Shooting Crows

ExtractorSpring72

Got a call from a local farmer asking to take care of some crows, what would be the best method of dispatching them with my .22? Thanks lads

otmmyboy2

< Mod Note - moved to hunting forum >

J.R.

Can only shoot them at this time of the year if causing serious damage to crops

toylexus

set yourself up a hide, get one to land, especially if using a .22 and get your first decoy.

Are they greybacks?

youll need to be well hidden and plenty of patience.

Pat McGroin

I'm not certain it's legal to shoot any bird in Ireland with a rifle.

Isn't there conflicting lines on this in the legislation?

Be careful on that one.

Cass

As outlined above by @J.R. they can be shot with a rifle under derogation and only under specific circumstances.

Rescueme0007

Toylexus is on the money as are the other contributors. My addition would be (if possible) to lay out a carcass and get a glass marble (preferably the larger sort (we used call them "golliers" in my youth)) insert marble in the eye socket. All the corvids seem magnetically drawn, as the marble reflects light as would an undisturbed eye and it's the best part, always taken first on a carcass. Best of luck with your endeavours!

ExtractorSpring72

@toylexus yep they’re greybacks, they definitely aren’t easy!

ExtractorSpring72

@Rescueme0007 what type of carcass? A bunny or another crow?

Rescueme0007

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237482#Comment_122237482

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122237482#Comment_122237482

Anything you can get your marble into, corvids are not fussy.

J.R.

You can shoot greycrows the whole year round.

Does the farmer have any barn or out-buildings nearby that you could use as a hide?

You will need to be about 80 yards max. from your bait when shooting with a .22LR.

If no building is available - you need to be well hidden and camouflaged or wear dull, natural colour clothing with a face mask.

Also, keep movement to a minimum….even when well camouflaged they spot movement immediately.

LONG DRAG

To the best of my knowledge you cannot use decoys.

J.R.

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/122240333#Comment_122240333

Correct - you cannot use artificial or stuffed decoys..nor can you use a caller.

A dead carcass in a field is not an artificial or stuffed decoy - it's what happens in nature every day.

If some crows are shot - you could prop them up in standing positions to attract others in.

https://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2000/act/38/section/43/enacted/en/html