"Run & Gun" Hunting

Known by many names among crow hunters such as "Hit & Run", "Hopscotch" and "Shoot & Scoot", the "Run & Gun" hunting method can be a highly effective technique for taking crows, especially in the Summer. While it may require a little leg work and effort, it is also the method that requires the least amount of gear and can be used anywhere crows congregate. So lets take a look at the best way to go about this exciting method of crow hunting.

Equipment

• A fast pointing 12 or 20 ga. shotgun with improved or modified chokes should be used for this type of hunting. Shooting will often be fast, so rapid multiple shots will be the norm. Any of the modern pumps or automatics work best.
• This type of hunting of often requires shooting over and through trees. Therefore, high brass shells in either 4's, 5's or 6's are preferred for sure kills.
• Complete camo clothing including head net or face paint.
• Two hand calls of different tones or an electronic caller with fight or distress recordings.
• County map if hunting or scouting in unfamiliar areas.

Scouting

As in any type of hunting, proper scouting goes a long way toward success, especially in crow hunting. Since a good shoot will consist of 25 to 30 stands, depending on time, a well thought out plan of attack is needed.

If you are going into an area "cold", look for agricultural areas, freshly plowed fields, feed lots and mowed hay fields. Pay close attention to black topped roads that may be traveled frequently. Heavily traveled roads will contain a lot of road kill, a favorite on a crows menu.

If possible, try to scout during the time of day that you will be hunting. Mornings are usually the best during the summer months as the crows seem to be more active. Crows during this time will be in family groups located almost anywhere. While scouting, stands should be located at least 1/2 mile apart to prevent calling the same birds. Crow sightings should be noted and permission obtained. At each stop, try to identify the best possible stand location in advance, usually any easily accessible location that can conceal you. Mark this location on your map. Remembering this one extra step will make for a quick setup when you are jumping between stands.

Stand Location

Simple stated, stand selection should be based on a place where you can readily shoot without obstruction and still provide good camouflage. Stands can be along fencerows, lanes thru wooded areas, openings within a stand of trees, or simply the edge of a corn field. If you are really interested in collecting all your downed birds, stand selection should have minimal undergrowth. If you think otherwise, try finding a dozen crows shot over fully grown soybeans sometime!

Crows will likely follow the tops of trees when coming in, so try to locate a stand of trees that are short in height. This could be pine trees or saplings. The taller the trees the longer the shot is likely to be.

Always try to avoid being seen by the crows when going to a stand selection. Remember, the very nature of "Run & Gun" hunting means that you will be setting up during some of the crows prime feeding times. They will be active and on alert. If possible, try to enlist a driver for your hunt to drop you off at your stands. Vehicles can cause crows to flare away ruining a set up, so drivers should be no closer than 150 yards from the shooter with the vehicle hidden if possible. Portable radios can be helpful in this situation.

Calling

Although the "Run & Gun" method can be used anytime, it is easiest during the summer months when the young of the year are active. These young crows are quite eager to come to a fight and have not yet learned the lessons of being hunted.

The sequence of calls given is quite simple. Two calls are needed, the Rally call (a series of 4 calls) and the Fight call (the same as Rally call, only drawn out with the pitch varying from high to low: similar to that of a growling dog). The Rally call should be given when first setting up at your stand. Pause 10 to 15 seconds before giving the series again to hear if crows are calling back. Rotate your position to call in a different directions.

WAV Format | MP3 Format

The Fight call should be used once the crows have called back or a sighting has been made. At this point you should have your gun at your shoulder, ready for the shot. Crows that are within 100 yards have already pinpointed your position and your calling should then be muffled or toned down as they approach. With all the foliage in the summer, crows will be looking hard to find the fight you have created, thus any movement should be minimal until the shot is made.

When a shot has been fired, the caller needs to continue calling as quick as possible. This should sound very excited in nature, the better to lure the crows back for second shot. Once the crows have left and appear to have lost interest, keep calling for awhile, creating an opportunity to attract crows that may be arriving late to the scene of the fight. Once you are convinced that any crow within the sound of your call has either been shot or educated, pack up and get to your next scheduled stand.

Wait at least 2 to 3 weeks before returning to the same series of stands.

Conclusion

The great thing about this method of hunting crows is that any hunter with nothing more than a gun and a call can go afield and have an enjoyable and successful day shooting crows. Additionally, this method works anywhere crows can be found and doesn't require any large concentrations of crows such as in a flyway or roost. While "Run & Gun" hunting may not produce the large kills associated with a massive flyway shoot, a dedicated hunter can take a surprising number of birds on a given day. Even if each stand produces only a few downed birds, the fact that 20 to 30 or more stands may be made in a day can quickly compensate for those numbers.

Special thanks to Greg Lower of Slayer Game Calls for the information in this section. Greg is the winner of multiple crow shooting and crow calling contests throughout the Midwest.