OUTDOOR COLUMNS: EATING CROW: SOME HUNTERS CALL FOR IT

As the eastern sky reveals the first hint of the approaching dawn, the hunter finishes his cup of coffee and steps from his vehicle. He quickly climbs into his camouflage clothing and mentally runs through the checklist of equipment that he will take with him. He stuffs camo gloves and headnet into his pockets. He pats his breast pocket to be sure that he hasn't forgotten his call. Next he locates his ammunition and finally withdraws his shotgun from the guncase and closes the vehicle door.

Leaving his shotgun unloaded, he begins to move down the dimly lit woods trail until he reaches his destination. He stops on a wooded point of land that provides a view of the valley below him. As the woods around him brighten, he loads his shotgun and waits with anticipation. His patience is rewarded when, after a few minutes, he hears the birds calling from their tree top roost directly across the valley from him.

The hunter hides himself in some nearby brush and puts on his gloves and headnet. He removes the call from his pocket and after taking a deep breath to calm his nerves he begins to call. At first there is no response. Then he catches a glimpse of glossy black feathers through the trees. There are three of the shiny black birds and they have flown from the roost and are gliding directly toward him.

He waits until they are well in range and then raises his shotgun and fires three times in rapid succession. Two of the birds fall to the ground while the third bird escapes unharmed.

What do we have here? Is it a case of somebody violating the turkey hunting regulations? No. What we have is a typical example of crow hunting. Yes, there really are people who go out with the intention of hunting crow. "Why would anybody hunt crow?" you ask. Well, most crow hunters would probably say that their reasons are two-fold: It's challenging and it's a change of pace.

As previously described, a crow hunt contains many of the same elements as a turkey hunt. Scouting, camouflage and calling to attract the birds are all integral parts of the hunt.

Some other benefits include the time of year and the variety of methods that you may utilize to take crows. The season for crows runs from Nov. 1 to March 3. That means you can go crow hunting during a time period when most other hunting seasons are closed.

Legal methods include shotgun, rifle, handguns, archery and even falconry. In addition you may use an electronic call during daylight hours.

There is no daily limit, therefore crows may be taken in any number.

One final thought, if you try your hand on crows, be sure to take your trophies home for the table. There are a number of wild game cookbooks available that include recipes for crow. Granted, you will have to put up with all the jokes about "eating crow" but you may find that the taste is worth it. Crow, like most birds that fly more than walk, is a dark flavorful meat.

~Gene Myers is a Missouri Conservation Agent in Cape Girardeau County.