Put the bag to use – crows and jackdaws are more useful than you think
A common question among hunters is what you actually do with crows and jackdaws after the hunt. Many leave them in the field, but there are in fact several sensible ways to use the bag. Here are five uses worth knowing about.
Note: this article describes practice under Swedish rules. Rules on handling, selling and eating corvids, and on disposing of carcasses, differ between countries – check what applies where you hunt.
1. Sell to gundog training and retrieving practice
Gundog clubs and dog trainers need dead birds for retrieving training – and real birds are always better than dummies. Crows and jackdaws are ideal for the purpose: they are the right size, they hold up well, and they are available in good numbers. Contact local gundog clubs and retriever clubs, or post a notice on a hunting forum. Many trainers are happy to take frozen birds either free of charge or for a small payment.
Tip: Freeze whole birds in plastic bags straight after the hunt. Label them with the date. They keep well in the freezer.
2. Use them as decoys
Dead crows actually make excellent decoys. Many experienced crow hunters use shot crows to supplement their silhouette decoys. Put a stick under the chin and point the beak into the wind – exactly as with ordinary decoys. The combination of real birds and silhouette decoys gives an extra layer of realism that is hard to beat.
3. Eat them – yes, really
Crow and jackdaw are edible and have a long tradition in Sweden. The restaurant Tennstopet in Stockholm has served crow as a seasonal dish. Breast fillets from young birds are the best. Here is how to do it:
- Fillet out the breasts and leave them in milk for two days to soften the strong flavour
- Then marinate in wine and spices
- Fry briefly or cook at low temperature
The flavour is described as strong and iron-rich – think gamey and distinctive. Young jackdaws in particular, having lived on herbs and insects, can be genuinely good.
4. Use as bait for fox hunting
Dead crows work very well as bait for fox hunting. Place them at a bait site – the fox is not fussy and is drawn to available food. It is a good way to combine two forms of hunting. Note that baiting rules vary: in Sweden this is permitted within the rules on bait sites, but other countries restrict or prohibit baiting for fox.
5. Fertiliser and natural recycling
Crows that are not used in any other way can be buried on the hunting ground, where they return to nature. Feathers and bones break down and add nutrients to the soil. Never leave them visible on top of the ground near housing, though – that can cause problems.
Summary
There is no reason to waste the bag. Whether you sell to dog trainers, use the birds as decoys on the next hunt, or try cooking a meal from crow breasts – you are making use of what you shoot. That is good hunting practice.
Ready for the next crow or jackdaw hunt? See our silhouette decoys here and build your flock.
