Crow hunting is not only about the sport and the experience. It is also one of the most valuable contributions you can make to local wildlife. Below we explain why crow hunting is active wildlife management – and why both hunters and landowners should take it seriously.
Note: the species status, authorities and seasons referred to in this article are Swedish. Rules on which corvids may be hunted, and when, differ from country to country – always check the regulations that apply where you hunt.
The crow's role in the ecosystem
The crow is an omnivore and an opportunist of the first order. For most of the year it lives on everything from grain to food waste. But in spring and early summer the behaviour changes dramatically. That is when the crow switches to actively searching out the eggs and chicks of other birds.
Studies and field experience suggest that the crow is one of the most significant nest predators of ground-nesting birds in the Swedish farmland landscape. Species such as lapwing, redshank, curlew and meadow pipit are hit particularly hard.
Why crow numbers have increased
The crow has benefited from human society in several ways:
- Landfill and food waste – access to food all year round has raised survival rates, especially through winter.
- Changes in farming – larger open fields and the decline of smallholdings have created ideal habitat.
- Less hunting – fewer hunters take up small game hunting and predator control than in earlier generations.
- Fewer natural enemies – the crow's size means few birds of prey take adult birds.
The result is a top predator in the bird world with little natural counterweight – and that is where the hunter comes in.
How crow hunting affects ground-nesting birds
The Swedish Association for Hunting and Wildlife Management (Svenska Jägareförbundet) describes crow hunting as “an exciting and important element of wildlife management.” By reducing the local crow population before and during the nesting season, you give ground-nesting birds a better chance of a successful brood.
The effect is greatest when crow hunting is combined with other predator control – for example hunting fox, raccoon dog and mink. Together these efforts form a safety net for the most vulnerable species.
Which species benefit?
Crow hunting is thought to make a direct difference to a number of species that are struggling in the modern farmland landscape:
- Lapwing – a ground-nesting wader that has declined sharply. The crow is considered one of its main nest predators.
- Redshank – another wader that suffers badly from predation on eggs and chicks.
- Gamebirds (pheasant, grey partridge) – the crow takes both eggs and newly hatched chicks.
- Hare – crows can take small leverets, particularly in open country.
- Waterfowl – ducks and geese that nest on the ground lose eggs to crows.
The view of the Swedish environmental authority
Interestingly, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency (Naturvårdsverket) has itself stated that shortening the open seasons on corvids “may lead to increased predation on birds and field game and to reduced populations of species worth protecting.” That is a clear acknowledgement that crow hunting serves an important function in the ecosystem.
Despite this, the agency proposed shorter seasons, but the proposal met strong criticism and the Swedish government chose to leave the current open seasons unchanged. This applies to Sweden only – season dates elsewhere are set by national rules.
Good arguments for landowners
Many landowners and farmers know that crows cause crop damage, but few think about the biological side of it. Here are a few arguments that can open doors to new ground:
- Crow hunting benefits both farming (less bird damage) and biodiversity.
- The work is most effective in late winter and early spring, before the nesting season.
- Hunting over decoys is quiet and discreet compared with other forms of hunting – it does not disturb livestock.
- A hunter who brings their own equipment costs the landowner nothing.
How to get started
You do not need much to start contributing to wildlife management through crow hunting:
- Silhouette decoys – 6–12 crow decoys are enough to begin with. Our crow decoys in a 6-pack make a good starter set.
- A call – a crow call increases the effect considerably.
- A hide – read our guide to hides for tips.
- Shotgun – 12- or 20-gauge with No. 5–6 shot. Check the shot and calibre rules in your own country.
- Patience – and the satisfaction of knowing you are doing something for nature.
Hunt with a clear conscience
Crow hunting is one of the few forms of hunting where you can feel confident that you are doing nature a favour. Every crow you take in spring potentially means dozens of eggs and chicks saved. That is active conservation – with a shotgun and decoys.
