We’ve hit that point of winter when outdoorsmen are itching for something to do. Deer season is long past, trout season is still over a month away. Many sportsmen spend February walking the aisles of outdoor shows or watching YouTube clips, living vicariously through others’ actions, waiting for something to do here at home. While each of these can be a nice way to spend a few hours on a frigid winter day, they ignore the many year-round opportunities. One such opportunity is hunting crows.

Although crow hunting is not a bucket list item for any outdoorsman, it is nonetheless an excellent way to spend a winter afternoon. Plus, it can get you outdoors, hone your skills and help protect several other species in the process.

HONING YOUR SKILLS

Crows are often considered one of the most difficult animals to hunt. They are extremely intelligent and will learn to avoid decoys, calls, and anything that does not belong or seem natural. With very keen eyesight, a crow will not only detect movement but even a glint of light off a watchband or scope glass. Once potential danger is detected, the word goes out and the entire flock, or murder as a group of crows is known, is on high alert.

Learning to outsmart a crow helps build the skills needed to successfully bag almost any other bird you like to hunt, including turkey, pheasant and waterfowl. Plus, you can never get too much trigger time to keep your shooting skills fresh.

WHEN TO HUNT

Although crows have an extensive season, running from August 2025 to March 22, 2026, hunters are restricted to hunting only on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. However, there is no daily limit or possession limit.

As with many bird species, the early morning and late afternoon hours are the most productive as they allow you to target crows as they leave or return to the roost. However, this does not mean a midday hunt can’t be equally successful. It just means hunting different locations. Many hunters will set up in a cut field and target feeding crows, while others will spot-and-stalk, driving a likely area until they see active birds, then sneak into position for a shot.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Fortunately, for the first-time crow hunter, you probably already have most of what you will need for a successful hunt. Camouflage is a must due to their keen eyesight. If there is any snow cover, I like to throw on the same white coveralls I use for snow geese. You can use a shotgun or a small-caliber rifle, such as a .22 or .223, depending on the distance and how much of a challenge you are looking for. The only thing you will need to pick up is a few decoys, available at any local outdoor shop — my local hardware store even sells them. You can even throw out an owl decoy, as they are a favorite target for crows to harass. A call is a nice thing to have, and something most hunters will eventually purchase, but it’s not an absolute for a first hunt.