared. Casualty reports to come.
Thanks everyone

[gamo2hammerli]

I think they're pretty smart.... About a month ago I shot one of their buddies and I think they still remember me.....since they saw me retrieve the dead crow. Now...everytime I go out of my house and if they're in the trees or on the ground near my house, they would go "Gwah gwah" to warn each other.

[RedFeather]

Some years ago I was driving on a country road and noticed two crows hopping around and pecking something that was up in some exposed tree roots.  I stopped and walked back to see what it was they were after.  Turned out to be a young squirrel, probably fallen from its nest.  I do believe they were trying to kill it.

[Progun]

Mike, don't underestimate the wiley crow. I suggest like Shadow, be sneaky. Full camo is a good idea. If they see you or spot movement ...the game is over. Crows can live a very long time(30 years).Long enough to "get smart".Yes they will harrass and kill anything that is light enough for them to pick up and fly with.If you get them in air gun range and make a kill, you are deserving to be awarded your "Master Hunter" merit badge.Good luck.

[only1harry]

Mike:  Like the others said, they are extremely skittish, very smart, have amazing eye sight and work as a team.  All these traits work to their advantage and make them one of the toughest prey to bring down.  

For me, it has been the hardest game animal and most challenging to shoot.  Like everyone said, if you get to shoot one, they will never give you that opportunity again unless you totally surprise them and come at them from a different location.  These crows can see me deep into the house from 40yds away.  I 'll be 10-12ft from the window, sizing them up and 1 will spot me and they all fly away.  I think the 3 I got last year had a lot to do with luck but 1 of them was 45yds out and probably thought it was safe from my 350 .22.  The others were about 30yds out and I came at them from a completely different angle, but they could not resist the dead squirrel I had put out the night before so I shot 2 of them within 1 min. which is probably unheard of.  That 's 3 out of hundreds of attempts.  Most of the time I didn't even get to raise my rifle and point it to their direction.  They will also come every day if you leave a dead crow hanging outside.  I hanged a blind on the window, tried many things, but as soon as they detect the slightest movement or see a barrel sticking out even milimeters, they 're gone.  

Good luck!
Harry

[steene]

They do respond well to calls.  Cd s and Mp3 files are available to call them in.  Decoys in combination with calls can produce spectacular results.  Owls are especially hated by crows, an owl decoy used with a e-caller "distressed" crow call is a sight to see.  They mob the decoy.  
  Like everyone has mentioned, these things usually work a time or two, then a change is called for.  Check the laws in your area as to the legality of using calls and decoys.  My state has an open season on them.

Crows do prey on small rodents. When I used to bale hay , you would see where they would congergate on the freshly cut field and tear out and kill the mice and rabbits in the nests that the machines would un-cover. Take a walk in a field after the hay has just been cut and you will see what I mean. If you shoot a crow and leave it lay, often the others will circle and land near by. Especially if they don't see where the shot came from. They often have favorite roosting spot near by that they will watch the fallen one from for several minutes, cawing loudly.

[GoodOlRWS45]

Yes, I agree, stealth is key.  Crows and Ravens are among some of the smartest of birds.  Some hunters claim they can recognize vehicles and even faces!  I don't know about that, but I do know that you need to check your local laws before shooting them.  Here in California they are considered a migratory game bird and are somewhat protected.  Only if they are detrimental to health or property can they be taken.  

Git 'em!

[gamo2hammerli]

That's what happened when I nailed one with my Diana model 24.....the other three were circling around and landing next to their dead buddy and cawing madly.....made such a racket I thought for sure they would wake up my neigbours. I swiftly went outside....stepped on the dead crow's head to make sure it was dead....put it into a box and brought it inside. A few seconds later the other crows shut their beaks. As mentioned in an earlier post....I think those crows remember my face....everytime I go outside and they see me (If they're around) they raise the alarm. I've seen other people walk or bike by them....and they don't warn other crows or fly away.

[London177]

I saw three crows attack a grey squirrel in my road a few weeks ago. They dived on him and pecked at his head and then he went limp. I did not see it but I guess the squirrel might have been clipped by a car and was a sitting target for them. By the way my house is situated on an open "common" in London and the past few years we have seen crows come to the common in huge numbers. In the evening when I take a stroll I walk past hundreds of them. They are not worried by humans in any way. I'd be locked up if i took my airgun to them but it is tempting....hehe

[miked6762]

I don't know what happened, but they've been staying clear my yard since I decided to try and take em out. I hear them every day, but I think they are flying around the property.
-think they read this?