Crow Gunning; Part Deux...

[David Rearick]

2007 Hunting Journal Entries



DATE: 07-14-07

LOCATION: Western PA

SUNRISE/SUNSET: 5:58 AM

WEATHER: Foggy Early, to Clear and Sunny…

TEMPERATURE: 80’s

WIND: Mild

EQUIPMENT USED: Greenhead Gear® FFD Lookout and Aggressive Caller Crow Decoys, Avery® 12-slot Decoy Bags, Avery® Mud Case, Avery® Finisher Blind Bag, Avery® Sportsman’s Camera Bag, Avery® GameHog Strap

HUNTERS: Erik Nilsson and Avery® Pro-Staffer David Rearick

JOURNAL NOTES:

After last weekend’s success, we were looking to get back at them today. Even with a 17 hour road trip the previous day, when the alarm went off, I was up and at them. We decided to get after them early this morning, and got into the field before they really woke up for the day. When we pulled into the lane, the fog was thick and we instantly knew things were going to be good at this first set.

After getting a dozen FFD’s set in the field and getting settled in some standing corn, I loaded my gun and waited to see what may spot the decoys and commit without any calling. Erik was still loading his gun when our first birds of the day hit the spread. Out of the fog three crows appeared feet down and hovering over the decoys. I made short work of dumping the closest bird and moved on to the other two in the group. Three shots, three birds, and I decided to quit while I was ahead and move to the camera. With a little coaxing from the call, birds would drop out of the pea soup fog, some landing before we could even get off a shot. I tried my best to get some good camera work while Erik went four for four and the day was really starting off with a bang. As the fog slowly lifted and increased our visibility, crows were all around us looking for an early breakfast. The birds continued to come in with reckless abandon and we did our best to anchor them amongst the FFD’s. They had no idea we were there and trusted the decoys 100%. We even had crows land in the decoys and walk around; being 100% confident, they were safe. As many know, crows have some of the keenest eye sight and rarely get fooled more than once. This was the third straight weekend we had hunted them on this farm and they were completely care free about gliding into the decoys. I wish I could say we continued our wicked good shooting the rest of the set, but we still faired very well and opted to leave early and try and save the field for one last hunt. Even while we were gathering the decoys, the birds still wanted in.

The next set was a farm we had never hunted this early in the morning. Upon arriving to the field and looking at a good crop of turkeys, we set out the decoys and waited. Nothing was giving and we didn’t even here a bird in the area. Puzzled, but never ready to give up we picked up the decoys and headed out to look around the farm. Just as we were about to leave, we spotted them. The farmer had spread some manure in a new part of the field, and they were on it. After a sprint to the edge, we kicked the birds up and set the decoys. The birds trickled back slowly to the spread in ones and twos, and after we felt we had taken enough from the area, we picked up and headed on. The temperature was quickly rising and we both had a good feeling about our final spot for the day.

Pulling down the lane, the ground erupted with crows. There was more than we had ever seen in this spot and we were pumped to get in the field and setup. The farmer had informed us that these birds ruined 6 acres of corn in the spring, so he was more than happy to grant us access to the field and we were happy to help him out. We both could clearly see why he had such a problem with these birds, as three mobs disappeared into the trees.

After a quick set-up and a hide in the only decent standing corn still left, the birds were already filtering back. They came just the way we like them, in small group and singles. Even with the bright glaring sun, these birds committed feet down in the decoys, with no hesitation. We traded opportunities back and forth and when we finally decided to give them a rest, the daily count was up to 26. With crows still in the air, we decided to start out here next weekend and really give them a work out putting out the big spread of 3 dozen FFD’s.

A Loaner Coming in From Out of the Fog...



Erik Picking Up...


One That Snuck into the Decoys...


A Full Strap...


Another One Down...


The Hero..... (Nice Legs E!)

[Jason Mears]

Nice job guys, you seem to be hammering them pretty good.

Nice bird legs Erik!

[Mike Hungle]

Very impressive!

[Rusty Hallock]

You guys are wearing out those Pa crows.

[Aaron Hitchins]

I can't believe crow hunting works! Looks like fun...

Aaron

[Eric Wolf]

Great JE! Keep it up.

[Joe Fladeland]

That looks and sounds like a blast. Nice work David.

[Erik Nilsson]

Thanks guys were having alot of fun getting after them. This weekend is looking even better for the FFD Crows. 1 New field and plenty of bandits.

Dave mentioned in his earlier JE about my custom call so I thought you guys and gals would like to see the mouth call I turned out, its applewood with a custom brass band.

[IMG][/IMG]

[Jason Mears]

Great looking call Erik! Nice job.

[Angelo Casbarro]

Good job fellas, looks like fun!