Darn Crows! How do I keep them away ?

[SCRich]

I planted roughly 5 acres in various pieces across my property about 2 weekends ago. Most of what I planted was deer food, winter rye, oats, clover, wheat, and millett. I then planted some Kentucky 31 along my road frontage to repair the damage from construction equipment over the past year, it's quite a bit maybe 3/4 acre in various spots along a 550ft strech we have.

The road frontage has not been too bad, I tossed straw over most of it but the NorEaster we had yesterday blew most of it all over the place I am waiting till' it dries up tomorow to go back out and rake it back into place.

My food plots between one 2 acre one and 3 1ac plots seem to be invaded by LARGE crows, dozens of them. Any suggestion as to how to keep them away? I hear them in the distance and can see them headed to some of the plots from the house but all of the plots are outside of visual distance due to the dense pine tree stands. I am afraid that most of the seed will be eaten (if not already) before germination.

Most of the clover and rye seems to have germinated but this is my first time for oats and wheat, don't know how long that will take. The millett seems to be coming up now.

 

[scott_vt]

Good Mornin Rich,
Crows are definitely a pain ! I dont know if it would work for you but my neighbor has used an air cannon, compressed air, set for a blast every 30 seconds to keep those darn things out of his large garden. I see you have a good sized piece of property so maybe the noise wont be a problem for your neighbors !

 

[Egon]

A small boy with a .22 may just work!

 

[Egon]

The Kid with a .22 presence in the field should keep them away. At least that was my experience when I was the KID with a .22 Cooye.

Suggestion of a lighter note: Place an imitation snake in the middle of the field and place a sign on the edge of the field saying "Poisonous Snake". All the fellows packing should be out presto to protect themselves from the snake. Their presence should drive the crows away.

 

[SCRich]

Interesting.. never thought of that. Maybe a couple of plastic snakes would work on each plot. I have not seen them in years but maybe the local Wallmart may have them in the toy department.

Now let me NOT go outside with my 10/22 and my 8 year old.

 

[SCRich]

Yes belive it or not. It is considered a Migratory bird and you need a Migratory Bird Permit on your small game or big game license to hunt them. The season starts November 1st here.

Protected in the way it's considered a Migratory Bird and in SC you need a permit to hunt any migratory bird and they do have a season. If it were not classified as migratory there would be no season and just fall under small game.

That's the LETTER OF THE LAW...I am glad to hear that crows behave just like the vultures. Let me go get dressed now and go for a "walk"

 

[SCRich]

I did read about that in the DNR regs last night but I need to wait and call Monday morning about it. I do not know if they would consider my "deer plot" crops but I guess by the letter of the law I do have several crops. Depredatation is by permit, I do not think it takes much to get it (probably just a phone call like a burn permit) but the regs did list regional numbers to call for the permit and stated that it was good for 30 days and can be renewed if necessary at the end of the initial 30 day period.

With the rain we got and the wife having been called in to work late today I did not get a chance to walk out there. With this clay we have I avoid walking out on the property while it is still moist and wait for several days of dry weather to take the tractor or ATV out. Nothing like compacting clay even more!

I hired a local farmer to do 3 out of the 5 acres with a tiller and I did another 3 with a box blade and a disker. The last thing I want to do is screw up these tests and I am sure the crows are doing it. I want to see how much better the tilled land is over the rough work I did with the growth. Walking much or driving over it will also throw my little test off.

I am learning a lot by trial and error and Rome was not built in a day. I get 2 opportunities a year to try different growing techniques and I want to try to come to a good decision this fall so I can get moving on it next spring.

 

[Redbug]

Rich...I knew I saw something about it...Get out your 2008/2009 DNR Rules and Regs booklet. On page 30, under "Crows"..."Crows damaging crops may be taken at any time without a federal permit (50 CFR 21.43)".

Bang!, Bang!, Bang!

 

[Redbug]

Not being too funny...but you CAN eat crow. There's some pretty good recipies out there for crow breasts. We have tried them and I have to say they are good. Meat is meat, pretty much, you know. You should see what people eat in other countries. If you get a chance, post a pic or two also, Rich.

A few recipies...
Crow Busters - Recipes

It also has some good techniques to hunt them...
Crow Busters - The Complete Resource For Crow Hunting and the Crow Hunter

Only one last comment, then I'll be quiet...Eat more iguana, the other green meat...